Mr. Tanaka was born in Tokyo in 1942. He graduated from the department of French Literature as well as the department of aesthetics and art history at Tokyo University. He studied abroad at the University of Strasbourg in France and obtained his doctorate there. He has Ph.D. and is Professor Emeritus of Tohoku University. Working enthusiastically as an expert on the study of French and Italian art histories, he also is energetically promoting the study of Japanese art, emphasizing its world–class quality and value. At the same time, advocating the importance of the uniqueness of Japanese culture and history, he greatly contributed to the foundation of the Japan National History Society (established in 2010), and now serves as its chairman. He was the representative (vice-President) of CIHA (Commite International de l’Histoire de l’Art from 2002 to 2008. His many books include: Nihon Bijutsu Zenshi (The Entire History of Japanese Art) (Kodan–sha), The Establishment of a New Historical View of Japan (Bungei–sha), What is Yamato Gokoro? (Minerva Shobo), The OSS’s Japan Plan that Made Japan Take the Wrong Path after the War (Tenten–sha) and Sharaku Question is not yet Over (Shoden–sha). He also co–authored Nihon–tsu (Japan Experts) (Ikuho–sha), etc.
