Reference
Amy Swartz- Warrior Run High School
World Cultures I – 9th Grade
AP U.S. History – 11th Grade
Electives – Global Issues, World Religions
In Praise of Shadows by Jun’ichiro Tanizaki discusses the incredibly contrasted views of traditional Japanese architecture, technological advancements, artifacts, cuisine, décor, drama, beauty, and fashion, as compared to that of the West and its influence on modern Japan. The author’s appreciation of the traditional Japanese ideals is based primarily on their appreciation for what many Westerners would consider the understated, unclean, or insignificant. The Japanese find beauty and spiritual significance in the shadows, muted colors, and the discreet where as westerners tend to appreciate the light, creating it if there is not enough, the shiny and showy attributes. According to the author, what produces these differences in taste is that, “Orientals tend to seek our satisfactions in whatever surroundings we happen to find ourselves, to content ourselves with things as they are.” Westerners tend to alter their surrounds to make them more agreeable. This basic philosophical difference is found in all aspects of both cultures.
The abstract would be very suitable for students of Japanese history and culture in order to gain a great appreciation of the finer elements of its architecture, technological advancements, artifacts, cuisine, décor, drama, beauty, and fashion. The article could easily be supplemented with images or film clips that show the importance of “the shadows.” Portions of the article could be used for specific topics, such as drama (No & Kabuki), fashion, pottery, and architecture. It was also helpful to read about specific places in Japan where the differences between tradition and modern preferences were colliding and how various businesses and establishments were addressing these differences.
The author wonders what Japan’s current cultural make-up would constitutes if it had been without influences of the West. If provided an easy to read, and interesting overview of the differences between Western taste and preferences as compared to those of the Japanese.