#International Forum #Cultural Affairs #Translation Contest

Celebrating the 10th Agency for Cultural Affairs Translation Competition

The Agency for Cultural Affairs in Japan has been instrumental in uncovering and nurturing talented translators who play a crucial role in promoting Japanese literary works abroad. As a pivotal event in this endeavor, the 10th Agency for Cultural Affairs Translation Competition has concluded with the announcement of its winners following comprehensive evaluations from experts.

Competition Growth and Entries

This year marked a significant milestone with a total of 438 participants, nearly double from the previous year. The competition was categorized into three groups:

• - Contemporary Literature (English): 325 entrants, up from 132 last year.
• - Contemporary Literature (Spanish): 70 entrants, a noteworthy increase from last year's 46 German entries.
• - Classical Literature (English): 43 entrants, the same number as last year.

Winners Announced

Contemporary Literature (English)

• - Best Award: Chelsea Marie Bernard (USA) for translating Inoue Arano's The Rule of the Twentieth Person
• - Excellence Awards: Joseph Sabatino (USA), Nicolas Keen (UK)

Contemporary Literature (Spanish)

• - Best Award: Mikel García Alija (Spain) for translating Inoue Arano's The Rule of the Twentieth Person
• - Excellence Awards: Silvia Liaño Pons (Spain), Alberto Millán Martín (Spain)

Classical Literature (English)

• - Best Award: Ryan Hintzman (USA) for translating Takuko Iseki's Diary of Takuko Iseki, edited by Akio Fukazawa.
• - Excellence Awards: Kinji Ito (Japan), Matthieu Felt (USA)

For detailed translations and judges' comments, please visit the official competition website.

Upcoming Event: The International Literary Forum 2026

Purpose of the Forum

The International Literary Forum 2026 aims to foster a platform for discovering and nurturing translators, as well as promoting global dissemination of Japan's diverse and rich literary culture. Marking the 10th anniversary of the translation competition, the event will celebrate the achievements of prominent translators and writers through a series of discussions focused on translation and global business potential in literature.

Event Details

Date: February 12, 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 15:00 - 18:15 (Doors open at 14:00)
Venue: Ochanomizu Sola City Conference Center, Sola City Hall (Tokyo)
Capacity: 400 (Admission free)

Program Schedule

1. 15:00 - Awards Ceremony for the 10th Agency for Cultural Affairs Translation Competition.
2. 16:00 - Symposium Part I: