FY2025 Report: Southeast-Asian Translators & Editors’ Visit

In November 2025, the Japan Foundation hosted a visit to Japan by five translators and four editors of Japanese literature based in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Myanmar. For more information about that professional exchange, see here.

During their stay the participants explored contemporary Japanese literature, literary translation, and current trends in Japan’s publishing industry. They also shared perspectives on translation and publishing in their own countries, initiatives to support emerging translators, and the future of literary exchange. The program created opportunities for these professionals to connect with one another and with others in Japan’s literary and publishing communities.

Two roundtable discussions featuring the invited translators were held. Reports on these discussions are now available at the links below:

Literary Translation in Southeast Asia: Translators Address Their Livelihoods, Readership, and Future (Part 1)

Literary Translation in Southeast Asia: Translators Address Their Livelihoods, Readership, and Future (Part 2)

A two-part roundtable report featuring Thai literary scholar and Thai–Japanese translator Fukutomi Sho and five translators of Japanese literature.

Contemporary Japanese Authors and Their Translators: A Meeting of the Minds

A roundtable report featuring author Matsuda Aoko and three translators of Japanese literature.

These discussions explore topics ranging from careers in literary translation and cross-cultural challenges to the role of translation in the age of AI. They also offer a glimpse into the conversations between authors and translators that shape the journey of literary works across languages. Discover the insights and experiences of translators who help bring Japanese literature to readers around the world.