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Jun’ichirō Tanizaki Books

1 book·~10 min total read

Jun’ichirō Tanizaki (1886–1965) was a major Japanese novelist known for his exploration of aestheticism, eroticism, and cultural identity. His works, including "The Makioka Sisters," "Naomi," and "In Praise of Shadows," are celebrated for their stylistic elegance and deep psychological insight into modern Japanese life.

Known for: Some Prefer Nettles

Books by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki

Some Prefer Nettles

Some Prefer Nettles

classics·10 min read

Originally published in Japan in 1928, "Some Prefer Nettles" is one of Jun’ichirō Tanizaki’s most acclaimed novels. Set in the transitional period between traditional Japanese culture and Western influence, the story explores the complex marriage of Kaname and Misako, whose emotional distance reflects the broader cultural tensions of modern Japan. Through delicate psychological insight and vivid detail, Tanizaki examines themes of beauty, desire, and the struggle between old and new values.

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1

Kaname and Misako: A Marriage in Suspension

Kaname and Misako’s life together is built less on affection than on ritual. They inhabit the same house, share their meals, speak politely, but their true intimacy ended long ago. This emotional distance is not born of hatred; rather, it stems from a subtle exhaustion—a quiet understanding that the...

From Some Prefer Nettles

2

Kaname’s Taste for the Past

Kaname’s fascination with traditional aesthetics is both intellectual and sensual. He is drawn to old Japanese customs, yet his appreciation is curiously detached—more the admiration of a collector than the devotion of a believer. He delights in the careful rituals of dress, the beauty of porcelain,...

From Some Prefer Nettles

About Jun’ichirō Tanizaki

Jun’ichirō Tanizaki (1886–1965) was a major Japanese novelist known for his exploration of aestheticism, eroticism, and cultural identity. His works, including "The Makioka Sisters," "Naomi," and "In Praise of Shadows," are celebrated for their stylistic elegance and deep psychological insight into ...

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Jun’ichirō Tanizaki (1886–1965) was a major Japanese novelist known for his exploration of aestheticism, eroticism, and cultural identity. His works, including "The Makioka Sisters," "Naomi," and "In Praise of Shadows," are celebrated for their stylistic elegance and deep psychological insight into modern Japanese life.

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Jun’ichirō Tanizaki (1886–1965) was a major Japanese novelist known for his exploration of aestheticism, eroticism, and cultural identity. His works, including "The Makioka Sisters," "Naomi," and "In Praise of Shadows," are celebrated for their stylistic elegance and deep psychological insight into modern Japanese life.

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