The Paris Review
S4E9 | “The Victim” by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki
Feb 14, 2024
Japanese author Jun'ichirō Tanizaki's 1910 literary debut, 'The Victim' is explored in this podcast episode. The story delves into the art of tattooing and follows the life of a renowned painter turned tattoo artist. It explores the infatuation of a man with a mysterious woman in a palanquin and a confrontation of paintings that reveal a girl's true nature and future.
30:05
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Quick takeaways
- Tattooing in Japan was a form of art that transcended social class and allowed individuals to express their beauty and power.
- Seikichi's obsession with tattooing a beautiful girl reveals his desire to possess and control her, ultimately leading to her empowerment and manipulation of men.
Deep dives
The art of tattooing and its significance in Japanese society
The podcast explores the art of tattooing in Japan during a time when physical beauty was highly valued. The story follows the life of Seikichi, a renowned tattoo artist, who takes pride in his work and derives pleasure from his clients' pain. Tattooing was not limited to a specific social class, as people from different backgrounds, including courtesans and samurai, sought the tattooers' art. Seikichi harbors a deep desire to tattoo the lustrous skin of a beautiful girl, searching for someone who meets his specific physical and character requirements.
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