Home page address: http://www.jlpp.go.jp/en/index.html

1. Background and Objectives

In April 2002, the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan launched the Japanese Literature Publishing Project (JLPP) to promote the translation of outstanding Japanese literary works into English and other languages and their publication overseas. The purposes of these translation and publication activities are to promote understanding of Japan in the world and its contribution to world culture and to elevate the standards of Japanese literature.

2. The First List of Selected Works (2002-2003)

1) Selection

The first list of works nominated for translation and publication was drawn up by a committee of five members appointed by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan. The members of the committee are as follows:

SHIMADA Masahiko, writer; professor of Hosei University
TANABE Seiko, writer
HIRAIWA Yumie, writer
FUKUDA Kazuya, literary critic; Associate Professor of Keio University
John NATHAN, Professor of University of California, Santa Barbara

2) Criteria for selection of the first list of works were as follows:

1. 1. Works originally published in Japanese from the beginning of the Meiji era (1868) onward, but with emphasis on works published after World War II.
2. 2. In principle, works of fiction.
3. 3. No more than one work by each author, in order to give priority to the introduction overseas of as many writers as possible.
4. 4. Works that enjoy an established reputation among Japanese readers and which are of a quality and content likely to win an established reputation among readers overseas as well.

3) List of works in 2002/2003