The Heike Story: A Modern Translation of the Classic Tale of Love and War

Rating:
Summary: Another Classic Yoshikawa
Review: First, I'll say that this book is fantastic. The plot and storyline fascinating. Yoshikawa is a great storyteller. However, I deplore the translation. In the copy of the book that I found, entire chapters were taken out of the book to supposedly accomodate someone unfamiliar with japanese language, culture, history, and geography. I was disgusted by the fact that this classic novel was butchered so bad. As a previous review explains, sushi is renamed "rice balls" and sake is renamed "wine". I've never been to japan, but i can speak it a bit, and through reading alot of japanese novels I have come to have a very good understanding of its geography and history. Had they left everything in, an ignorant reader could have just not paid attention to geography, historical significance, etc. But instead, someone who loves and admires japan and wishes to receive the fullest experience like me feels robbed.

Rating:
Summary: GREAT story, bad translation
Review: First, I'll say that this book is fantastic. The plot and storyline fascinating. Yoshikawa is a great storyteller. However, I deplore the translation. In the copy of the book that I found, entire chapters were taken out of the book to supposedly accomodate someone unfamiliar with japanese language, culture, history, and geography. I was disgusted by the fact that this classic novel was butchered so bad. As a previous review explains, sushi is renamed "rice balls" and sake is renamed "wine". I've never been to japan, but i can speak it a bit, and through reading alot of japanese novels I have come to have a very good understanding of its geography and history. Had they left everything in, an ignorant reader could have just not paid attention to geography, historical significance, etc. But instead, someone who loves and admires japan and wishes to receive the fullest experience like me feels robbed.

Rating:
Summary: A great story with an out-of-date translation
Review: I live in Kyoto, Japan and I speak a fair amount of Japanese and EVEN I am having trouble following this book.

The original Japanese version assumed that the reader would be familiar with the geography, society and politics of Kyoto. The translator simply translated the sotry without filling the English-speaking reader in.

Without a great deal of familiarity with Japanese history, names, language and politics a reader will not follow this book.

Rating:
Summary: A great story with an out-of-date translation
Review: Like others reviewing this novel, I've significant experience in Japan. And, like other Yoshikawa novels it is a wonderful mechanism for looking back on the Japan of legend. As with any good historical fiction, the historic details and culture are correct and well presented.

My argument is with the translation. If we are referring to the same translation (published by Kodansha many years ago, I believe) it is a problem of the translator glossing over matters which he feels may be beyond the comprehension or the interest of the reader. Sushi is referred to as 'rice balls', sake becomes 'wine', etc. One feels that many details are missing. Partially, I suspect, it was a product of its times, when interest in Japanese culture was not so great.

I'd love to read a modern translation, say by the translator of Yoshikwa's 'Musashi'.

Regardless, it is a good read and is a window back into a unique and compelling culture.

Rating:
Summary: Another Classic Yoshikawa
Review: This is another great book by Yoshikawa and would recommend to any readers interested in Japanese history and warfare.

Some readers may not like the translation. Many words have been translated into their actual meanings, e.g. "sushi" to "rice ball"; "sake" to "wine"; "geisha" to "dancing girls" etc., instead of throwing in well known Japanese terms. But I don't find this a problem, the translator was being consistent all the way.

The translation is, however, weak in the explanation of titles and posts, e.g. "General of the Imperial Guards" = "Shogun?"; "Minister of the Left"; "Councilor". If the tranlation had included an appendix for the titles and posts, it will surely make the book a more enjoyable read.

Notwithstanding, I don't think readers will require much knowledge regarding Japanese culture and history to enjoy this book.

Hope to see more books by Yoshikawa translated into English. Will be nice to have "Yoritomo of the Genji" translated into English too, it being a companion book for "The Heike Story" and continues the story to the creation of the Kamakura Shogunate.