40th Tanabata Festival Commemorating Tanizaki's Birthday: Lecture by Hiroshi Aramata 'Meiji Childhood: The Illusion Tanizaki Saw' to Be Held on July 26

Meiji Childhood: The Illusion Tanizaki Saw

'Zangetsu-sai' is an annual event commemorating the birth of Jun'ichiro Tanizaki (1886–1965). This year, we welcome Hiroshi Aramata, renowned as a wide-ranging intellectual explorer—from his unique fantasy literature such as 'Teito Monogatari' to his studies in natural history and yōkai. He will speak on Tanizaki's 'primal scenery'—the mental landscape of his childhood in Tokyo—drawing from life in the metropolis and his own experiences to illuminate Tanizaki's literary world.

The venue is Renaissance Classics Ashiya Luna Hall.

* A signing session will follow the lecture (limited to the first 50 attendees who purchase Aramata's books on the day).

Profile of Hiroshi Aramata

Born in 1947. After graduating from Keio University, he worked as a salaryman for ten years before becoming independent and launching his creative career. His debut work, 'Teito Monogatari,' won the Japan SF Grand Prize. 'The Great World Natural History Encyclopedia' earned him the Suntory Academic Prize. He serves as Director of Kadokawa Musashino Museum and Director of Kyoto International Manga Museum.

Event Details

Date & Time: Sunday, July 26, 2026, 14:00–15:30 (Doors open at 13:00)

Venue: Renaissance Classics Ashiya Luna Hall (8-24 Obita-cho, Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture)

Capacity: 600 people

Admission: ¥2,000 (Advance tickets: ¥1,800)

Organizer: Ashiya City Tanizaki Jun'ichiro Memorial Museum

Supporters: Ashiya City, Ashiya City Board of Education, Chuo Koron Shinsha

Advance tickets are available at the following three locations in Ashiya City (sales end July 25, Saturday):

・Ashiya City Tanizaki Jun'ichiro Memorial Museum (15-minute walk southeast from Hanshin Ashiya Station; closed Mondays, June 10–13)

・Tairi Shobundo (Immediately south of Hankyu Ashiyakawa Station; closed Sundays)

・Belle Pot Ashiya (2nd floor, Ashiya Citizen Center; 6-minute walk west from JR Ashiya Station; closed Tuesdays)

* In addition, reservations can be made by phone, fax, or email to the Tanizaki Jun'ichiro Memorial Museum.

Please provide: 1. Postal address, 2. Full name (with furigana), 3. Phone number (and fax number if applicable), 4. Number of attendees.

We will inform you of the payment method and send the advance ticket upon confirmation of payment.

Jun'ichiro Tanizaki (Tanizaki Jun'ichiro Memorial Museum)

[About Zangetsu-sai]

An annual event held every July, the birth month of Jun'ichiro Tanizaki, to celebrate his literary legacy. Initiated in 1987 following a call by Tamako Watanabe, a family member, on the 100th anniversary of his birth. Fans and scholars gathered near Hōnen-in Temple in Kyoto, where Tanizaki is buried. The name derives from 'Zangetsu,' a traditional Japanese song cherished by Tanizaki.

Since 2002, the Ashiya City Tanizaki Jun'ichiro Memorial Museum has been the organizer.