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Cover of The Makioka Sisters
Literary Fiction· Japan

The Makioka Sisters

by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki
Aggregate Editorial Score60/100
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Published 1943English
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About This Book

Published in 1943, The Makioka Sisters established Jun'ichirō Tanizaki as one of the defining voices in literary fiction. Four sisters of a declining Osaka merchant family navigate the search for a husband for the third sister against the backdrop of a rapidly changing prewar Japan. Tanizaki's leisurely, observant masterpiece captures an entire world on the cusp of disappearing. Often compared to the great Victorian family novels, it is considered his finest achievement. Themes of tradition, modernity, family run through the work. The book has received recognition from Nobel Prize in Literature 1943.

Book Details

AuthorJun'ichirō Tanizaki
Published1943
Country of Origin🇯🇵 Japan
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780679752639
Editorial Score60/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

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Country of Origin

🇯🇵 Japan

This book is part of Japan's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki published The Makioka Sisters in 1943, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from Japan. The book's treatment of tradition, modernity, family, Japan accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Makioka Sisters among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Nobel Prize in Literature 1943. Our aggregate score of 60/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes The Makioka Sisters is how it handles its central concerns — tradition, modernity, family, Japan — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. The Makioka Sisters reflects Jun'ichirō Tanizaki's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Japan's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Nobel Prize in Literature
winner · global
194360
✍️
About the Author
Jun'ichirō Tanizaki
Japan
View Author →

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki is a celebrated author from Japan known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Makioka Sisters about?

Four sisters of a declining Osaka merchant family navigate the search for a husband for the third sister against the backdrop of a rapidly changing prewar Japan. Tanizaki's leisurely, observant masterpiece captures an entire world on the cusp of disappearing. Often compared to the great Victorian family novels, it is considered his finest achievement.

Who wrote The Makioka Sisters?

The Makioka Sisters was written by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, from Japan. First published in 1943.

What awards has The Makioka Sisters won?

The Makioka Sisters has received the following awards and honours: Nobel Prize in Literature 1943.

Is The Makioka Sisters worth reading?

The Makioka Sisters is a well-regarded book with solid critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 60/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in tradition, modernity, family.

Where can I buy The Makioka Sisters?

You can buy The Makioka Sisters on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Makioka Sisters?

The Makioka Sisters is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Makioka Sisters from?

The Makioka Sisters originates from Japan's literary tradition. Explore more books from Japan on our country page.

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