Japanese author Sayaka Murata visited Bulgaria for the first time during the Literary Talks Festival held at Sofia’s City Stage (April 23–25). The discussion was moderated by literary critic Darin Tenev, with interpretations provided by Albena Todorova. Murata, recognized as a leading figure in contemporary Japanese literature, has seen her works, including Convenience Store Woman and Earthlings, translated into Bulgarian by Colibri Publishing House.
Her novel, Shoumetsu sekai (Vanishing World), is currently a finalist for the Locus Award 2026 in the Translated Novel category. During the session, the Japanese Ambassador to Bulgaria, Chikahisa Sumi, offered welcoming remarks. Murata’s writing frequently examines the trends of homogeneity and uniformity in modern society.
She discussed her interest in the concept of “individuality,” noting how its distortion can lead to authoritarianism and violence, a theme echoed when discussing George Orwell’s 1984. The conversation explored how Murata’s characters demonstrate quiet resistance by refusing to fully participate in contemporary systems. This resistance, however, often contains inherent dangers, a dynamic she explores in works such as Sekai 99 (World 99).
The literary discussion also touched upon the relationship between traditional storytelling and modern dystopia. When questioned about transgressing taboos in her novels, Murata stated that her writing process is akin to a laboratory where various human elements assemble themselves. Murata concluded by mentioning her habit of rereading Albert Camus’ The Stranger in any foreign bookstore.
The festival, themed “Dystopia and Resistance,” featured Murata alongside Paul Lynch, the 2023 Booker Prize winner, highlighting the depth of the current international literary exchange.
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