Japanese author Sayaka Murata recently visited Bulgaria for the Literary Talks Festival, held at Sofia’s City Stage from April 23–25. The discussion featured Bulgarian literary critic Darin Tenev as moderator, with interpretation provided by Albena Todorova. Recognized as a leading figure in contemporary Japanese literature, Murata’s works, including Convenience Store Woman and Earthlings, have been translated into Bulgarian and published by Colibri Publishing House.
Her novel Shoumetsu sekai is a finalist for the Locus Award 2026. The conversation began with welcoming remarks from the Japanese Ambassador to Bulgaria, Chikahisa Sumi. Murata’s writing frequently critiques global trends toward uniformity and homogeneity.
She discussed her interest in the concept of “individuality,” noting how its distortion can lead to authoritarianism. The discussion also referenced George Orwell’s 1984, examining how exclusion persists even within ostensibly individualistic societies. Murata’s characters often exhibit a quiet resistance by refusing full participation in the system, a refusal that, she notes, contains inherent dangers.
The literary exchange covered the relationship between dystopia and ambiguity, and how Murata transforms traditional storytelling methods. When questioned about literary taboos, Murata stated that she feels no limitations on her subject matter, comparing her writing process to a laboratory where human elements assemble themselves. She concluded by mentioning her habit of seeking out Albert Camus’ The Stranger in foreign bookstores.
The festival, themed “Dystopia and Resistance,” also featured Paul Lynch and encompassed various cultural events for literary enthusiasts.
Topics: #sayaka #murata #literary
