May 01, 2023
Twelve Kingdoms
The ebook files for the titles discussed below are available at the downloads page. All publication rights remain with the copyright holders.
The Twelve Kingdoms novels have been licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment. Bookstore links will appear when they are published.
For additional commentary about the Twelve Kingdoms and the translation process, see Kate's Interview with a Translator series.
Youko/Keiki
1. Tsuki no Kage, Kage no Umi. My translation: Shadow of the Moon, a Sea of Shadows.
Gyousou/Taiki
Shouryuu/Enki
Higashi no Watatsumi, Nishi no Sokai. My translation: Poseidon of the East, Vast Blue Seas of the West.
Shushou/Kyouki
Short Story Collections
Kasho no Yume. My translation: Dreaming of Paradise.
Non-Woodbury Translations
Translations of Masho no Ko ("The Demon Child") and Kaze no Umi, Meikyu no Kishi ("A Sea of Wind, Shores of the Labyrinth") are available at the Worlds in Translation website. The TokyoPop translation of Tsuki no Kage, Kage no Umi is available here: The Twelve Kingdoms: Sea of Shadow.
The TokyoPop translation of Kaze no Banri, Reimei no Sora is available here: The Twelve Kingdoms: The Skies of Dawn. The TokyoPop translation of Kaze no Umi, Meikyu no Kishi ("A Sea of Wind, Shores of the Labyrinth") is available here: The Twelve Kingdoms: Sea of Wind. The TokyoPop translation of Higashi no Watatsumi, Nishi no Sokai is available here: The Vast Spread of the Seas.
Resources & Other Notes
I've created my own abridged glossary. An overview of the Twelve Kingdoms universe can be found at Wikipedia (English Japanese). The Twelve Kingdoms Wiki has scans of the illustrations and additional artwork.
My go-to resource while translating the novels has been Yoshie Omura's Twelve Kingdoms Room (Japanese). Also see the Twelve Kingdoms Database (Japanese).
Fuyumi Ono borrows much of the political terminology from medieval China. Harvard University's "Dictionary of Official Titles in Imperial China" (PDF) provides useful clues about the English equivalents.
However, we are talking about a fantasy series, so historical translations are not always exact. The organizational charts at Twelve Kingdoms Memo (Japanese) have proved quite helpful.
The NHK anime can be streamed at Tubi and Crunchyroll (regional restrictions may apply). The Blu-ray edition is available from Discotek Media.
The Twelve Kingdoms novels have been licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment. Bookstore links will appear when they are published.
For additional commentary about the Twelve Kingdoms and the translation process, see Kate's Interview with a Translator series.
1. Tsuki no Kage, Kage no Umi. My translation: Shadow of the Moon, a Sea of Shadows.
Keiki chooses Youko as Empress of Kei. (Or as Shashinboku puts it, "Me and my annoying monkey conscience.")
2. Kaze no Banri, Reimei no Sora. My translation: A Thousand Leagues of Wind, the Sky at Dawn.
Youko, Suzu, and Shoukei join forces to defeat corrupt government leaders in Wa Province.
3. Tasogare no Kishi, Akatsuki no Sora. My translation: The Shore in Twilight, the Sky at Daybreak.
Risai escapes to Kei and asks Youko for help rescuing Taiki. Taiki and Youko are contemporaries.
Fuyumi Ono wrote The Demon Child before she started the Twelve Kingdoms series. See link below. She covers some of this material in The Shore in Twilight, The Sky at Daybreak. In Kaze no Umi, Meikyu no Kishi ("A Sea of Wind, Shores of the Labyrinth"), Taiki choose Gyousou as Emperor of Tai. See links below.
1. Tasogare no Kishi, Akatsuki no Sora. My translation: The Shore in Twilight, the Sky at Daybreak.
Risai escapes to Kei and asks Youko for help rescuing Taiki. Taiki and Youko are contemporaries.
2. Shirogane no Oka, Kuro no Tsuki. My translation: Hills of Silver Ruins, a Pitch Black Moon (book I II III IV).
Risai and Taiki return to Tai. They recruit a small band of allies to search for Gyousou and take back the kingdom.
Higashi no Watatsumi, Nishi no Sokai. My translation: Poseidon of the East, Vast Blue Seas of the West.
Enki chooses Shouryuu as Emperor of En. This occurs at the beginning of Japan's Warring States era, several centuries before they meet Youko.
Tonan no Tsubasa. My translation: The Wings of Dreams.
Kyouki chooses Shushou as Empress of Kyou. (Shoukei encounters Shushou in A Thousand Leagues of Wind.)
Kasho no Yume. My translation: Dreaming of Paradise.
- (冬栄) "Winter Splendor" (Touei): takes place in Tai and Ren during The Shore in Twilight, the Sky at Daybreak.
- (乗月) "Jougetsu": takes place in Hou after A Thousand Leagues of Wind, the Sky at Dawn.
- (書簡) "Pen-Pals" (Shokan): takes place in Kei and En after Shadow of the Moon, a Sea of Shadows.
