Japanese author Sayaka Murata visited Bulgaria for the first time, participating in the Literary Talks Festival at Sofia’s City Stage on Thursday. The discussion was moderated by Bulgarian literary critic Darin Tenev, with interpretation provided by Albena Todorova. Murata, a prominent figure in contemporary Japanese literature, is known for works such as Convenience Store Woman and Earthlings, which have been translated into Bulgarian by Colibri Publishing House.
Her novel Shoumetsu sekai is a finalist for the Locus Award 2026 in the Translated Novel category, and her writings have appeared in over 30 languages. The conversation began with welcoming remarks from the Japanese Ambassador to Bulgaria, Chikahisa Sumi. Murata’s novels frequently examine and critique trends toward uniformity in modern society.
She discussed her interest in the meaning of “individuality,” particularly how its distortion can lead to authoritarianism. Participants also referenced George Orwell’s 1984, noting the persistent exclusion within seemingly individualistic societies—a theme reflected in Murata’s characters who resist full participation in the system. The discussion also covered the intersection of dystopia and ambiguity, as well as the transformation of traditional storytelling.
When questioned about transgressing literary taboos, Murata stated that she feels no limitations on her subject matter. She concluded by mentioning her habit of seeking out Albert Camus’s The Stranger in international bookstores. The festival, themed “Dystopia and Resistance,” featured Murata alongside Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch, marking the tenth edition of the event organized by the Reading Sofia Foundation.
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