Female Authors Shine: Japanese Literature from 2000 to Today
Fertility. Futility. Entrapment. Rebellion.
Thanks to the hard work of literary translators, we are in the midst of a publication boom of contemporary Japanese literature in English translation. The narrowing gap between the original publication date and the publication of translations means that English-speaking readers can now enjoy many excellent works of Japanese literature from the last two decades. These contemporary Japanese authors (many of whom are female) excel in their ability to encapsulate the anxieties of girls and women in the “digital native” generation, including difficult personal relationships, changing attitudes towards marriage and obsession with appearance.
This talk looks at novels by Natsuo Kirino, Risa Wataya, Mieko Kawakami and Novala Takemoto, as well as rising star Sayaka Murata (of Convenience Store Woman fame). In doing so, it provides insight into how present-day Japanese are conceptualizing youth and femininity against the backdrop of the decreasing birth rates and stagnant consumption that have characterised the past twenty years in Japan. The talk also celebrates the release of Tamaki’s new book, Re-Imagining Japan After Fukushima (ANU Press, 2020).
A recommended reading list will be provided at the end of the session.
Reading List
This is the third of three events in the talk series, Read Japan: A Booklover’s Guide to Japanese Literature in Translation, 1960-Now.
Attendees will receive a 20% discount voucher from Books Kinokuniya Sydney, redeemable online, and will have a chance to win a Kinokuniya book pack themed around the reading list for this talk. (Book pack postage within Australia only.)
SPEAKER PROFILE
Tamaki Mihic
Lecturer in Japanese Studies, The University of Sydney
Tamaki Mihic specialises in contemporary Japanese literature, exophonic literature, Translation Studies and Comparative Literature. Her new book, Re-imagining Japan After Fukushima explores the portrayal of post-Fukushima Japan in cultural responses to the disaster.
Re-Imagining Japan After Fukushima
ANU Press, 2020
RELATED EVENTS
EVENT DETAILS
March 25 (Thursday), 2021
6:30pm-7:30pm (AEDT; Sydney time)
Onsite & online (via Zoom)
Free. Bookings essential.
BOOKINGS
For online attendance:
Registrants will receive the Zoom link via their registration confirmation email.
For onsite attendance (limit of 45 persons):
Due to capacity limitations, onsite attendees must register to attend this event and will be required to check in at reception on arrival. In-person attendees are encouraged to wear a facemask.
Note: Conditions for the onsite portion of this event are subject to change based on COVID-19 restrictions.
MORE INFO
Find out about the Read Japan series.
VENUE
The Japan Foundation, Sydney
Level 4, Central Park
28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008
and online (via Zoom)
ENQUIRIES
(02) 8239 0055
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