- (華胥) "Dreaming of Paradise" (Kasho): takes place in Sai sometime before A Thousand Leagues of Wind, the Sky at Dawn.
- (帰山) "Kizan": takes place in Ryuu and Sou after A Thousand Leagues of Wind, the Sky at Dawn.
Hisho no Tori. My translation: Hisho's Birds.
- (丕緒の鳥) "Hisho's Birds" (Hisho no Tori): takes place before and shortly after the coronation of Youko as Empress of Kei.
- (落照の獄) "Prison of Dusk" Rakushou no Goku: references to Ryuu and Emperor Chuutatsu suggest the beginning of Youko's reign.
- (青条の蘭) "Blue Orchid" (Seijou no Ran): takes place in En before Rokuta chooses Shouryuu as the next Emperor.
- (風信) "Weather Vane" (Fuushin): takes place during the last days of Empress Yo of Kei, and then following her death.
I've created my own abridged glossary. An overview of the Twelve Kingdoms universe can be found at Wikipedia (English Japanese). The Twelve Kingdoms Wiki has scans of the illustrations and additional artwork.
My go-to resource while translating the novels has been Yoshie Omura's Twelve Kingdoms Room (Japanese). Also see the Twelve Kingdoms Database (Japanese).
Fuyumi Ono borrows much of the political terminology from medieval China. Harvard University's "Dictionary of Official Titles in Imperial China" (PDF) provides useful clues about the English equivalents.
However, we are talking about a fantasy series, so historical translations are not always exact. The organizational charts at Twelve Kingdoms Memo (Japanese) have proved quite helpful.
The NHK anime can be streamed at Tubi and Crunchyroll (regional restrictions may apply). The Blu-ray edition is available from Discotek Media.
Labels: 12 kingdoms, books, crunchyroll, fantasy, japanese, kate, publishing, translations, tubi
Comments
I've really got to thank you for your work! You're my saviour! After the anime ended with a big question mark, I discovered that there were the novels, which actually continued on. However, at that point of time, the only translated ones were in Chinese (which does not help me at all). Spotted books 1 & 2 in English last year, and just gotten book 3 last month (the translation has typos! Are the editors sleeping?) I've just recently discovered your site, and immediately downloaded them all. Awesome stuff! Thanks a lot!
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Thank-you so much for translating the 12 Kingdoms!! It's so hard to get in Australia. I hope that you will translate the rest of the series!! Thanks, again!!!
You are amazing!! Thank you very much for your awesome work! =D
I bought the first 3 volumes of TokyoPop through Amazon and when I was about to order the 4th one I noticed the reviews (the editor mistakes)... One of the reviewers mentioned "free online translation", so I googled it and your website appeared on the 1st entry!
OH you can't imagine how glad I was when I found what you did! I was already reading the Sea of Shadow(s) book, but despite that, I downloaded and started to read your translation as well! And I can sincerely say, I regret I haven't found you earlier. I can't read Japanese and I've never seen the original books, but it is clear to me that your translations are far more accurate and superior when compared to the TokyoPop ones (I am really impressed on the detail you've put into them! Your Notes are priceless!).
I've also sadly noticed on your previous comments that you do not intend to translate anymore volumes... But if by any chance you think about doing it again, please think about Tonan no Tsubasa ("The Wings of Dreams"). It would mean a lot to 12Kmers and I guess you would teach those TokyoPop guys another lesson =)
P.S.: This guy http://protik09.blogspot.com/2009/08/twelve-kingdoms-books-download.html
Pdfed 2 of your translations... But I still prefer your html navigation, it just feels like an online game xD
I bought the first 3 volumes of TokyoPop through Amazon and when I was about to order the 4th one I noticed the reviews (the editor mistakes)... One of the reviewers mentioned "free online translation", so I googled it and your website appeared on the 1st entry!
OH you can't imagine how glad I was when I found what you did! I was already reading the Sea of Shadow(s) book, but despite that, I downloaded and started to read your translation as well! And I can sincerely say, I regret I haven't found you earlier. I can't read Japanese and I've never seen the original books, but it is clear to me that your translations are far more accurate and superior when compared to the TokyoPop ones (I am really impressed on the detail you've put into them! Your Notes are priceless!).
I've also sadly noticed on your previous comments that you do not intend to translate anymore volumes... But if by any chance you think about doing it again, please think about Tonan no Tsubasa ("The Wings of Dreams"). It would mean a lot to 12Kmers and I guess you would teach those TokyoPop guys another lesson =)
P.S.: This guy http://protik09.blogspot.com/2009/08/twelve-kingdoms-books-download.html
Pdfed 2 of your translations... But I still prefer your html navigation, it just feels like an online game xD
Alex, thank you for your generous comments. The PDFs appear to be the ones created by "immi," who did a lot of copyediting on the original postings. "Teschi" created the downloadable HTML files.
Unfortunately, conventional translations of genre fiction eschew footnotes. Though it may be better for me that way, because I could easily spend as much time on the footnotes as the actual text.
Unfortunately, conventional translations of genre fiction eschew footnotes. Though it may be better for me that way, because I could easily spend as much time on the footnotes as the actual text.
