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Shuntaro Tanikawa: A Evergreen Figure in International Poetry

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Shuntaro Tanikawa is one of the most influential poets in the contemporary international poetry scene. He began writing poetry at the age of seventeen, and at twenty-one, he published his debut poetry collection The Solitude of Twenty Billion Light Years, which received widespread praise and recognition. Due to the impact of this collection, he was hailed as the cosmic poet of the Shōwa era. In the following years, he created many well-known poems and earned the reputation of being a leading figure in modern Japanese poetry with his unique creative style.

A Positive Atmosphere: The Cornerstone of Achievements and Development

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Shuntaro Tanikawa was born in December 1931 in Japan. His father, Tetsuzo Tanikawa, was a renowned contemporary philosopher and literary theorist. His father's influence on him was profound, and growing up in such an environment, Shuntaro seemed to live in a unique cultural atmosphere. This positive and enriching environment laid a solid foundation for his growth.

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​Raised in this nurturing atmosphere, Shuntaro Tanikawa, as an only child, also developed high ambitions. He aspired to have a significant reputation, just like his father, both in Japan and internationally. Influenced by his friends, he made the bold decision not to pursue further formal education but to immerse himself in the realm of poetry, seeking to carve out his own path of personal growth.

Creating a Unique Path, Embellishing the Chapter of Development

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Since Shuntaro Tanikawa began his journey into poetry, he went through a process of constant revision and reinvention over the span of five years. Eventually, he introduced his debut collection The Solitude of Twenty Billion Light Years to the public. In the years that followed, he became deeply immersed in his craft, producing nearly 70 poetry collections, which won numerous prestigious literary awards in Japan. Beyond poetry, he also ventured into writing essays, radio and film scripts, and children's books. He translated works such as Mother Goose nursery rhymes and served as the long-time translator for the Peanuts comic strip.

Shuntaro Tanikawa's presence has left traces across the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and China. Several of his poetry collections have been translated into English and circulated in various countries. His poetry covers a wide range of themes, from life and living to human nature, encompassing a broad scope. In 2005, Tanikawa was awarded the 2nd 21st Century Ding Jun Biennial Literary Award in Beijing, alongside Chinese writers such as Ge Fei. He became the first foreign writer to receive this prestigious award. His award-winning work, Selected Poems of Shuntaro Tanikawa, was compiled and translated by the Chinese poet Tian Yuan.

Poetry as Life, Language as Breath

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Shuntaro Tanikawa has always believed that poetry is not an elusive art, but rather a form of perception deeply connected to life. He once said, "Language is not for decoration; it is for touching the heart." His poetry, as light as water, is capable of reaching the softest corners of the heart. Whether writing for adults or children, his words always evoke the most primal emotional memories.

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On his journey with poetry, Tanikawa has never stopped. He has spent his life writing about the world, leaving his immortal presence within it through his verses. As a perennial figure in the Japanese poetry scene, his poetry and his connection with people are best encapsulated by one of his most well-known lines: "It is truly good to be alive."

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