Japan Now 2019: Translation Day | Free Word

The Writing Room Showcase

This year's Japan Now 2019 festival, a highlight on the cultural calendar, focuses on the transformative art of translation in Japanese literature. The Writing Room Showcase is set to give attendees an unparalleled glimpse into the meticulous world of translating Japanese texts for an English-speaking audience.

Finding Your Story

In the sphere of translation, every language has a story waiting to be discovered and told in another tongue. The events scheduled at Translation Day are uniquely formulated to highlight this process, revealing the challenging yet rewarding task of finding and sharing these stories.

Re-shaping the Canon

Esteemed translators and experts including Steve Dodd and Annmaria Shimabuku will engage in a compelling discussion on how translation not only presents but also reshapes Japanese literature. This segment of the day will delve into the depths of translating from manga to classic texts, offering insights into the evolving canon of Japanese stories.

Word and Image:

Understanding how to translate not just the language but also the cultural significance of words and images is key in bridging the gap between different audiences. Manga translator Jocelyne Allen and graphic novelist Fumio Obata will debate these intricacies, making for an enlightening conversation.

Translation Slam

Emerging translators Polly Barton and Asa Yoneda will showcase their skills in a lively translation slam. Through their interpretations of Enchi Fumiko's work, attendees will have the opportunity to see firsthand how translation can breathe life into literature, making it accessible and vibrant for new readers.

Women and Subversion

The day will culminate with a session on the influence of female authors in Japanese literature. Translators Ginny Tapley Takemori and Morgan Giles will discuss the complexities of bringing subversive women's writing to an international audience, highlighting the surge of powerful female voices within the literary scene.

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Beyond the day's focus on translation, attendees interested in the convergence of creative writing and wellbeing, as well as the practical training for translation requesters, will find relevant and enriching experiences at Japan Now 2019.

PARTNERS

The Japan Foundation, Sheffield University, and the National Centre for Writing are among the esteemed partners, supported by the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation and others. This network of collaborations ensures an event that's not only educational but also truly representative of Japan's vibrant culture.

Conclusion: A Delight for Cultural Enthusiasts and Travel Lovers Alike

For cultural enthusiasts and literary aficionados, Japan Now 2019: Translation Day emerges as an intriguing draw. For travelers who wander in search of rich cultural experiences, such days promise not only new perspectives but also a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. It becomes an excellent opportunity to indulge in Japan's literary genius while exploring the hospitality and unique accommodations that add to the entire cultural excursion. As literature and travel intersect, the immersion into a new world is not just through stories but through the very essence of travel itself.