BRINGING VIETNAMESE LITERATURE TO JAPAN

An informal talk on “Vietnamese literary works translated into Japanese language” organized by Center for Vietnamese and Southeast Asian Studies took place  on September 9 2008. In the talk, presented Professor Matsuda Kiyoshi (Tokyo Joho University, Japan), writer Phan Nhat Chieu (also researcher, translator, lecturer from University of Social Sciences & Humanities), Doctor Thanh Phan (Center for Vietnamese and Southeast Asian Studies), and lecturers, specialists from departments, centers as well as students majoring in Linguistics-Literature and Japanese Studies.

Professor presented his concern to Vietnamese works in Japan through an event of Chinese woman writer, Yang Yi, who nominated for Akutagawa Prize (award for excellent fictions written in Japanese language). This was the first time the prestigious prize awarded to a nonnative Japanese speaker. Besides, Korean cultural trend has been booming in Japan, which demonstrates exchanges and influences between cultures. Concerning Vietnamese literature, there have been many Vietnamese literary works translated into Japanese and introduced to readers in the “Land of the Rising Sun”, such as,Vietnamese Modern Novels Collection, Vietnamese Modern Short Fictions Collection and separated works, Flying Swallow(Nguyen Tri Huan), Celestial Eyes (Nguyen Nhat Anh), A  year has only one day (Phan Thi Vang Anh), Hunger (Thach Lam), etc. Vietnamese literature, however, has not been recognized by Japanese readers as much as another literature. According to Professor, Vietnamese literature has its own specific and unique features. The matter of how to make it popular in Japan and all over the world is called into question for the reason that Vietnam image cannot be expressed in information and pictures in guide book for tourists; culture, history and spirit of Vietnam is profoundly reflected in literary works.

Professor Matsuda also expressed his own feelings and thoughts about translated Vietnamese works which he had read. He had studied and discussed word choices, styles, etc. in Japanese versions with translators. “Wind Eater” by Phan Nhat Chieu was an typical example and good achievement of cooperation between Matsuda and an overseas Vietnamese student in Japan. He maintained, the most important thing in introducing Vietnamese literary works to Japanese readers was that translated version should convey the spirit of original one as well as be written in simple words to reach closer to readers. Therefore, it required a good cooperation between authors and translators. The talk attracted lots of participants to contribute and discuss. Writer Phan Nhat Chieu shared his opinions and emphasized the introduction of well-known writers in Vietnamese literary circle such as Nguyen Tuan, Vu Trong Phung, … to readers in the world. Students attending the talk shared their opinions about literary works of the two countries as well as made questions to Professor Matsuda. The talk ended with the hope for enhancing understanding between Japanese and Vietnamese cultures through translated literary works.

* Professor Matsuda was also the person who led Mr. Yahagi Mitsuo and Japanese farmers to Da Lat (Vietnam) in order to offer the special Fuji apple sprouts from Japan to the famous tree-grafting artisan Muoi Loi:http://www.tuoitre.com.vn/Tianyon/Index.aspx?ArticleID=277621&ChannelID=87

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