Literary Translator - Sarah Van Camp

Sarah Van Camp, translator of multiple Japanese literary works, reflects her time as a MEXT scholarship student.

Name: Sarah Van Camp

Alma mater (university): KU Leuven 

Current affiliation: Free-lance literary translator

Where did you study in Japan ((1)university name (2) city located in): Waseda University, Tokyo

General atmosphere of the city you stayed in: exciting, cosmopolitan, avant-guard, safe, buoyant, joyful 

Research theme: Japanese women’s literature

Period of studying in Japan:
1,5 years. October 1991-March 1993

• What is your background leading up to Studying in Japan, and what is your background till now (after your study in Japan)?

Love of Japanese literature, which I first read in translation (Mishima, Kawabata, Tanizaki,…) and of the Japanese language, which I started studying for fun with the help of a self-study language course of Linguaphone, lead me to enrol in the Japanese studies programme of Leuven University in 1987. My graduation thesis was a narratological analysis of works by Fumiko Enchi and a translation of one of her short stories. Thanks to the MEXT Study programme I was able to live and study in Japan as an exchange student at Waseda University. At the language school I was able to improve my language skills and I was able to follow seminars at the masters programme in Japanese literature. The access to Waseda’s wonderful library gave me the opportunity to delve deeply into works by Japanese women writers of the early 20^th century such as Ichiyō Higuchi, Chiyo Uno, Yosano Akiko and contemporary authors, who were up and coming at the time, such as Haruki Murakami and Yoshimoto Banana. Upon returning to Belgium I started working as a translator, interpreter and teacher of basic Japanese, which I combined with work in schools and government institutions. Currently I only work as a literary translator.

 

• What do you think is the appeal of studying in Japan?

The exposure to a different way of life and a different way of thinking about life, which can be deeply inspiring and enriching, in a relatively safe country which honours its arts and traditions, and which is blessed with beautiful natural surroundings, kind people and great food.
 

• What is your current connetion with Japan?

Currently I am working as a literary translator of theatre pieces, children’s books and novels by Japanese authors (Toshiki Okada, Noriko Kudō, Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Syō Ishida and Noriko Morishita). Over the years I have developed friendships with Japanese people both in Belgium and in Japan.
 

• Could you leave a message for those considering to study in Japan or applying for the MEXT Scholarship?

Keep an open mind and an open heart and be respectful towards your hosts.