CULTURE
Japanese Ambassador visits Translation Center
Baku, November 4, AZERTAC
Japanese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Tsugua Takahashi has visited the Translation Center under the Cabinet of Ministers (AzTC) for a roundtable discussion on intercultural relations with its Director Afag Masud.
AzTC Director Masud noted that Azerbaijani readers have deep interest in Japanese literature and culture: "Prominent representatives of Japanese literature have always been in the focus of attention in Azerbaijan. AzTC has pioneered the first translation of works by outstanding Japanese authors, such as Akutagawa Ryunosuke, Kawabata Yasunari, Kenji Maruyama, Yukio Mishima, Haruki Murakami, Shugoro Yamamoto, Kenzaburo Oe. They have been published in AzTc's Khazar World Literature Magazine and as a separate book.”
She said AzTC is preparing to issue "Japan Haiku" translated by well-known Azerbaijani writer Elchin. “The book titled "Selected Works" by Haruki Murakami translated into Azerbaijani will also be published. This year we published "God's Smile" by Akutagawa Ryunosuke.”
Ambassador Takahashi hailed cultural relations between Japan and Azerbaijan. He stressed the importance of promoting Azerbaijani literature in Japan. Takahashi said the Embassy is ready to assist the center in translating works by Azerbaijani authors into Japanese through involving Japanese specialists.