Hello Eugene,
Your work was brilliant, i do believe the translation was and is quite a great task. even if Tokyo pop does release the translation, it does not come in accordance to the 12 kingdoms novel. Hence i would like you to make a slight addition as to which sort/chapter falls in which novel. If 7 novels exists for the original 12 kingdoms. IMDB has given us a link to where the animation links to chapters http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0327386/episodes in a similar fashion it would truly help if we know where translation links to chapters. Thanks.
Your work was brilliant, i do believe the translation was and is quite a great task. even if Tokyo pop does release the translation, it does not come in accordance to the 12 kingdoms novel. Hence i would like you to make a slight addition as to which sort/chapter falls in which novel. If 7 novels exists for the original 12 kingdoms. IMDB has given us a link to where the animation links to chapters http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0327386/episodes in a similar fashion it would truly help if we know where translation links to chapters. Thanks.
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Just read your "Shadow of the Moon" translation and it was amazing! Thank you so much for all your hard work, and for making these available!
Thank you for your hard work!!! I bought 4 volumes of JK from Tokyopop, but I do enjoy your translations more. Also, you translated 2 books that Tokyopop did not. Yay!!!!
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Thank you very much for your translations I just finish watching the anime and was happy to find your translations. I was wondering do you plan on ever translating books 3 and 5. Thank you so much for the wonderful work you have done.
A Thousand Leagues of Wind was amazingly done. :) think you should do the other stories of the series. noticed you only translated the books with Youko in them.
eugenewoodbury.com site is not working. if anyone of you will please mail me 12 kingdoms eBook, i really will love it, be delighted n be grateful 2 you. my email id is 'meetpritesh@gmail.com'
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thank you so much. I have read all of your translations and it's awesome. I hope you'll soon find time to tanslate the other volumes...
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Thanks for the great work! I bought the four volumes available from TokyoPop in German and was looking forward to the fifth when I suddenly noticed that the books are not on their list of products anymore...
I kind of stumbled across your page and was thrilled - "Sky at Daybreak" and "Dreams of Paradise" are perfect fodder for my new Sony eBook-Reader :)
Again, thanks a lot!
I kind of stumbled across your page and was thrilled - "Sky at Daybreak" and "Dreams of Paradise" are perfect fodder for my new Sony eBook-Reader :)
Again, thanks a lot!
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Thank you for your translations but will you translate "Sea God in the East, Vast Sea in the West"? it's the one I want to read most but I just can't find it anywhere.
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would like to thank you again Eugene for the great translations and i do so hope you find the spare time to continue the venture :)
thank you for your hard work translating this, but there is one thing i want to ask.
Why do you use King and Empress? Shouldnt it be either King and Queen or Emperor and Empress?
Why do you use King and Empress? Shouldnt it be either King and Queen or Emperor and Empress?
I discuss the question here, though thinking about it now, my inclination would probably be to favor "emperor."
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Thanks you so much! It's heartbreakingly difficult to obtain 12 Kingdoms material in my area, I can't tell you how grateful I am for your translations!
WHOA THANK YOU!! XD
I just want to ask though. I've been wondering if I can read this book.
What level would you say these books are? (gradeschool, middle school, junior high, senior high, college)
I also saw that they re-released these books! I think with a different publisher Shinchosha :D
New short stories.. hopefully also a whole novel ^^
I just want to ask though. I've been wondering if I can read this book.
What level would you say these books are? (gradeschool, middle school, junior high, senior high, college)
I also saw that they re-released these books! I think with a different publisher Shinchosha :D
New short stories.. hopefully also a whole novel ^^
oops.. upon further net searching, I find out that the 2 short stories were published before. 2008 and 2009. :| Oh well.. I hope they continue it ^^
Thank you Eugene, it's so nice of you to provide this translated novel to us. I'm really really grateful for your hard work. I've watch the anime but it's not explain about Taiki disappearance, so I'm very curious about it. And thanks God there is a kind enough man to bring out the light when it's dark. Hahahaha.
Any way, thanks a lot. (^^)
Any way, thanks a lot. (^^)
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Thank you for your translations. I hope you can also translate the book about Shouryu/Enki. I've been looking for its translation but I can't find it anywhere:(
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I just want to say thank you for translating these novels. You've given me much pleasure for years from enabling me to read and reread these novels.
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Thank you so much for these wonderful translations. I've been a 12 Kingdoms fan since I saw the anime, and I bought the English translated books right when they came out. I was devastated when I found out that they wouldn't be publishing the rest. I had believed that I would go forever not knowing what happened to Taiki. So thank you so much. I have just one suggestions for your website. One of the things I like about the novels are the illustrations. Do you have the illustrations for the last three books, and if you do, could you post them on your website? It would be awesome, since I love seeing what the different creatures look like.
Once again, thank you for all you do.
Once again, thank you for all you do.
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Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful translation!
