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 noted for her 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 are available in over 30 languages. The conversation began with welcoming remarks from the Japanese Ambassador to Bulgaria, Chikahisa Sumi. Murata’s novels frequently examine the contemporary trends of homogeneity and uniformity.
She discussed how the concept of “individuality” can be distorted, potentially leading to authoritarianism and violence. The panel also referenced George Orwell’s 1984, noting the persistent exclusion within even individualistic societies. Murata’s characters often display a quiet resistance by opting not to fully participate in the existing system.
The discussion covered the relationship between dystopia and ambiguity in her writing. When questioned about transgressing literary taboos, Murata stated that she feels no constraints on her subject matter, comparing her writing process to a laboratory. She concluded by mentioning her habit of seeking out Albert Camus’s The Stranger in bookstores worldwide.
The festival, themed “Dystopia and Resistance,” featured Murata alongside Paul Lynch, the 2023 Booker Prize winner, and included various literary events for the public.
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