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2nd JLPP International Translation Competition
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Winners of the 1st JLPP International Translation Competition

Winners of the 1st JLPP International Translation Competition, have now been chosen. Click on the ‘Japanese’ tab above for the links to the winning entries (Japanese only). (May. 30, 2012)

The announcement of the winner of the 1st JLPP International Translation Competition was postponed until May.

Application period for the 1st JLPP Translation Competition closes.
We appreciate large number of applications. We will announce the result in April.

Dear Applicants for the 1st JLPP Translation Competition,



Thank you very much for your interest in applying for the 1st JLPP Translation Competition.

We are happy to inform you that the mailing address of the translation texts has been finally selected.

Please note that, since this mailing address has been set up to meet the requirements of the Personal Information Protection Law, it is to be used exclusively for the submission of translation texts.

As for the texts for application, please select 2 works: one from the Novel Category and the other from Critique and Essay Category.
Applications will be accepted from September 1 to November 30, 2011.
Other details of the submission of the texts are given below.

■Mailing address
(English)
JLPP Office
T&K bldg
3-40-7, Kitaya,
Souka-shi, Saitama 340-8501
Japan

(Japanese)
〒340-8501
埼玉県草加市北谷3-40-7
ティ・アンド・ケイパッケージ内
JLPP事務局

- Download the 1st JLPP International Translation Competition Entry Form.
  1. The Aim
    Starting 2011, the Japanese Literature Publishing Project (JLPP, sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs) is organizing the JLPP International Translation Competition with a view to discovering and fostering brilliant translators who can help introduce and spread modern Japanese literature throughout the world.
  2. Eligibility
    There are no nationality or age-related eligibility criteria. However, translators who have already published a translation of a literary or similar work (even as part of an anthology translated by two or more translators), or who have experience in commercial book publishing may not take part in the competition.
  3. Method of Application
    Please follow the instructions given below:
    • Download the JLPP International Translation Competition application form from the JLPP website and fill in all the required items.
    • Two copies of a photograph of the applicant (4cm x 5cm, full-face photograph of the head and shoulders, taken without a head covering) are required. Affix one copy to the application form. On the reverse side of the other copy, inscribe the applicant’s full name.
    • A copy of an identity document, such as passport, student ID or employee ID, belonging to the applicant issued by a public agency, which provides proof of the applicant’s date of birth, nationality, and current address, must also be submitted along with the application.
    • Mail the above essential documents along with both a softcopy (CD-ROM) and a hardcopy version of your translations to be entered in the competition to the specified address.
    • Mailing address: To be announced at JLPP website after April, 2011.
    • The hardcopy version of the translations must be printed out on A4 or letter-size paper, portrait orientation, written horizontally, at 32 lines per page, using 12 point Times New Roman font, with at least 1.5 cm left and right margins, and the "page of total pages" specified on each page.
    • The name of the translator must not be written anywhere on the submitted translation drafts.
    • Applications submitted via e-mail or other non-postal media shall not be accepted.
    • As a rule, incomplete or inadequate applications are not accepted, but where there are unavoidable circumstances, individual consideration may be given.
    • Submitted materials shall not be returned.
  4. Application period
    September 1, 2011 (Thu) to November 30, 2011 (Wed) (applications postmarked on or before the deadline will be accepted).
  5. Texts for translation
    Translate one work from each of the divisions below, and submit a total of two works.
    • Novels
      Riyaka wo Hiite by Tsutomu Minakami (Sengo Tanpen Shosetsu Saihakken ? 8; Kodansha literary paperback)
      Shirotte Iuyori Gin by Mitsuyo Kakuta (Fukubukuro; Kawade Shobo Shinsha)
      Toshi Seikatsu by Natsuki Ikezawa (Kimi no Tame no Bara; Shinchosha)
    • Critiques and Essays
      Oko to Ono by Masako Shirasu (Nihon no Meizuihitsu87 ? No; Sakuhinsha)
      Hebi ni Tsuite I, II, III by Kobo Abe (Sabaku no Shiso; Kodansha literary paperback)
      Randa no Setsu by Jun'ichiro Tanizaki (Tanizaki Jun'ichiro Zuihitsushu; Iwanami Bunko)
    - Download the texts for translation, or booklet can be posted to those who are interested.
    Novels
    Critiques and Essays
  6. Translation language
    English or German
  7. Prizes
    1st Prize -
    English (one person)
    German (one person)
    2nd Prize -
    English (two persons)
    German (two persons)
  8. Judging Committee
    (English)
    Stephen B. Snyder (Professor of Japanese Literature, Middlebury College)
    Koji Kawamoto (Emeritus professor of Comparative Literature, University of Tokyo)
    Kazuhisa Takahashi (Professor of English Literature, University of Tokyo)
    (German)
    Eduard Klopfenstein (Professor of Japanese Literature, University of Zurich)
    Nobuo Ikeda (Professor of German Literature, University of Tokyo)
    Motoi Hatsumi (Professor of German Literature, Nihon University)
  9. Announcement of the result
    April, 2012

Personal information received from applicants shall be strictly supervised, and shall not be used for any purpose other than this competition.
No questions shall be entertained regarding the judging process.
Inquiries - Inquiries may be directed to the JLPP Office
Inquiries Form

- Download the 1st JLPP International Translation Competition Entry Form.