japanese literature in english is a searchable database that compiles all literary works translated from japanese to english and available in the united states (with some exceptions). entries are still being added, and suggestions for inclusion are welcome. please use the contact page.
my name is allison markin powell. i’m a literary translator and editor and publishing consultant who has worked in the publishing industry for many years. i translate fiction, nonfiction, biography, essays, and manga. i have been awarded grants from the NEA and english PEN, and the 2020 PEN translation prize for my translation of the ten loves of nishino by hiromi kawakami. my other published translations include schoolgirl by osamu dazai, as well as the manga version of his novel, no longer human; the briefcase by hiromi kawakami, which was shortlisted for the 2012 man asian literary prize and the UK edition, strange weather in tokyo, was shortlisted for the 2014 independent foreign fiction prize; the art of simple living by shunmyo masuno; and last winter, we parted by fuminori nakamura. i served as cochair of the PEN america translation committee and currently serve as ex-officio member on PEN’s board of trustees, and i was the guest editor for words without borders’ first japan issue.