Childhood Years

by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, Paul McCarthy (Translator)

Tanizaki was, in his own words, 'spoiled rotten' as a child; and his early gift for getting his own way extended to his career as perhaps Japan's greatest modern novelist.

Genres: Japan, Biography, Japanese Literature, Nonfiction, Autobiography

196 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1957

About the author

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki (谷崎 潤一郎) was a Japanese author, and one of the major writers of modern Japanese literature, perhaps the most popular Japanese novelist after Natsume Sōseki.

Some of his works present a rather shocking world of sexuality and destructive erotic obsessions; others, less sensational, subtly portray the dynamics of family life in the context of the rapid changes in 20th-century Japanese society.

Frequently his stories are narrated in the context of a search for cultural identity in which constructions of "the West" and "Japanese tradition" are juxtaposed. The results are complex, ironic, demure, and provocative.

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

In telling of his childhood, Junichiro Tanizaki describes everyday life in Japan of the 1890's. The family's meals, food purchase and preparation, bathing, living quarters, entertainment and family business relationships probably were probably typical of their time. There are glimpses of commerce, entertainment, schools, trips to shrines, the perception of westerners, death and more.

While the Tanizaki family life is most likely typical. the family is not. The grandfather raised his daughters, giving the sons to others for their upbringing. He was enterprising and gave his different businesses to the husbands he selected for the daughters. In following the Japanese custom for family businesses headed by in-laws, these husbands took their wives' last name. Tanizaki's father is not good at business, so there are descriptions of living situations at two ends of the social scale. Through the story of his family, you see the roots of his classic, the The Makioka Sisters.

I was surprised by two things. First was that thieves and pedophiles are quite common. In one anecdote, he shows how he goes way out of his way to avoid a pedophile. The other is how often families eat out, or have something that we, today, call take outs.

He was a very perceptive child, noting things that escape the eyes of other kids and many adults. He notes, through many small gestures, his father's sadness in not being a good provider; he understands his mother's allowing her brother to use their house to meet with his mistress; he sees the dynamics of his classroom and the status of the different students.

Tanizaki discusses the influence of Kabuki theater and literature on his work. There are many pages on Kabuki plots (some were surprisingly violent), actors and stage techniques. In several parts recount books and characters that were meaningful to him. These pages were wasted on me, not being familiar with much about the material.

The period photos are small but elegant. There are portraits of self, family, school instructors and students, streetscapes and Kabuki actors. As the book is a narrative of the 1890's the photos are good as historical records showing clothing, formal poses, styles of grooming and architecture.

However brief, Tanizaki fans will appreciate this. For English only readers, there will a lot of gaps. Many of the works he refers to, his own and the influences on them, are not available in English.

[catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not entirely gripping, but provided some interesting insights into daily life of Tokyo during that time.

[Maximilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read ‘In Praise of Shadows’ and ‘Diary of a Mad Old Man’, I have acquired a keen interest in the writing of Junichiro Tanizaki, and when I came across this memoir of his early years, naturally I had to read it.
The book is a recollection of memories from Tanizaki’s childhood and how those formative years led him to pursue a literary career and become one of Japan’s greatest writers.
Only a small portion of the book (the last few chapters) is dedicated to his literary inspirations. For the most part, it is a playful effort to remember key moments and people in his childhood, and how those people and incidents found their way into his books later in life.
His love for Kabuki and two of its greatest performers, Danjuro and Kikugoro, is discussed at length, and the joys of attending those performances is greatly reminisced upon.
His admiration for his uncle Kyuemon and the many gifts he received from him including the trips to the theatre. The significant influence his primary school teacher, Mr Inaba, had had on him as his passion for literature was brewing. Witnessing his family’s fall from fortune and comfort. His many siblings dispatched at birth to be raised by other families. And many other turning points that took place in his early years before Junichiro knew he wanted to be a writer.
The author’s fascinating childhood has clearly been a great source of inspiration for him, and an equally great book for all those readers who are interested in Tanizaki and Japanese literature.