The Japanese series Akage no An (Red-Haired Anne)

As popular as Anne of Green Gables is in Japan, the novel’s Japanese translator, Hanako Muraoka, has a following in her own right. Nimbus Publishing has announced an English translation of her bestselling biography, written by her granddaughter Eri Muraoka. Publication is expected for spring 2021.

Anne’s Cradle tells Muraoka’s story of growing up in poverty in Japan, becoming a popular children’s radio host, and her personal conflict during the Second World War between her loyalty to her country and to her Canadian friends. A Canadian missionary in Muraoka’s circle introduced her to Anne of Green Gables in 1939, and she worked on the translation through the Second World War. The book was published in 1952 as Red-Haired Anne and became a bestseller that went on to be added to the Japanese school curriculum.

Eri Muraoka (left) and Cathy Hirano

Her biography was published in Japan in 2014 and has already been adapted into a popular Japanese television series. The English edition will be translated by Cathy Hirano, known for her work on the Marie Kondo books. The deal was arranged through Toyko’s Japan UNI Agency.