Hanako Muraoka, Translator of “Anne of Green Gables”
Posted by
prangecollection on
August 31, 2014 in
Treasures
One of the NHK’s current TV programs, “Hanako and Anne” (花子とアン) has been a big success since its start in March 2014. This program is based on a biography of Hanako Muraoka (1893–1968), who is a celebrated translator of
Anne of Green Gables, a bestselling 1908 novel written by a Canadian author, Lucy Maud Montgomery.
Hanako was not only a talented translator but also a prolific writer, which was exemplified by an array of her works held by the Prange Collection. She wrote a number of children’s books, and seventeen of them, including “
Tanpopo no Me (Dandelion’s eyes)” featured in the TV program, are accessible in full text at the
Prange Children’s Digital Collection.
In addition, she wrote a wide variety of essays, which reveal her strong belief in women’s social advancement. For example, in “
Ame no naka no Bisho [Smile in rain] (PL-53752),” she emphasized the importance of women’s political involvement by pursuing female suffrage, which was implemented in 1945 in Japan. In another essay, “
Kokoro no Mado kara [From the Window of the Heart] (PL-53755),” she highlighted the significance of equal partnership between husband and wife in order to form a modern democratic family. Hanako also demonstrated her strong Christian identity in her writing. As educated by missionary women, she depicted her dedication to Christian faith in one of her novels, “
Midori no Shima [Green Island] (PL-53758).”
In addition to her essay writing, Hanako published translation books of “Knight Errant” by a Pulitzer Prize winner, Margaret Widdemer (PZ-9001g), and “Blossomy Cottage” by Montanye Perry (PS-9003g). A wide array of Hanako’s works uncover her creative talent for writing and help us construct an alternative image of Hanako Muraoka distinct from the ones formed in the TV program.