I've been dying to read these novels since watching the anime series ^0^
I've been dying to read these novels since watching the anime series ^0^
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Thank you from the bottom of my heart <3 for your translation and share them with us ..I was looking for a long time and have lost hope that I find
But is final and the absence of any sequel to the novel? ... I hope desperately to find out what happened in the Kingdom of Tai
And I repeat, thank you for your outstanding efforts and wonderful
I wish you the best luck and success =)
But is final and the absence of any sequel to the novel? ... I hope desperately to find out what happened in the Kingdom of Tai
And I repeat, thank you for your outstanding efforts and wonderful
I wish you the best luck and success =)
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Thank you so much for translating this for us. I know I appreciate it greatly! Especially since I started the anime and was never able to get ahold of the rest of the dvds. I have volumes 1-3. Thank you again.
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Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into translating the series!!! Thank you sooo sooo very much!! I've always been a fan of Ono Fuyumi's works ever since I saw Ghost Hunt and the twelve Kingdoms. When the anime ended without revealing anything more about Taiki, I was really sad, especially because Tokyopop did not continue the english scanlations :(
But when I found this website two days ago, I was literally leaping with joy!! I've finished reading Aili's translation of the Demonic Child and started this series from the beginning. This is such a wonderful series and I am so thankful to you for translating it!! Thank you so much!!
But when I found this website two days ago, I was literally leaping with joy!! I've finished reading Aili's translation of the Demonic Child and started this series from the beginning. This is such a wonderful series and I am so thankful to you for translating it!! Thank you so much!!
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Thank you so much for translating this.
are you going to translate another Twelve Kingdom after "Tonan no Tsubasa" finished ?
are you going to translate another Twelve Kingdom after "Tonan no Tsubasa" finished ?
I love your work on Tonan no Tsubasa. I had always been anticipating it every week. It was great read and well translated. I wonder if there is some kind of epilogue or story where it shows how Shushou handled her first few years especially since she was a runaway and a kid :). Cheers. Well done :3
I can't thank you enough for these translations. After Kodansha USA has been sitting on the Twelve Kingdoms' publishing rights for ever 2 years without doing anything, I had despaired of ever being able to read the rest of Fuyumi Ono's epic.
If you could ever translate Hisho no Tori, that would be great. No pressure though, as I'm plenty grateful for what you've already put so much labor into translating already.
If you could ever translate Hisho no Tori, that would be great. No pressure though, as I'm plenty grateful for what you've already put so much labor into translating already.
Hi Eugene, Thank you very much for translating 12 kingdoms, hopefully to read the rest soon. More power to you and god bless. Tiny from Philippines
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Hi, thank you very much for your work. I was going to become crazy with just the first four books and the dropped project.
can you please tell me if since de book 8 there are more books about Kei and Youko?
thank you very much for your work, I don't have enoght words to express my gratitude. really: thank you.
can you please tell me if since de book 8 there are more books about Kei and Youko?
thank you very much for your work, I don't have enoght words to express my gratitude. really: thank you.
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Hi thank you so much for the fine translation... im dying to know what happen to the kingdom of Tai since the story still hanging. What will happen to taiki? Cant he become a kirin again? Does the novel continue to tell the story about them?
Hi. I'm a great fan of both 12k and your translation, and I was really, really happy when I finally stumbled upon it. Thank you so much for your work, you're incredible. It's great to be able to read it. I wish my non-english speaking brethren could read it, since I know quite a few people who had enjoyed the series. Hence I was wondering, would you allow me to translate your translation?(not a great idea, I know, but then again there isn't all that many people in Poland who can actually speak Japanese and would like to translate it directly ._.) I just really want it to be available to read in Polish.
Still, thanks for everything. Really.
Still, thanks for everything. Really.
That's fine with me. My translations aren't "authorized," so I can't speak with any legal authority on the subject. But with that in mind, if you want do a Polish translation based on my translations, please go right ahead.
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Hello, Mr. Eugene.
Thank you for translating Twelve Kingdoms. 'Hope you'll be able to finish translating this wonderful novel. I really appreciate your hard work on translating this. It's hard to find the manga version and the anime left the story hanging. I really want to know what will happen to the other characters and their kingdoms.
Keep up the good work and more power!
Thank you and God bless!
Thank you for translating Twelve Kingdoms. 'Hope you'll be able to finish translating this wonderful novel. I really appreciate your hard work on translating this. It's hard to find the manga version and the anime left the story hanging. I really want to know what will happen to the other characters and their kingdoms.
Keep up the good work and more power!
Thank you and God bless!
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Thanks for the hard work, really appreciate it.
It's rare to find such a good translation of Japanese Novels.
Hope you'll be able to translate all 12K novels.
It's rare to find such a good translation of Japanese Novels.
Hope you'll be able to translate all 12K novels.
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i'm reading your tasogare no kishi translation, in it u mentioned egg-fruit raika, isn't it supposed to be ranka?
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Thanks so much for providing such wonderful translations! May I ask when do you plan to finish translating Higashi no Watatsumi? I am so excited to know how it ends!! Please! I live too far from the US and here these novels aren't sold, so my only way to read them is online. I appreciate very much your effort!
