Factbook

A Dynamic Compendium of Interesting Japanese Literary and Publishing Facts

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Two Japanese magazines, launched in the 1920s, played a critical role in the development of Science Fiction writing in Japan[UPDATED: 3-8-2018]

Two magazines in the 1920s Shinseinen (New Youth) and Kagaku Gaho (Science Pictorial) played pivotal roles in the development and establishment of the modern Science Fiction genre in Japan. New Youth, launched in 1920 was packed full of short stories targeting “urban modern men”, and quickly… Read more »
- TOPICS:
- Culture
- History
- Magazines
- Science
- Science Fiction
Two Japanese magazines, launched in the 1920s, played a critical role in the development of Science Fiction writing in Japan Posted January 3rd, 2018 by Richard Nathan
The translation of the play R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) in 1923 led to a robot literature boom in Japan[UPDATED: 3-5-2018]

The play R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) by Karel Čapek (1890–1938), written in 1920 and first performed in Prague in 1921, had a major impact in Japan in the 1920s and 30s after its arrival in translation. The play not only popularised the word robot worldwide, but… Read more »
- TOPICS:
- History
- Prizes
- Science Fiction
The translation of the play R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) in 1923 led to a robot literature boom in Japan Posted January 3rd, 2018 by Richard Nathan
The Long Winter, the sixth book in the Little House series, was the first book approved for translation and publication in Japan after World War II[UPDATED: 3-5-2018]

During the American occupation of Japan, after the Second World War (1945-1952), all publications were reviewed by General Douglas MacArthur’s team at GHQ (General Headquarters). MacArthur, the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP), recommended The Long Winter, the sixth book in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s series for publication…. Read more »
- TOPICS:
- Book production
- Culture
- History
- translation
- Women Writers
The Long Winter, the sixth book in the Little House series, was the first book approved for translation and publication in Japan after World War II Posted January 3rd, 2018 by Richard Nathan
Since 1947 the Japanese government has approved and paid for all Japanese school level student textbooks[UPDATED: 3-2-2018]

The Japanese government pays for all student textbooks for the millions of students participating in its compulsory education system. It sets guidelines for certified publishers and approves textbooks before publication. Schools, teachers and local educational boards, depending on the type of school, are free to… Read more »
- TOPICS:
- Educational
- Industry
- Textbooks
Since 1947 the Japanese government has approved and paid for all Japanese school level student textbooks Posted January 3rd, 2018 by Richard Nathan
Japan’s publishers not ranked as global players[UPDATED: 3-1-2018]

No Japanese publisher features in the ranking of the top ten publishers by revenue produced by the International Publishers Association (IPA). Despite Japan being the world’s 4th largest publishing market, according to the IPA.Publishers from all of the largest five country markets, except Japan, appear in the IPA’s… Read more »
- TOPICS:
- Industry
- IPA
Japan’s publishers not ranked as global players Posted March 23rd, 2017 by Richard Nathan
David Bowie’s favourite novel by Yukio Mishima, an author he was fascinated by, was The Sailor Who Fell from Grace from the Sea[UPDATED: 2-28-2018]

It is well known that David Bowie (1947-2016), the British singer songwriter and actor, was a fan of the Japanese author Yukio Mishima (1925-1970). He painted his portrait, included his name in the lyrics of at least one of his songs; and Yukio Mishima was… Read more »
- TOPICS:
- Culture
- History
David Bowie’s favourite novel by Yukio Mishima, an author he was fascinated by, was The Sailor Who Fell from Grace from the Sea Posted January 3rd, 2018 by Richard Nathan
Japan’s first national library was set up following a legal decree in 702[UPDATED: 2-28-2018]

According to historians, the first libraries in Japan were set up by by Shotoku Taishi (574-622) – The Prince of Holy Virtue – a regent and author also known as Prince Umayado (Prince of the Stables). The Horyuji Temple, in Nara, founded in 607, is believed to have… Read more »
- TOPICS:
- History
- Libraries
Japan’s first national library was set up following a legal decree in 702 Posted January 3rd, 2018 by Richard Nathan
The first Japanese dictionary was published in 682[UPDATED: 2-28-2018]

According to the Nihon Shoki, Japan’s second oldest history book often translated as The Chronicles of Japan, the Japanese Emperor Tenmu (631-686) was given a dictionary in 682 titled Niina (New Characters). Early Japanese dictionaries like this one were actually dictionaries of Chinese characters (letters) written in… Read more »
- TOPICS:
- Dictionary
- Industry
The first Japanese dictionary was published in 682 Posted January 3rd, 2018 by Richard Nathan

Factbook

Two Japanese magazines, launched in the 1920s, played a critical role in the development of Science Fiction writing in Japan[UPDATED: 3-8-2018]

The translation of the play R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) in 1923 led to a robot literature boom in Japan[UPDATED: 3-5-2018]

The Long Winter, the sixth book in the Little House series, was the first book approved for translation and publication in Japan after World War II[UPDATED: 3-5-2018]

Since 1947 the Japanese government has approved and paid for all Japanese school level student textbooks[UPDATED: 3-2-2018]

Japan’s publishers not ranked as global players[UPDATED: 3-1-2018]

David Bowie’s favourite novel by Yukio Mishima, an author he was fascinated by, was The Sailor Who Fell from Grace from the Sea[UPDATED: 2-28-2018]

Japan’s first national library was set up following a legal decree in 702[UPDATED: 2-28-2018]

The first Japanese dictionary was published in 682[UPDATED: 2-28-2018]

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