The European Dream in Japanese Words
Translating and Bringing European Picture Books to Japan
What We Do
We help European publishers bring their picture books to the Japanese market with clarity, care, and cultural understanding.
Translation
We translate stories into natural, emotionally resonant Japanese, preserving the original tone, rhythm, and atmosphere.
Cultural Adaptation
We adapt expressions and nuances so that they feel intuitive and meaningful for Japanese readers, especially children.
Market Introduction
We support the introduction of each title to the Japanese market, helping publishers reach a new audience with a clear and thoughtful approach.
Editorial Sensitivity
From wording to flow, we consider how each story is read and experienced, ensuring a seamless transition across languages and cultures.
Why Work With Us
01
A Native Voice with Cultural Insight
As a native Japanese speaker based in Europe, we understand both the language and the cultural context behind each story. This allows us to create translations that feel truly natural to Japanese readers while remaining faithful to the original work.
02
Beyond Translation
We go further than direct translation. By carefully adapting tone, rhythm, and nuance, we ensure that each story resonates emotionally with its new audience—especially in children’s literature, where subtlety matters.
03
A Clear Bridge to the Japanese Market
From translation to introduction, we provide a clear path for publishers to enter the Japanese market. With a thoughtful and selective approach, we help each title find its place and reach the right audience.
Hi,
I'm Akira Joe
I am a translator and writer based in Italy, originally from Japan.
My work focuses on bringing European stories into Japanese with care, sensitivity, and a deep respect for their original tone. I believe that translation is not simply about words, but about preserving atmosphere, rhythm, and the quiet nuances that give a story its life.
Living between cultures, I approach each project with both a native understanding of Japanese language and a close familiarity with European sensibilities. This allows me to create translations that feel natural, authentic, and emotionally resonant for Japanese readers—especially children.
In addition to translation, I also work on adapting and introducing works to the Japanese market, supporting publishers in reaching a new audience with clarity and intention.
I am also the author of Jean-Paul the Captain, a picture book inspired by the quiet beauty of everyday life by the sea.
Through ehon.store, my aim is to build lasting collaborations with European publishers and to bring meaningful stories across borders—carefully, thoughtfully, and with respect for both cultures.
Author, Translator &
Founder of ehon.store
Why Japan?
Pilot Project
Jean-Paul’s Day is a quiet picture book about the small rituals of everyday life.
Jean-Paul, an old captain with a white beard, lives on a small boat on a tiny river.
Every morning begins the same way — coffee, the sound of water, and the slow rhythm of the day.
Through gentle humor and calm observations, the story celebrates the beauty of simple moments.
The project is designed as a poetic picture book for children, but it also speaks to adult readers.
