
In Praise of Shadows
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
3 months free
Buy for $6.79
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
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 AudioBooksListeners also enjoyed...




![Kusamakura [Grass Pillow] Audiobook By Natsume Soseki, Meredith McKinney - translator cover art](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Jm7kmdUPL._SL240_.jpg)















People who viewed this also viewed...












![Kokoro [Heart] Audiobook By Natsume Soseki, Meredith McKinney - translator cover art](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41qA5wXdU3L._SL240_.jpg)





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.
Understanding Japan
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Powerful evocation of materiality and its aura
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
nice enough
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
How to listen
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
An interesting pov
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Tony Fadell & Tim Ferriss recommended
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Sophisticated intro into Japanese aesthetics
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Thought provoking. Very short.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Great short read
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Not that interesting
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.