Past Resident

Asuka Goto

“As an American-born, biracial woman, I have always had a slightly awkward relationship with my Japanese father. Although he speaks English and I have studied Japanese, certain language and cultural barriers still exist between us. My dad is a writer, but until recently, I hadn’t read any of his work, as my Japanese reading comprehension – despite years of schooling – is relatively poor.

Three years ago, I became interested in the idea of translating one of his novels, both to satisfy a basic curiosity and as a way of acknowledging and attempting to bridge the space that exists between us.”