6 Comments
User's avatar
Esgee's avatar

It's Alfred Birnbaum! This was so great. The guy's work is important for translators, for Murakami, and for getting Westerners to read anything at all about Japan that didn't involve the Golden Pavilion or samurai swords. Matt, thank you!

Matt, if you feel like getting Jay Rubin some day too, you've got my pre-thumbs-up. :) I read and reread his Gone Fishin' entry like it was a novella, soaking up the sarcasm, wondering if I was really meant to learn or just be entertained. Wish I'd had him as a language teacher.

Expand full comment
Matt Alt's avatar

Never knew about that book, and wish I'd had it in college, too! I'd love to interview him (or simply talk) but our paths have never crossed.

Expand full comment
Eli K.P. William's avatar

Birnbaum and Murakami roaming Mexico with a helicopter... the makings for a short story of its own.

Expand full comment
Matt Alt's avatar

Totally. Let the fan-fiction commence! :)

Expand full comment
Mark Gutglueck's avatar

Alfred would probably claim not, but he is a bit of an artist himself.

Here is a haiku he wrote:

The mountains fly past

Kids torture a cicada

Its screams fill the car.

Expand full comment
Tim's avatar

Very Interesting. I do agree with you insinuation that maybe he has some responsibility for modern perceptions of Japan. It sounds like his life growing up in Japan back then would make a fascinating read all on it's own. He should consider writing it down one day.

Expand full comment