I just found this blog and i already read through the Wings of Dreams. I wanted to thank you for taking your time to translate the books <3
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Thanks a lot for you work! Like other people,even in my country this novel is not sold :(
I have only one question: How can i download The Wings of Dreams and Dreaming of Paradise? in the download page i didn't find them :(
I have only one question: How can i download The Wings of Dreams and Dreaming of Paradise? in the download page i didn't find them :(
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In Shadow of the Moon Book 1 Chapter 17, Makki says to Youko "Got nothing here WHAT's worth being stole".
Shouldn't it be "Got nothing here THAT's worth being stole"?
In Shadow of the Moon Book 1 Chapter 18, there is a sentence that reads "Her long, aching hunger satiated, Youko washed in the hot water, put on clean nightclothes."
Not sure if that comma splice after "water" is intentional.
Anyhow, thanks for the most fantastic Japanese to English translation of one of the best fantasy series ever written.
Shouldn't it be "Got nothing here THAT's worth being stole"?
In Shadow of the Moon Book 1 Chapter 18, there is a sentence that reads "Her long, aching hunger satiated, Youko washed in the hot water, put on clean nightclothes."
Not sure if that comma splice after "water" is intentional.
Anyhow, thanks for the most fantastic Japanese to English translation of one of the best fantasy series ever written.
In chapter 17, I'm attempting a regional dialect (hence the missing past participle). The grammar in that sentence in chapter 18 was definitely on the clumsy side so I rewrote it. Thanks.
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The following are all suggestions/questions for Shadow of the Moon.
In Chapter 24:
Youko says to the blue monkey spirit, "How could know anything about what happened there?"
Is it intentional to leave out the "you" after "how"?
In Chapter 25:
"If there was one thing she wished she had done differently, it was that when she first met Keiki she had possessed a bit more backbone."
I'm probably being nitpicky here, but this sentence sounds a bit awkward.
In Chapter 25:
"She learned from Takki that inns got cheaper the farther away from the gate you got."
I think there should be a "had" after "She" in the context of the paragraph in which the sentence is found.
In Chapter 26:
" For the two of them it cost something like five-hundred sen a night."
It may not be necessary but I think a "had" is needed after "it"
In Chapter 49:
"Generally speaking, it terms of urbanization.."
"It" should be "in"
In Chapter 50:
"I supposed I don't."
I think "supposed" should be "suppose"
In Chapter 51:
"There should be a scar in the palm of my hand, I wound I got after coming here and being attacked by the youma."
It should be "a wound I.."
In Chapter 24:
Youko says to the blue monkey spirit, "How could know anything about what happened there?"
Is it intentional to leave out the "you" after "how"?
In Chapter 25:
"If there was one thing she wished she had done differently, it was that when she first met Keiki she had possessed a bit more backbone."
I'm probably being nitpicky here, but this sentence sounds a bit awkward.
In Chapter 25:
"She learned from Takki that inns got cheaper the farther away from the gate you got."
I think there should be a "had" after "She" in the context of the paragraph in which the sentence is found.
In Chapter 26:
" For the two of them it cost something like five-hundred sen a night."
It may not be necessary but I think a "had" is needed after "it"
In Chapter 49:
"Generally speaking, it terms of urbanization.."
"It" should be "in"
In Chapter 50:
"I supposed I don't."
I think "supposed" should be "suppose"
In Chapter 51:
"There should be a scar in the palm of my hand, I wound I got after coming here and being attacked by the youma."
It should be "a wound I.."
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In Chapter 65 of Shadow of the Moon,
"There are bound to be few of your subjects with any desire to fight on Joei's behalf. Once they understand that you are the rightful king, they will hand over Keiki."
This is very speculative on my part, but shouldn't "with" be "without"?
"There are bound to be few of your subjects with any desire to fight on Joei's behalf. Once they understand that you are the rightful king, they will hand over Keiki."
This is very speculative on my part, but shouldn't "with" be "without"?
Chapter 24
Hmm, the "you" seems to be there in my versions.
Chapter 25
Corrected: "Of all the things she should have done differently, she wished she'd shown a bit more backbone when she first met Keiki. At least ask what this was all about."
Chapter 25
Corrected: "She'd learned from Takki that inns got cheaper the further away from the gate you got."
Chapter 26
Corrected: "For the two of them, it'd cost something like five-hundred sen a night."
Chapter 49
Corrected: "Generally speaking, in terms of urbanization"
Chapter 50
Corrected: "I suppose I don't."
Chapter 51
Corrected: "There should be a scar in the palm of my hand, a wound I got after coming here and being attacked by the youma."
Chapter 65
The grammar is correct but it could be worded better: "Few of your subjects will have any desire to fight on Joei's behalf. Once they understand that you are the rightful king, they will hand over Keiki."
All versions have been updated, with some additional tweaks to the epub and mobi files.
Hmm, the "you" seems to be there in my versions.
Chapter 25
Corrected: "Of all the things she should have done differently, she wished she'd shown a bit more backbone when she first met Keiki. At least ask what this was all about."
Chapter 25
Corrected: "She'd learned from Takki that inns got cheaper the further away from the gate you got."
Chapter 26
Corrected: "For the two of them, it'd cost something like five-hundred sen a night."
