Ukrainian translation of Empress Michiko’s book released in Japan

“Liudmyla, how did this idea originate, and how was it brought to fruition?”

“When I first read the book, I immediately felt like translating it into Ukrainian. To me as a writer and human being who values a good book above all else, the author’s reflections seemed very close and evoked feelings of harmony and tenderness in my soul. I wrote to her Highness and soon received her permission to translate the book.”

“Why has the book been published in Japan?”

“Initially we planned to publish the book in Ukraine, but it turned out that all rights to publish the works by her Highness belong to a single Japanese publishing house, Suemori Books, which publishes all of her books in the same format, using a certain design and paper, etc. After all, publishing a book by a royal personage is to some extent a ceremonial and political act.”

“What makes you think that the Ukrainian reader will be interested to read the reflections of the Japanese empress?”

“In brief, the essence of the work can be defined as an ode to the book, and Ukrainians, in my view, are among the world’s greatest bibliophiles, for whom reading has always been and, I’m certain, will always be among their most cherished spiritual needs. Moreover, this is a book about peace, which should be the ultimate objective for humanity in its constant striving to reach the heights of progress and knowledge. This is a book about the tender soul of a child, so vulnerable and delicate, about how this soul needs to be protected and filled with the goodness and the light of knowledge. This is a book about culture — the determining substance of the spiritual life of people, about how important it is to get to know the origins of one’s national identity and always be open to what is common to all. Without doubt, the author’s reflections will touch a chord in the hearts of Ukrainians.”

“What place do you think tradition occupies in the hierarchy of spiritual values of mankind?”

“I will answer briefly: culture is tradition. These two notions are inseparable and, as I see it, almost synonymous, since culture always stems from tradition, the past, a certain cult and religious atmosphere, a certain soil in the literal meaning of the word (the culture of chernozem black soil is different from the culture of sand). It remembers its forebears, it preserves the bond between generations. To some extent it is the only immortal substance on this earth. It is tradition that gives one a feeling of ancestry, which her highness addressed in her book.”

“Since culture is immortal, then will humanity realize its spiritual potential neither in politics, economics, nor in technical advancement, but in culture alone?”

“Absolutely. The whole history of world culture is graphic evidence of this: temples, pyramids, cathedrals, splendid collections of paintings and works of art, along with, finally, the architecture of cities: isn’t all this a monument to the creative genius of the past? Can you imagine Kyiv without St. Sophia and the Monastery of the Caves? This would be a completely different, orphaned city. St. Sophia sort of identifies Kyiv as the heart of Kyivan Rus’ and is a constant reminder of its importance and long history.

“In Japan, not only individual rich people, but whole companies, concerns, and banks understand that culture and art alone are the bridge to eternity, the only way to leave a mark on history and join the colossal spiritual substance of world culture. How can this be done? Through collecting works of art, opening museums, building theaters, concert halls, conservatories, art academies, libraries, etc. It seems to me that at present Japan has more masterpieces of world culture than any other country.

“Once, after a concert by a Ukrainian folk choir in Vienna, Finnish Ambassador Rene Niberg (now ambassador to Russia) told me: ‘You know, dozens of wise books will not give you such a complete and profound idea about your people as its songs.’ He was no doubt right. Culture is humanity’s only information code of the past.”

“Is tradition alive in Ukraine as much as it is, say, in Japan, where even the prime minister sometimes wears national clothes to government sessions?”

“Indeed, Mr. Koidzumi loves national garments. As for Ukraine, its tradition is alive as much as its rich culture.”

“Unfortunately, neither our garments nor varenyky have become international brands like kimonos or sushi. Why?”

“The answer to this question can be found in a wonderful book, Ukrayina Incognita, published by The Day on the initiative of Larysa Ivshyna, which I read with great pleasure and consider it a must-read for everyone.”

“So what should we do to popularize Ukraine abroad?”

“In my view, Ukraine should launch a large-scale, long-term, and well-funded public relations project aimed at shaping the nation’s image both within the country and beyond its borders. Take China, for example. Dozens of films shot in Hollywood with Chinese money starring the unsurpassed Jackie Chan leave their imprint on the consciousness of millions of viewers — striking image of a good, wise, charming, and invincible Chinese superman.”

“Meanwhile, we do not have to think anything up: the people has created its own supermen, say, the fairy-tale hero Kotyhoroshko.”

“I understand very well that Hollywood is, so to say, the ultimate PR. But we must do whatever we can do ourselves: shoot dozens of short films featuring our art, cathedrals, nature, and even simple landscapes (which are now very popular in Japan), everything that emphasizes our national identity. And we must attempt to have the world’s most popular television companies air them.”

“Let’s hope that Ukraine will find its philanthropists who think in global terms and will start this difficult albeit very necessary work. And now, getting back to the book of her Highness, would you tell us about the presentation of this major Ukrainian-Japanese project in the sphere of culture that was recently held in Osaka.”

“The public presentation of the book turned into a real celebration of art and literature. Gifted young composer Tanaka Takasi composed a special musical accompaniment for the ceremony. Celebrated actress Yamada Nobu acted out fragments from the book in the Japanese language. To the applause of the audience the emcee read out a letter from the Japanese Foreign Minister, Mrs. Yoriko Kavahuchi. Young soloists performed arias by Japanese and foreign composers, and a young violinist, laureate of international contests Rika Nahayi enchanted the audience with their masterly performance of Brahms.

“I gave many autographs. Some readers brought five to ten books each and explained that a book by her Highness is the best possible gift for relatives and friends. The atmosphere was one of warmth, cordiality, and interest in Ukraine, and this couldn’t help but fill one with happiness and optimism.”

“Thank you for an interesting interview. We wish equal success to your book of poetry The Magic Sea Shell, translated into Japanese.”