A Study of the Plays of Tanizaki Jun'ichirō

This study examines the theatrical works of Tanizaki Jun’ichirō, especially focusing on his representative plays: Midsummer Night’s Love (真夏の夜の恋), Because I Love You (愛すればこそ), and Okuni and Gohei (お国と五平). Tanizaki combined traditional Japanese culture with modern sensibilities and psychological depth to create a unique theatrical universe. The play Midsummer Night’s Love explores themes of love, social class, and the conflict between tradition and modernity through a triangular relationship, utilizing a Lesedrama format to enhance psychological immersion. The drama Because I Love You delves into the complexities of human psychology, desire, and masochistic tendencies; showcasing the destructive power of love with a distinctive structure that transcends the boundaries between theater and novel. Okuni and Gohei reinterprets traditional revenge dramas from a modern perspective and demonstrates the fusion of cultural traditions with contemporary themes. These works highlight the significance of the author's plays and their unique position in Japanese literary history. This study systematically explores the hybrid nature of tradition and modernity in Tanizaki’s theatrical works, and their enduring literary legacy.