Page:Eminent Authors of Contemporary Japan.pdf/15



Jun-ichiro Tanizaki, the author of the following drama, was born at Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Japan, in the 19th year of Meiji (1886). Upon graduating from the College of Literature at the Tokyo Imperial University, he at once began his career as a writer and a man of letters, and has always kept a most prominent position ever since in the literary sphere of Japan.

This author shows a unique genius by his clever treatment of cases of abnormal sexuality, which was first proved when he published the following books: “Osai & Minosuke,” “The Devil,” and “On the way.”

Besides the above-mentioned works, “The conversation between A and B,” and his very clever “Man and God,” are his most representative books. The latter work is especially interesting, being a kind of autobiography.

Mr. Tanizaki has always something novel to reveal to his reader by his clever method of expression, and in his selection of materials. His works are always very attractive, and have been received throughout Japan with much enthusiasm.

Although “Byakko-no-yu” is not so well known as many of his other plays, it is undoubtedly a fine stage-drama. One of his more famous dramas, “Okuni and Gohei”, appears in the second volume of this book.

Eric S. Bell.