Japanese author Sayaka Murata recently visited Bulgaria for the Literary Talks Festival, held at Sofia’s City Stage. The discussion, moderated by literary critic Darin Tenev and interpreted by Albena Todorova, featured Murata, a leading figure in contemporary Japanese literature. Her works, including Convenience Store Woman and Earthlings, have been translated into several languages, and her novel Shoumetsu sekai is a finalist for the Locus Award 2026.
During the event, which opened with remarks from the Japanese Ambassador to Bulgaria, the conversation centered on Murata’s frequent critique of global trends toward homogeneity. She discussed how the concept of “individuality” can be distorted, potentially leading to authoritarianism, drawing comparisons to George Orwell’s 1984. The discussion explored the theme of resistance, noting that Murata’s characters often resist modern systems not through overt action, but through quiet refusal to participate fully.
Murata addressed the boundaries of her craft when asked about transgressing taboos, stating that her writing process feels like a “laboratory with a vivarium.” She emphasized that her writing is driven by an impulse, stating, “If something is to kill me, I want it to be novels.”
The festival, themed “Dystopia and Resistance,” is a major literary event that also featured Irish writer Paul Lynch. The event showcased the depth of modern literary discourse, involving multiple discussions, readings, and international participation. The visit provided Bulgarian audiences with an in-depth look at the thematic concerns of a globally recognized literary voice.
Topics: #sayaka #murata #literary
