Shuntaro Tanikawa, who pioneered modern Japanese poetry, has died at the age of 92 due to old age. Renowned for his impact on literature, Tanikawa made significant contributions, including his bestseller 'Two Billion Light Years of Solitude', noted for its simple yet vivid use of everyday language that explored cosmic themes in daily life.
Tanikawa's 'Kotoba Asobi Uta', or Word Play Songs, illustrates his innovative approach as it rhythmically juggles words that sound similar, creating a singsong quality filled with alliterations and onomatopoeia. He believed that the beauty of language is like nurturing a plant where the roots draw vitality from the essence of the Japanese language.
Reflecting on his writing journey, Tanikawa expressed joy in creating without the constraints of commissions, stating, 'Now, I can write as I want.' This sentiment reveals his evolving relationship with language and artistry, embodying the essence of authentic expression in his work.
Tanikawa, who translated works by famous authors like Mother Goose and Maurice Sendak, also left a significant legacy through adaptations of his poetry into picture books for children. His literary impact spans across various cultures, with many of his works translated into English, Chinese, and other European languages.
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