| This dissertation consists of a translation of a recent collection of Japanese short stories---Nakazuri Shosetsu (Shinchosha, 1994)---and a critical essay on my reasons for and approach to translating them. It is my objective to contribute engaging, vibrant translations of contemporary Japanese short stories to the international literary canon, to add to Western understanding of and appreciation for contemporary Japanese literature and culture; and with the critical essay I hope to advance the discourse in the field of Translation Studies, provide a rationale for this translation in particular and translating in general, as well as describe and justify my approach to the translation of these stories. Nakazuri Shosetsu is a unique work in Japan and shall stand as the first Japanese book of its kind published in English; this translation also represents the first time for most of its nineteen writers to have their works translated into English, and the first time for all but one of the stories to be translated into English. |
