In Memory of Howard Hibbit


Howard Hibbit: June 27, 1920 - March 13, 2019



I was sharing some of my works throughout Golden Week and it was brought to my attention by @therealcornjob on twitter that one of Tanizaki's main translator's, Prof Howard Hibbit, had just recently passed away at the amazing age of 98.

 I have enjoyed numerous chances to speak with and interview translators over the last few years, and it is something I find wonderful and enlightening. I won't get the chance to speak to Dr. Hibbit, so instead, I'll give my thanks, a small bio, and my thoughts on the works I've read.

 Harvard educated, from undergrad to doctorate, with a small break to work as a language specialist during the war. Hibbit then went on to work at UCLA before returning to teach at Harvard.
Some of his major translations (Wiki) include:






I have read The Diary of a Mad Old Man and The Key, and both are exceptional works of odd erotic aging. Maybe that seems like an odd description, but I assure you, it's spot on, and if it intrigues you give them a look... and if it makes you cringe, maybe avoid them (at your loss).

I also have Quicksand as well as Beauty and Sadness on my shelf and hope to read them very soon.

As a pioneer in early J-lit translations I think anyone who enjoys this blog will join me in thanking Dr. Hibbit and saying how happy it is to see such a man enjoy a good long life.

I encourage everyone to pick up one of his books whenever you get a chance, and comment below on on my twitter @fulltimerinjp.

RIP
Professor Howard Hibbit

Can you name them all? A murderers row of the J-lit/translators community.






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