Tanizaki’s Influence on One Man’s Life in Japan

Gregory Starr recounts how discovering Tanizaki Jun’ichirō’s In Praise of Shadows inspired him to restore a traditional Japanese cottage and ultimately commit to living in Japan. In the mid-1990s, Starr began renovating a dilapidated coastal home near Tokyo, and Tanizaki’s writing helped him appreciate the subtle beauty of traditional Japanese design elements, like aged wood, tatami mats, and the play of light and shadow.

He eventually translated Tanizaki’s work himself, driven by a desire to capture the author’s voice more accurately. This passion led to a deep connection with the landlady of the cottage, who eventually bequeathed the property to him.

Starr and his wife rebuilt the house, incorporating salvaged materials and Tanizaki’s aesthetic principles, creating a space that blends Japanese and Western styles. The author notes a decline in the use of traditional elements like tatami flooring in modern Japan, and he and his wife consciously chose to preserve these features in their home. He hopes his restored home reflects Tanizaki’s appreciation for the beauty found in imperfection and subtle detail.