393. Unlocking the World of Manga and Japanese Culture with Zack Davisson

The Sifu Mimi Chan Show

In this episode, we dive deep into the intricate world of Japanese manga and literature with the brilliant Zack Davisson, an esteemed translator and writer known for his insightful work on Japanese culture.

‌Zack’s journey through the realms of manga and books, coupled with his profound understanding of Japan, offers a unique perspective on the power of interpretation and the responsibilities that come with it.

The art of translation goes beyond words. Zack’s approach to translation isn’t merely converting words from one language to another. For Zack, it’s about capturing the essence of the story and the cultural nuances that make Japanese manga so unique. He emphasized the importance of understanding the context in which these stories were created to deliver an authentic experience to the readers.

Having lived in Japan for 8 years, Zack shares fascinating insights providing a window into the country’s values and beliefs. Whether you’re a fan of manga and anime or simply curious about Japanese culture, I’m sure you will find this conversation as fascinating as I did.

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Discussed in this episode:

Ultimate Guide to Japanese Yokai

Ultimate X-Men

Seventh Samurai

Jet Program

Dark Horse Comics

Nara, Japan

Drawn and Quarterly

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About Zack

Zack Davisson is an award-winning translator, writer, and folklorist. He is the author of The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Yokai, Kaibyo The Supernatural Cats of Japan, Yurei the Japanese Ghost, The Art of Star Wars Visions, and Manga: A Visual Guide. He co-writes Ultimate X-Men with Peach Momoko for Marvel Comics.

Zack has translated globally renowned manga such as Go Nagai’s Devilman and Cutie Honey, Leiji Matsumoto’s Space Battleship Yamato and Captain Harlock, and Satoshi Kon’s Opus. He translates Shigeru Mizuki‘s work such as Kitaro and Showa: A History of Japan, and currently translates Record of Lodoss War and Cat + Gamer.

Zack lectured on manga, folklore, and translation at Duke University, Annapolis Naval Academy, Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia, UCLA, and the University of Washington and contributed to exhibitions at the Museum of International Folkart, Wereldmuseum Rotterdam, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Zack lives in Seattle, WA with his wife Miyuki, dog Mochi, cat Shere Khan, and several ghosts.

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

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Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be. Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn-out run-on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention. Be lenient, please.

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