Jun'ichirō Tanizaki quotes

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki was a renowned Japanese author celebrated for his explorations of sexuality, tradition, and modernity in Japanese life. His novels and essays, such as "The Makioka Sisters" and "In Praise of Shadows," deeply influenced 20th-century Japanese literature. He is remembered as one of Japan’s most important literary voices, bridging old and new cultural values. Here are 5 of his quotes:

Were it not for shadows, there would be no beauty.

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki

We Orientals find beauty not only in the thing itself but in the pattern of the shadows, the light and darkness which that thing provides.

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki

The heart of mine is only one, it cannot be known by anybody but myself.

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki

If I know from the start that I'm going to be alone, I'm not lonely. It doesn't bother me.

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki