Bhubaneswar: A collection of Japanese short stories translated directly from Japanese into Odia was formally released at a book-launching ceremony held at the Syndicate Hall of Utkal University on Wednesday.
Titled Budhianira Suta o Anyanya Japani Kahani, the volume brings to Odia readers selected works of renowned Japanese author Ryunosuke Akutagawa, widely regarded as the father of the modern Japanese short story.
Akutagawa, one of Japan’s most influential literary figures, is known for his psychologically nuanced narratives, humanistic themes, and artistic craftsmanship. Japan’s prestigious Akutagawa Prize, among the country’s highest literary honours, is named after him, while several of his stories have inspired internationally acclaimed films.
The Odia translation has been undertaken by Prof. Nabin Kumar Panda, a distinguished scholar of Japanese Studies and former professor at the University of Delhi. Prof. Panda has made notable contributions to Japanese language education in India through textbooks, research publications, and translations, and has played a pioneering role in fostering cultural and literary exchanges between India and Japan.
The publication is expected to introduce Odia readers to the richness of Japanese literary traditions while promoting greater cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of world literature.
The programme was organised by the Japanese Language Pilot Project of Utkal University.
Presiding over the event, Prof. Chandi Prasad Nanda, Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University, underscored the importance of literary translation in strengthening international cultural and academic engagement.
Eminent literary critic and former English professor Prof. Jatindra Kumar Nayak spoke on the enduring literary significance of Akutagawa’s short stories and their continued relevance to contemporary readers.
Former Director of the Odia Sahitya Akademi, Prof. Basant Kumar Panda, appreciated the quality of the translation and stressed the need to make more world classics accessible in the Odia language.
Rajendra Kumar Jena, Publisher and Printer of The Samaja, congratulated the translator and highlighted the role of such publications in enriching Odisha’s literary landscape.
The event was attended by scholars, students, and literature enthusiasts, who interacted with the translator and discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with translating Japanese literature into Odia.
