<<Read Asia: Asian Literature Series>>

“Readers in Japan have rarely been introduced to works of literature from Southeast Asia. Our hope is to shine a light on these works and showcase their charm to Japanese readers.”

With this conviction, TranNet KK, parent company of Japanese Writers’ House, has founded its own imprint. From this month onward, we will be releasing works of literature from Southeast Asia in Japanese.

<<Read Asia>> Homepage

>>>https://project.trannet.co.jp/readasia

In advance of this announcement, Koji Chikatani, who is an executive producer of the project, was interviewed on Japan’s national radio station NHK Radio 1 on November 5^th. As well as talking about recent developments in the world of publishing, he also discussed the circumstances behind Read Asia’s foundation. You can listen to the broadcast for a week after its original airdate via the URL below.

>>>https://www.nhk.or.jp/radio/player/ondemand.html?p=5642_11_33571

<List of Works>

• A Day in the Life by Anjum Hasan <India>

• For Love and Kisses by Andrea Pasion-Flores <Philippines>

• a tiny space by fifi coo & family <Singapore>

• Independence Day & Other Stories by Pramoedya Ananta Toer <Indonesia>

• The Bamboo Clapper Essays by Zagadaungzar <Myanmar>

The countries of Asia have become more and more familiar as tourist destinations. While it is certainly fun to pick out a guidebook and visit popular locations, reading a superbly written work from a country in an airport or plane, and then visiting that country might change the way you view your surroundings.

After works are published in Japan as part of Read Asia, we plan to introduce them to various other countries in the world so as to spread awareness of their charm.

★Follow us on social media

On Twitter at @ReadAsia_JP

On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Read-Asia-105155237548574