World-renowned Japanese author Sayaka Murata visited Bulgaria for the first time during the Literary Talks Festival in Sofia’s City Stage. The discussion featured Bulgarian literary critic Darin Tenev as the moderator, with interpretation provided by Albena Todorova. A prominent 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.
Murata’s writing frequently critiques trends toward homogeneity in modern society. During the event, she reflected on the concept of individuality, noting how its distortion can contribute to authoritarianism. The conversation also addressed George Orwell’s 1984, exploring the persistent exclusion within even seemingly individualistic societies.
Murata’s characters, she explained, often demonstrate quiet resistance by refusing to fully participate in the prevailing systems, a theme explored in works like Sekai 99 (World 99). The discussion covered the intersection of traditional storytelling and contemporary dystopia. When questioned about narrative boundaries, Murata stated that she feels no limitations on what she should write, comparing her process to a laboratory where various human elements assemble themselves.
She concluded by mentioning her enduring appreciation for Albert Camus’ The Stranger. The Literary Talks Festival, organized by the Reading Sofia Foundation, focuses this year on the theme of “Dystopia and Resistance.” The event featured discussions with international and Bulgarian authors, cementing its status as a significant cultural gathering for literary discourse.
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