Chapter 49
Corrected: "Generally speaking, in terms of urbanization"
Chapter 50
Corrected: "I suppose I don't."
Chapter 51
Corrected: "There should be a scar in the palm of my hand, a wound I got after coming here and being attacked by the youma."
Chapter 65
The grammar is correct but it could be worded better: "Few of your subjects will have any desire to fight on Joei's behalf. Once they understand that you are the rightful king, they will hand over Keiki."
All versions have been updated, with some additional tweaks to the epub and mobi files.
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Hi! I just found your translations and they look amazing. Thank you so much for doing them.
I was introduced to the 12 kingdoms universe through the anime several years ago, and after it ended I bought all the Tokyopop books as they came out (even bought one of them twice due to my sister managing to lose one of them). Thing is, I never actually read them, as I became busy with other things, and sort of just forgot about them.
I recently rewatched the anime, and was thinking of reading the books afterwards, which is how I found this site (After I learnt that the Tokyopop translations basically only covered the same stuff the anime did...) But I was wondering, where should I start?
Should I just read the entire series from the start to get accustomed to the writing style? Is there stuff in the early books that were omitted in the later ones which would make reading the later books confusing? And, er, what order should I read them in?
Anyway, thanks again for doing this, it's a pity the publisher is not doing anything with the english license.
I was introduced to the 12 kingdoms universe through the anime several years ago, and after it ended I bought all the Tokyopop books as they came out (even bought one of them twice due to my sister managing to lose one of them). Thing is, I never actually read them, as I became busy with other things, and sort of just forgot about them.
I recently rewatched the anime, and was thinking of reading the books afterwards, which is how I found this site (After I learnt that the Tokyopop translations basically only covered the same stuff the anime did...) But I was wondering, where should I start?
Should I just read the entire series from the start to get accustomed to the writing style? Is there stuff in the early books that were omitted in the later ones which would make reading the later books confusing? And, er, what order should I read them in?
Anyway, thanks again for doing this, it's a pity the publisher is not doing anything with the english license.
You'd probably want to start with the Youko arc (in order): Shadow of the Moon, A Thousand Leagues of Wind, The Shore in Twilight. The first two make up the core of the anime.
Chronologically, Poseidon of the East and The Wings of Dreams take place first, and involve characters that appear in the Youko arc. The anime borrows material from Poseidon of the East.
Dreaming of Paradise is a collection of short stories, several of which tie into the Youko arc (approximately after Shadow of the Moon).
Chronologically, Poseidon of the East and The Wings of Dreams take place first, and involve characters that appear in the Youko arc. The anime borrows material from Poseidon of the East.
Dreaming of Paradise is a collection of short stories, several of which tie into the Youko arc (approximately after Shadow of the Moon).
Hey, I am really confused about reading order, though I tried wikipedia and goddreads both. Could you tell me reading order (in terms of publication date)? Thanks.
I'm not quite sure what you're looking for. Wikipedia provides the publication dates. My comment above lists the chronological order of the Youko arc. See the original post for the order of the Taiki arc.
First of all thanks for replying.
Well, I wanted to read them in order they were published and I downloaded these from your blog but the problem is that your names are different from that on wikipedia. I did read the reply above but having been confused by wikipedia etc., sought your help.
Anyways I think I will follow the order mention above only.
Well, I wanted to read them in order they were published and I downloaded these from your blog but the problem is that your names are different from that on wikipedia. I did read the reply above but having been confused by wikipedia etc., sought your help.
Anyways I think I will follow the order mention above only.
I don't plan to do any more translations in the Taiki arc, but if Fuyumi Ono ever writes a sequel to The Shore in Twilight, I'll probably translate that.
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Thanks Eugene for taking the time to translate these great stories. I just happened to stumble on to them and you made it so easy to download. The translations are really good. Thank you so much. Mel
Thank you very much eugene for making it possible for me to read 12 kingdom.....you are truelilly a heaven sent...kalurque :)) love you thanks again and again sending love for you from philippines
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Hi, I read your translation years ago and really loved them. I wonder if I might have your blessing to do an audiobook version of them? It would be purely as an amateur fanwork, to make the text more accessible to the visually impaired and learning disabled. To my knowledge there are no English-language audiobooks of 12 Kingdoms or any plans to make them, and Tokyopop has never released an audiobook of anything, so I don't think it'll compete with anyone's copyright.
My Twelve Kingdoms translations aren't "authorized," so I can't speak with any legal authority on the subject. That aside, go ahead! It's fine with me.
Hi there~
I'm really grateful to you for sharing this amazing series with us.
I just managed to find the entire series translated, or so I think
I don't know in what order I have to read the books, because I find the chronological order but I think if I read it like that, it won't be so exciting.
What order do you think I should follow?
I'm really grateful to you for sharing this amazing series with us.
I just managed to find the entire series translated, or so I think
I don't know in what order I have to read the books, because I find the chronological order but I think if I read it like that, it won't be so exciting.
What order do you think I should follow?
