TANIZAKI JUN’ICHIRO

Tanizaki Jun’ichiro was the immensely popular author of such novels as Tade ku mushi (1929; tr. Some Prefer Nettles, 1955) and Sasameyuki (1943–48; tr. The Makioka Sisters, 1957). Although Tanizaki began writing in college, most of his fame was gained after he moved to Kyoto shortly after the 1923 Kanto Earthquake. Much of Tanizaki’s early work reflects the Western-influenced bohemian lifestyle he adopted after dropping out of Tokyo Imperial University due to lack of money, although in later years he favored more traditional aesthetics. His works are often characterized by obsessive sensuality. Tanizaki was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit by the Japanese government in 1949. The Tanizaki Jun’ichiro Prize was established in his honor in 1965 by Chuo Koron publishing house and is one of the most sought-after literary awards in Japan.

See also ANTINATURALISM; BUNGEI EIGA; CENSORSHIP; NATIONALISM; WAR LITERATURE.