When the translator, Naoko Koizumi, asked me if I could edit her English rendition of Dr. Watanabe’s history of the IPPNW, I knew it would be a big project. I also knew that it was something I’d be honored to undertake.

Client: Dr. Susumu Watanabe, a writer, doctor, and longtime member of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW).

Project Description: Edit the complete English translation of his latest book.

The Inside Scoop

When the translator, Naoko Koizumi, asked me if I could edit her English rendition of Dr. Watanabe’s history of the IPPNW, I knew it would be a big project. I also knew that it was something I’d be honored to undertake.

Anytime I can contribute to a peace or justice related project, I’m always thrilled. Koizumi-san is one of the best Japanese/English translators in Hiroshima, and was a pleasure to work with. Her thoroughness and dedication to accuracy never ceased to impress me. Together we combed the pages of Dr. Watanabe’s work and did our best to make the translation as true to the original text as possible while reading naturally in English.

Japanese sentences frequently use an implied subject, and as a result often find their closest English match in the passive voice. But of course, the passive voice doesn’t make for good reading in English, so a lot of my work involved restructuring passive sentences into active voice.

In the end, I edited the entire 35,670 word manuscript and proofread it twice. It’s always a pleasure to work with passionate peace advocates. Koizumi-san and Dr. Watanabe were wonderful throughout the project.

My Favorite Part

Helping to make the history of this extraordinary anti-war organization available to English-speaking audiences.