The task of developing a distinct Japanese writing system fell to which of the following groups?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Elite women played a significant role in the development of a distinct Japanese writing system, particularly in the creation and use of kana, which allowed for the phonetic transcription of Japanese speech. This was partly because the Chinese characters (kanji) were initially used for writing in Japan, but their complexity and the differences between Chinese and Japanese languages necessitated a simpler system for native expression, leading to the development of hiragana and katakana. Elite women, who were often excluded from the highest levels of Chinese learning reserved for men, used these scripts to write literature, diaries, and poetry, most notably The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu, thereby significantly shaping Japanese literature and the writing system itself.

The Task of Developing a Distinct Japanese Writing System Fell