¥80 million earmarked to translate Japanese books into English to aid PR drive

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Matthew Olson
Matthew Olson
Japan
Local time: 19:19
Japanese to English
How many books which present positive aspects? Jul 24, 2014

“Books will be selected to call attention to positive aspects of Japan"


I think there are many, many positive aspects to Japan - in fact, I love it here! But I wonder how many books they'll be able to find that present positive aspects. Characters in Japanese fiction tend to be a bit...gloomy. It makes for interesting reading, but struggles with self-doubt and one's role in society don't create the most positive of images. Of course, I'm generalizing.
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“Books will be selected to call attention to positive aspects of Japan"


I think there are many, many positive aspects to Japan - in fact, I love it here! But I wonder how many books they'll be able to find that present positive aspects. Characters in Japanese fiction tend to be a bit...gloomy. It makes for interesting reading, but struggles with self-doubt and one's role in society don't create the most positive of images. Of course, I'm generalizing. At any rate, I suppose travel guides and some manga are still up for grabs.
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Orrin Cummins
Orrin Cummins  Identity Verified
Japan
Local time: 19:19
Japanese to English
+ ...
Well Jul 24, 2014

I don't see any indication that the selections will be works of fiction. Wouldn't you say that most if not all of the classics have already been translated? As have popular modern works like Jump comics and those of Murakami Haruki.

My bet is on nonfiction stuff about things like Japanese history and art.


 
Gopinath Jambulingam
Gopinath Jambulingam  Identity Verified
India
Local time: 15:49
Member (2013)
Tamil to English
+ ...
How many books which present positive aspects? Aug 5, 2014

Matthew Olson wrote:

“Books will be selected to call attention to positive aspects of Japan"


I think there are many, many positive aspects to Japan - in fact, I love it here! But I wonder how many books they'll be able to find that present positive aspects. Characters in Japanese fiction tend to be a bit...gloomy. It makes for interesting reading, but struggles with self-doubt and one's role in society don't create the most positive of images. Of course, I'm generalizing. At any rate, I suppose travel guides and some manga are still up for grabs.


It is really a welcome step. And, indeed a good news to the translators community. As a translation agency, we also look forward to take part in the government's drive.


 


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¥80 million earmarked to translate Japanese books into English to aid PR drive







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