Embracing Shadows and Uncertainty: The Role of Skepticism in "In Praise of Shadows" and "Rashomon"

Screenshot from Roshomon by Akira Kurosawa

Two Japanese literary works, Junichirō Tanizaki’s "In Praise of Shadows" and Ryūnosuke Akutagawa’s "Rashomon" written in different times, provide a lens into the evolving cultural and moral landscapes of their respective eras through their distinct explorations of skepticism. Tanizaki's essay reflects skepticism about the consequences of rapid modernization in Japanese culture and everyday life during the Showa Era, while Akutagawa's "Rashomon" delves into the moral ambiguities of the Taisho Era. This essay examines specific moments within these texts, like elaborations on toilet and jade culture and characters’ psychological changes, unveiling how skepticism is shaped by and, in turn, shapes the historical and societal contexts in which these two works were created, aesthetic values, and the intricate complexities of human nature.

Skepticism is commonly known as a critical and questioning approach toward knowledge, beliefs, and claims, emphasizing the need for evidence and rational evaluation before accepting something as true. Both works serve as a critical lens through which to examine the evolving nature of culture, aesthetics, and human behavior. The value of skepticism in these works lies in its ability to provoke thoughtful reflection on the process of Westernized modernization and to challenge unquestioning acceptance of prevailing norms and values of cultural identity and aesthetic sensibility.

In "In Praise of Shadows," skepticism toward culture prompts readers to question the unbridled embrace of Western modernization. Tanizaki 's skepticism about the loss of traditional Japanese aesthetics and cultural values underscores the importance of preserving aspects of cultural heritage and appreciating alternative forms of beauty.

For instance, the description of traditional Japanese toilets as aesthetic and poetic compared to their Western counterparts, which are seen as shining brightly with tiles, reveals his skepticism toward adopting Western modernization. His admiration for the former highlights the belief that Japan's unique cultural and aesthetic heritage, characterized by simplicity, natural elements, and sensory experiences, might be compromised by the uncritical acceptance of Western values. The contrast deepens when Tanizaki introduces the example of jade versus diamonds, shedding light on the differing cultural values held by Eastern and Western societies. The "strange lump" and "faintly muddy light"(Tanizaki 1977, 10) of jade, which fascinate Orientals, symbolize their preference for the "sheen of antiquity"(Tanizaki 1977, 11). This notion encompasses the idea of cherishing objects and experiences weathered by time, symbolizing a connection to the past. In contrast, the Western preference for diamonds signifies a distinct approach prioritizing the pristine and the new.

Tanizaki's skepticism lies in recognizing that the wave of Western modernization risks erasing the cultural depth and nuances that make Japan unique. He challenges the notion that modernity, defined by Western standards, should necessarily replace Japan's traditional aesthetic values and practices. By juxtaposing these cultural elements, he encourages readers to examine the impact of globalization on cultural identities critically and prompts us to reflect on the value of preserving cultural nuances, even in the face of global change.

It is important to note that Tanizaki's perspective in "In Praise of Shadows" is not a one-sided endorsement of traditional Japanese culture. He provides a balanced view by acknowledging certain advantages of modernization. He concedes the convenience of modern amenities, the practical and economical use of tiles, as well as the discomfort of traditional Japanese toilets during the night. These seemingly contradictory views emphasize Tanizaki's nuanced and skeptical stance. He does not merely idealize his own culture but demonstrates an active and critical engagement with the rapid process of modernization and Westernization. In doing so, his writing becomes a thought-provoking exploration of the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing modernization, posing essential questions about the costs and trade-offs associated with progress in a globalized world.

In "Rashomon," Akutagawa masterfully delves into the theme of skepticism toward individualism through the evolution of the characters. The psychological shifts within the characters highlight the fragility of human values when confronted with the harsh realities of a world marked by both natural and man-made disasters.

The encounter between the servant and the old woman serves as a prime example of this skepticism. The old woman is found “plucking out the corpse’s long hair” (Akutagawa 2006, 6) by the servant. When asked to stop, she argues to the servant, "It may be wrong to pull out dead people's hair, but these people here deserve what they get"(Akutagawa 2006, 8). "I think she’d understand what I was doing to her"(Akutagawa 2006, 9). She justifies her evil behavior through presenting a twisted psychological defense mechanism, aiming to prove her peace of mind. She defends her unethical behavior by attributing it to unfavorable external circumstances and the influence of others. This can be interpreted as her desperate attempt to survive, revealing her descent into moral decay driven by individualism.

The servant's journey also reflects a transformation from a conscience-driven perspective to one driven by selfishness. His initial hesitation, symbolized by the metaphor of the "pustule" on his face, shows his inner conflict when forced to choose between starvation and criminality. The act of "pressing" the pustule represents his efforts to preserve his morality. However, his eventual surrender to evil, marked by “his right hand leaving the abscess” (Akutagawa 2006, 6), illustrates that, under the dire social circumstances, he also ends up succumbing to individualistic motivations.

This erosion of traditional values and the characters' individualistic pursuits contribute to the narrative's moral ambiguity. Akutagawa’s portrayal raises skepticism about the effectiveness of established moral and ethical systems in the face of extreme adversity, with survival being the primary concern. The characters' actions are driven by their instinct for self-preservation, leading them to engage in morally questionable actions.

These two prominent works both emerge from the turbulent historical backdrop of early 20th-century Japan amid rapid Westernization and modernization. The authors' skepticism is evident, whether in Tanizaki's questioning of Western modernization's impact on Japanese culture or Akutagawa’s exploration of the fragility of human values in a morally disoriented era. Both narratives offer insights into the broader societal skepticism as Japan grappled with the dual challenges of preserving its cultural identity and navigating the uncertainties of an increasingly globalized world.

In conclusion, skepticism in "In Praise of Shadows" and "Rashomon" both serve as a powerful force in challenging the ongoing social realities, like Westernized modernization and the goodness of men. It encourages people to reflect upon the uncertainty that arises during cultural transformation and the complexity of human nature. The value of skepticism lies in its potential as a tool for critical thinking, cultural preservation, and ethical decision-making in a world undergoing dramatic changes. Embracing shadows and uncertainty can lead people to a more profound understanding of our ever-changing world.

Bibliography

Akutagawa, Ryunosuke. 2006. Rashomon and Seventeen Other Stories. Translated by Jay Rubin. Penguin Classics.

Tanizaki, Junichiro. 1977. In Praise of Shadows. Branford, CT: Leete’s Island Books.