Monkey Brain Sushi: New Tastes in Japanese Fiction
The clearest introduction to Birnbaum's own editorial and literary work.
Author guide
Alfred Birnbaum Books in Order
Alfred Birnbaum (born 1955) is an American literary and cultural translator who was raised in Japan and has worked as a freelance translator since 1980. He is known for translating contemporary Japanese fiction, including works by Haruki Murakami, and Burmese literature. His authored and edited books include the anthology Monkey Brain Sushi, the co-authored humor book Zen for Cats, and a substantial contribution to the architectural study Myanmar Style. He has taught creative writing and translation at Waseda University.
literary translationcontemporary Japanese fictionBurmese literatureliterary nonfictionhumorarchitecture and design
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Novels (2)
- Zen for Cats: Teachings of the Zen Cat Masters
illustrated humor nonfiction · 1993
- Myanmar Style: Art, Architecture and Design of Burma
nonfiction · 1998
Edited works (1)
- Monkey Brain Sushi: New Tastes in Japanese Fiction
edited anthology · 1991
Cyberpunk, sci-fi and erotica all meld together in this collection of cutting-edge short stories. The authors tend towards near-zero emotional chill, stunned urbanity and a shiny kind of violence.
Frequently asked questions about Alfred Birnbaum
Who is Alfred Birnbaum?
Alfred Birnbaum is an American literary and cultural translator, born in the United States in 1955 and raised in Japan from age five. He has worked as a freelance translator since 1980.
Source: jlpp.go.jp (opens in a new tab)
What languages and cultures have shaped Alfred Birnbaum’s career?
Birnbaum’s work has been shaped primarily by Japanese and Burmese language and culture. He has lived extensively in Japan and spent about six years in Myanmar, where he also translated from Burmese.
Sources: wordswithoutborders.org (opens in a new tab)asialiteraryagency.org (opens in a new tab)
What is Alfred Birnbaum best known for?
He is best known for translating contemporary Japanese literature into English, especially the early fiction of Haruki Murakami. He has also translated writers including Miyuki Miyabe, Natsuki Ikezawa, and Nu Nu Yi.
Sources: jlpp.go.jp (opens in a new tab)wordswithoutborders.org (opens in a new tab)
What awards has Alfred Birnbaum received?
His co-translation of Haruki Murakami’s Underground won the 2001 Sasakawa Foundation Translation Award. His Burmese translation of Smile as They Bow was shortlisted for the 2007 Man Asian Literary Prize.
What is Alfred Birnbaum’s legacy in bringing Japanese literature to English readers?
Birnbaum is often credited with helping introduce Haruki Murakami to the English-speaking world through his early translations. His work helped make contemporary Japanese fiction more accessible to international readers.
Sources: repositori.urv.cat (opens in a new tab)blog.pureinventionbook.com (opens in a new tab)