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Thank you so so so much for these translations! I remember when I was middle school, I had stumbled upon the first book of the Twelve Kingdoms at my local library. A year or two later, I remembered the series but I couldn't find it anymore at the library. It broke my heart that I couldn't even remember what the title was, the cover was the only thing I could recollect. I am truly thankful for these translations :)
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Thank you very much for your translations! May I ask why did you take down other downloadable versions than the Kindle and ePub ones? I'm having problems with opening these versions you have now. I wonder if there is any program I can download to open them or whether you happen to have any other kind of archive available?
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Thank you for your hard work! It's been a while since I've visited, and it seems like the number of translations has increased! Unfortunately, I'm getting a 403 error for every single link to your translations and downloads. I would greatly appreciate it if you could take a quick look.
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Hello, and thank you very much for the excellent translations.
Could you tell me whether "Dreaming of Paradise" contains all 5 of the Kasho no Yume short stories? I got the impression that Kizan wasn't complete, but it might just be my mistake.
Could you tell me whether "Dreaming of Paradise" contains all 5 of the Kasho no Yume short stories? I got the impression that Kizan wasn't complete, but it might just be my mistake.
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Thanks for taking a look, Eugene. I tried a few other networks, and had the same problem with forbidden access. I finally managed to get in with a VPN, so it's possible that there's some regional block. There's been increased internet censorship in my country, so that might be the reason.
In any case, thanks again for your efforts and your beautiful translations.
In any case, thanks again for your efforts and your beautiful translations.
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Thank you so much for posting the Twelve Kingdoms. A remarkable series and an excellent translation. I enjoyed reading your notes as well. Translating/adapting is tough work even when you are fluent in Japanese, and something like this, with many references to Chinese culture as well, is quite a feat. Thank you for letting me fly into this fascinating world. I have seen the anime, but even reading familiar scenes was a real treat, since books are a different experience. And of course it was a delight to read stories I knew nothing about, such as those involving Kyou and Sou. It's a shame that things are still a mystery in Tai, but I was very moved when Risai saw Taiki return, only to realize the boy she knew was gone. And then their resolve to return to Tai, I picture them on their journey even now. And thanks for the link to Masho no Ko. I read that first (what an interesting mystery!), and then later saw the blanks filled in, from the perspective of the twelve kingdoms, of the same events.
I'm flabbergasted at how you managed to adapt such a deep literary work. There are some serious themes in these stories that, as a simple reader, took me some time to grasp. How you were able to understand and re-explain everything in English is impressive to me. Thank you, truly.
I'm flabbergasted at how you managed to adapt such a deep literary work. There are some serious themes in these stories that, as a simple reader, took me some time to grasp. How you were able to understand and re-explain everything in English is impressive to me. Thank you, truly.
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Thanks a ton for your work in the translations! I was able to read this magnificent work thanks to your efforts. :D
Dear Eugene,
Your translation is a work of art. I have been a vivid fan of The Twelve Kingdom from around 10 years ago and I have followed your blog ever since to catch a glimse of what that magnificient world has to offer. I am mesmerised and enchanted by it so much I even ordered the republished version of the novel. However, my Japanese is only at elementary level and I have only your blog as my sole saviour. You don't know how much your blog means to me. Recently I have discovered the wonder of Kindle and love to read your file in kindle but can not access your download page. It's 403 forbidden error everywhere I go except your main blog. I don't know how to solve it, can you please help me ? I am currently missing Tonan no Tsubasa and Poseidon of the East. The rest I had kept your translation as you updated previously.
Thankyou
Your translation is a work of art. I have been a vivid fan of The Twelve Kingdom from around 10 years ago and I have followed your blog ever since to catch a glimse of what that magnificient world has to offer. I am mesmerised and enchanted by it so much I even ordered the republished version of the novel. However, my Japanese is only at elementary level and I have only your blog as my sole saviour. You don't know how much your blog means to me. Recently I have discovered the wonder of Kindle and love to read your file in kindle but can not access your download page. It's 403 forbidden error everywhere I go except your main blog. I don't know how to solve it, can you please help me ? I am currently missing Tonan no Tsubasa and Poseidon of the East. The rest I had kept your translation as you updated previously.
Thankyou
Dear Eugene,
I got the file now. I also realised you put a section in the twelve kingdom tag that provides link to external website. Thank you so much for your hard work.
I got the file now. I also realised you put a section in the twelve kingdom tag that provides link to external website. Thank you so much for your hard work.
I've added links to an alternate download site in case there are problems accessing the primary download page.
Wow i come back after not looking at your blog in a while Eugene and find that you've updated with some epub files of the books. thanks a lot i use epub readers on my tablet and my phone so now i can take these to go wherever i want :D thanks for your hard work in translating this beautiful masterpiece.
Hi. Thank you so much for translating the novels. This series is so deep and beautiful. A kind I haven't encountered for a while since Moribito series by Uehashi Nahoko.
If I may I've got few questions.
What does it take to be able to read light novels in Japanese? What level of Japanese I should be? Are you interested in translating Moribito series? What have become with the volume 2 of Tasogare no Kishi, Akatsuki no Sora? Have you read it? Will you be so kind to give me some spoiler?
I know I sound so aggressive but I'm just curious. I hope I can get a good reply from you m(_ _)m
If I may I've got few questions.
