The Key by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki

5:00–7:00 PM

Sip sake and enjoy mouthwatering Japanese snacks as we discuss Jun’ichirō Tanizaki’s controversial psychological novel The Key (1956) with cultural historian Prof. Thomas Looser (East Asian Studies, NYU). Considered scandalous at the time of its publication, The Key plumbs the erotic depths of a marriage on the brink, as divulged through the alternating diary entries of an aging professor and his younger wife. The gift of a new Polaroid camera from a dangerous friend becomes just one way that the couple spices up their intimacy.

Tickets: $25/$20 Japan Society members, seniors & students (includes exhibition admission and refreshments).
Email [email protected] with “Key Book Club” in subject line for pre-meeting information, including the edition of the novel used for this event.

Exclusive Discount: The Key was adapted into the film Odd Obsession (1959), directed by Kon Ichikawa, whose recently restored films will be screened at Japan Society October 16-17. Present your Book Club ticket to the Box Office and receive $2 off any single Ichikawa film in the series!

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