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

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. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it on your platform of choice and share it with others! If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Mimi Chan on Patreon. Thanks for the support! For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan Discussed in this episode: Ultimate Guide to Japanese Yokai Ultimate X-Men Seventh Samurai Jet Program Dark Horse Comics Nara, Japan Drawn and Quarterly ‌ 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,