Mineo Takamura, Professor of School of International Studies, Gives Presentation on Translation and Sound in J. D. Salinger's Works at European Network for Short Fiction Research Conference

Professor Mineo Takamura of the School of International Studies presented a paper at the European Network for Short Fiction Research Conference, held in Arras, France, from June 10 to 12, 2026. His presentation explored the role of sound in Japanese translations of J. D. Salinger’s short stories.

Founded in 2014 by literary scholars from across Europe, the European Network for Short Fiction Research is a relatively young academic association that holds an annual conference organized around a specific theme. The 2026 conference focused primarily on magazines and newspapers as important publication venues for short fiction. Twenty-five scholars from ten countries gathered to present their research and engage in discussion.

Professor Takamura delivered his paper during an afternoon panel on June 11, examining how short stories are transformed through the process of translation, and responded to questions from the audience. Although modest in size, the conference fostered exceptionally lively and intellectually engaging discussions, providing an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas on the short story, a literary form that has historically received comparatively limited scholarly attention.