The Japanese version of the Harry Potter novel has proven highly successful. (Say-zan-sha Publications)

J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (U.S. title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone), which became a bestseller upon its 1997 release in Britain and has garnered numerous awards, was published in Japanese in December 1999. The translation quickly found its way onto the top 10 lists of major bookstores; in its first three months, as of March 3, 2000, it had sold some 380,000 copies. Very few children's books in recent years have been as widely popular in Japan.

A Riveting Read for Young and Old Alike
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone has sold more than 8 million copies around the world, including translations. But whereas the novel is classified in most countries as a children's book, in Japan it is not specifically categorized as such. This is largely because Yuko Matsuoka--the translator and publisher of the Japanese version--felt that the work was enjoyable for people of all ages and preferred to have it sold alongside other books for adults, hoping to reach a wider audience.

In Japan, as in other countries, children's books are displayed separately from books geared for older readers. If Harry Potter had been classified as a children's book, it may not have won nearly as much attention as it has from adults. The book's success owes much to the decision to treat it like any other book for general readers.

Yuko Matsuoka has pursued a career in conference interpreting for over 30 years, but Harry Potter is her first work as a translator. She was introduced to the book by British friends in fall 1998 and instantly fell in love with it. Even though a major Japanese publisher had already been applying for the translating and publishing rights, she negotiated single-handedly with J.K. Rowling's agent. Her enthusiasm for the job won her the rights. Matsuoka says the Japanese just came flowing into her mind as she read the original, so it is no wonder that the quality of her translation has been praised by critics.

Harry's Powerful Charm
Harry Potter is a boy who lives a miserable and oppressed life with his abominable uncle, aunt, and cousin until one day he learns that he is a wizard. His tale will be spun in seven volumes, each depicting a year of his life at a school of witchcraft and wizardry. The third volume was published in Britain in July 1999, and two months later in the United States. The first three volumes are said to have sold a grand total of about 28 million copies worldwide.

Just what is it about this story that has spellbound so many people around the world? Matsuoka says it is "a solid and epic plot, finely etched details, a captivating charm, and a thrilling read that just won't let you close the book." One Japanese literary critic, meanwhile, observes that "realistic details suggestive of made-in-Hollywood special effects woven in with a cartoon-like, swiftly unfolding story line and video-game-like elements" may be the key.

In Japan, the second volume is scheduled to go on sale around fall 2000, and the third volume sometime in 2001. There is already a Japanese fan club on the Web. With talk of a Hollywood movie coming out around summer 2001, moreover, it looks as though Harry's magic spell is set to strengthen its hold on Japan and the world.

Copyright (c) 2000 Japan Information Network. Edited by Japan Echo Inc. based on domestic Japanese news sources. Articles presented here are offered for reference purposes and do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the Japanese Government.

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