The Makioka Sisters - Junichiro Tanizaki

This is the story of four sisters living in Japan during the years just prior to World War Two. The Makioka family belongs to the upper-class of Osaka society, but recently it has seen a decline in power and wealth. The story is mainly concerned with the family's attempt to marry the third of the sisters, Yukiko. Having already passed the suitable age to marry, the urgency to find a suitor becomes increasingly important. Yukiko has all the aspects of a traditional Japanese woman, loyalty, meekness and respectability. However, despite these characteristics she rejects a long list of potential suitors. Her younger sister is already involved with a man but must abide by the social norms, and wait for Yukiko to be wed before proceeding herself. Taeko, sometimes known as Koi-san by her sisters, represents everything that is not traditional Japan. From her western style clothing to her promiscuousness and overall attitude, Taeko clashes with tradition.

The traditional sensitivities that one would normally associate with classic Japan are all on display. Cherry blossom viewing, dance and piano, and traditional doll making are all undertaken by the sisters. Aside Taeko, they are almost always clad in kimonos. The relationship between the sisters, their respective role and function also point to the workings of a culture soon to be lost to the harsh awakening modernity will bring. Only Taeko, who is even banished from the family at one point, shows any degree of the evolution that must happen. She has various romantic interests and proves herself untrustworthy; she aspires to succeed in her own business, independently of the family if necessery.


Yukiko & Taeko from the 1950 film by Yukata Abe

With this backdrop, Tanizaki excels in portraying Japan during a period in its history defined by change. The family's eminence and decline, as well as the character of Yukiko and the family could represent Japan's desire to hang on to its cultural heritage. Contrastingly, Taeko's freedom, so unusual for pre-war Japan, and her rebellious striek provide an excellent metaphor of Japan waving in its future. The war is looming in the background to suggest the approach of some irreversible change in Japanese culture. This is a highly enjoyable story, and is often considered Tanizaki's masterpiece. It is long, but the character development is rich and contrasting, and that is partly what makes it such a superb novel.