In Praise of Shadows

De: Junichiro Tanizaki

Narrado por: David Rintoul

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

In Praise of Shadows is an eloquent tribute to the austere beauty of traditional Japanese aesthetics. Through architecture, ceramics, theatre, food, women, and even toilets, Tanizaki explains the essence of shadows and darkness, and how they are able to augment beauty. He laments the heavy electric lighting of the West and its introduction to Japan, and shows how the artificial, bright, and polished aesthetic of the West contrasts unfavorably with the moody and natural light of the East. Dreamy, melancholic, and mysterious, In Praise of Shadows is a haunting insight into a forgotten world.

The popular translation by Thomas J. Harper and Edward G. Seidensticker is essential listening for anyone interested in Japan and Japanese culture.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©1977 Leete’s Island Books, Inc. (P)2017 Naxos AudioBooks

Understanding Japan

As part of my pre-Japan reading, I chose In Praise of Shadows by Junichiro Tanizaki, a book I listened to while walking around Tokyo. Having never visited Japan before and lacking a deep understanding of its culture, I thought Tanizaki's work would offer an interesting perspective—and I was not disappointed. The experience of reading his essays while immersed in the streets of Tokyo made the book all the more poignant.

Coming from a background shaped by growing up in South Africa, with a strong German heritage, and an American education, my exposure to Asian cultures had been limited. This, I now realize, has been to my detriment. In Praise of Shadows served as both a revelation and a gentle reminder of the richness I had overlooked. Walking through Tokyo, I was constantly struck by the meticulous care and attention to detail in every aspect of life: the respect and courtesy shown by strangers, the subtle yet profound excellence woven into even the simplest experiences. Tanizaki’s meditations on lighting, shadows, and cultural aesthetics vividly illustrated the Japanese way of thinking and how it contrasts with Western ideas and constructs.

One of the most memorable themes in the book is his discussion of everyday objects, such as eating utensils and toilets, and the way these simple elements reflect deeper cultural philosophies. Tanizaki's poetic examination of the Japanese preference for shadowy nuance versus the Western love for bright clarity was filled with meaning and contrast. His ability to find profound beauty in what might otherwise seem mundane captivated me and made me almost envious of the thoughtfulness ingrained in these cultural practices.

The biggest takeaway for me was a lesson in mindfulness. Tanizaki’s reflections inspired me to slow down, observe, and consider how to bring more care and intentionality to everyday life. Whether it’s something as ordinary as designing the perfect toilet or as abstract as contemplating light and shadow, there is value in thinking deeply about how these elements shape our experiences. Perhaps the challenge is not just to admire this approach in others but to adopt it in my own life, making the ordinary extraordinary by giving it the attention and respect it deserves.

Powerful evocation of materiality and its aura

In Praise of Shadows is as powerful an evocation of materiality's mysterious aura as anything ever composed. In breathtaking prose, Junichiro Tanizaki articulates the vital role of shadows (or the lack of direct light) not only in Japan's traditionally austere architectural design, but indeed in the long history of the Orient itself. He beautifully unpacks the power of shadows to render even the most everyday utensils and objects enchanting. Running throughout his essay is a dialogue of West vs. East -- of the harsh luminescence of Western lighting versus the warm embrace of the East's sparse use of light. This is essential reading not simply for those interested in Japanese culture and history, but rather for all who wish to further explore the power and agency of the material world. Sheer brilliance.

nice enough

Very good descriptions but a certain arrogance in it's description of the west, as if it was one big homogeneous continent were everything was the same.

How to listen

Listen to story at X75 to get the full effect of the story. Any faster you’ll miss the important key points.

An interesting pov

I was recommended this book by my Japanese teacher. He told me that it was a perfect example of how Japan (or the generality of it) saw the western world. I can say that I somewhat agree with the author. While it is not an analysis on the western world itself but on the USA specifically, it is a good in-depth pondering on how much damage does the USA inflict on all the societies it comes in contact with. Then again, I am tired and maybe I am rambling. Regardless, I do recommend it

Tony Fadell & Tim Ferriss recommended

Heard about from a podcast. Very interesting & unique book. Completely strange in a terrific way.

Sophisticated intro into Japanese aesthetics

The Japanese art and design had and still has a huge influence on world. This short superbly written book explains where the Japanese aesthetics in architecture, music, theater, clothing, food has its roots. The answer might surprise you, but now I remember the dark lacquered Japanese bowls with subtle designs or golden flecks and their look makes sense.

Thought provoking. Very short.

I really enjoyed this. It was a fascinating view into a culture I’m not very familiar with. The high specificity of the topic actually helped it to be very accessible, and the author shares their information and opinions on Japanese architecture and art in a way that crosses into philosophy, which was lovey and caused me to pause and deliberate the message at several points, and left me thinking long after the audio finished. The only downside I have to say is that this work is very short, only about an hour long, so it didn’t feel quite worth 1 credit. On the other hand, I have downloaded books that were longer but much lower quality content so in the end I feel it is worth it.

Great short read

This book was something I had to read for a university class, not the most enticing reason to read a title, but I was surprised how enjoyable it was. The book was only a few short hours long and the time flew by, finishing the book surprised and wanting more. There are some great comparisons between ancient Japan and a more modern Japan, as well as between Japan and America. Loved every minute and will be reading again for enjoyment soon.

Not that interesting

Rather than In Praise of Shadows, title should be: "Old grumpy man complains about electric lights"