What does it take to be able to read light novels in Japanese? What level of Japanese I should be? Are you interested in translating Moribito series? What have become with the volume 2 of Tasogare no Kishi, Akatsuki no Sora? Have you read it? Will you be so kind to give me some spoiler?
I know I sound so aggressive but I'm just curious. I hope I can get a good reply from you m(_ _)m
The hoped for sequel to Tasogare no Kishi, Akatsuki no Sora is a perennial question that I cannot answer. I liked the Seirei no Moribito anime, but I probably won't be tackling the books. Scholastic does have the first two volumes in print.
Learning a language is like mastering a sport or musical instrument. You can, for example, read books on how to play golf. You can take lessons on how to play golf. Not bad ideas. But the only way to actually get good at playing golf is to play golf. A lot.
The only way to learn to read light novels is to read light novels. Start on page one, study the kanji (I make lists in JWPce) and grammar, and proceed from there. As with a sport you've never played before, you're going to be really bad at it at first.
I wouldn't call the Twelve Kingdoms series "light." However, Fuyumi Ono does write in a unpretentious style that is often easier to read than "simpler" fare. But the vocabulary can be complex. She uses a fair number of obscure Chinese cognates.
Another good place to start might be a title like A Certain Magical Index, for which there are anime, manga, and light novels in Japanese and English. You can study the English and Japanese versions side by side.
Learning a language is like mastering a sport or musical instrument. You can, for example, read books on how to play golf. You can take lessons on how to play golf. Not bad ideas. But the only way to actually get good at playing golf is to play golf. A lot.
The only way to learn to read light novels is to read light novels. Start on page one, study the kanji (I make lists in JWPce) and grammar, and proceed from there. As with a sport you've never played before, you're going to be really bad at it at first.
I wouldn't call the Twelve Kingdoms series "light." However, Fuyumi Ono does write in a unpretentious style that is often easier to read than "simpler" fare. But the vocabulary can be complex. She uses a fair number of obscure Chinese cognates.
Another good place to start might be a title like A Certain Magical Index, for which there are anime, manga, and light novels in Japanese and English. You can study the English and Japanese versions side by side.
Oh my! I never expected to receive such a long and well thought reply! Thank you very much for taking me seriously. T^T
I might have misunderstood. I thought you only translated the first volume of two published volumes of Tasogare no Kishi, Akatsuki no Sora. But after some research, and from your respond, is it actually that the author, Ono-sensei herself, hasn't written/published the continuation of the story?
I have watched, and read the first two volumes of Moribito in English. I'd really like to read the rest of the novels. But they're not translated yet. So I want to try reading them in japanese raws.
I often read manga in japanese raws. However I suspected reading japanese novels would be in a whole different level. That's why you can't imagine how grateful I was when I found your translations for Twelve Kingdoms.
I really appreciate your advice. I'll try to read light novels more to develop my Japanese.
I might have misunderstood. I thought you only translated the first volume of two published volumes of Tasogare no Kishi, Akatsuki no Sora. But after some research, and from your respond, is it actually that the author, Ono-sensei herself, hasn't written/published the continuation of the story?
I have watched, and read the first two volumes of Moribito in English. I'd really like to read the rest of the novels. But they're not translated yet. So I want to try reading them in japanese raws.
I often read manga in japanese raws. However I suspected reading japanese novels would be in a whole different level. That's why you can't imagine how grateful I was when I found your translations for Twelve Kingdoms.
I really appreciate your advice. I'll try to read light novels more to develop my Japanese.
I am so happy for these translations as I've been a twelve kingdoms fan since I was 13 and had to wait years for book translations only for them to be stopped in the middle of the series. :(
one thing I can't figure out: how do I actually get these downloads ON to my kindle?
one thing I can't figure out: how do I actually get these downloads ON to my kindle?
When you plug a Kindle ebook reader into your computer using a USB cable, it will be recognized as a USB flash drive. MOBI files copied into the "Documents" (or "Books") folder on the Kindle will show up in the the Kindle library. This is known as "sideloading." See the how-to guide here.
You can also email yourself the files using the Kindle Personal Documents Service.
You can also email yourself the files using the Kindle Personal Documents Service.
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I've lost count of how many times I've read these wonderful translations. I own the TokyoPop versions as well, but I prefer yours! I was thrilled beyond words to revisit your site only to discover new translations (which I promptly and gleefully devoured from a reading standpoint). I can't imagine the difficulty of the task and I'm so grateful to you for making these captivating stories accessible to an English reading audience. From the bottom of my book loving heart, thank you!!
Hi, thank you a lot for all these translations. I started following this site years ago and I'm happy to see the last book you translated :D Thank you a lot for your work. Do you know if there are other Youko stories apart from the first three and the short stories? Can I find them on other sites?
Thank you for all the time you spend on these awesome books.
Thank you for all the time you spend on these awesome books.
Two of the stories in Hisho no Tori (see the link above) take place in Kei but do not involve Youko directly. I'm not aware of any others.
You cannot even beggin to imagine how grateful I am for this easy to download links you posted. I have been searching for the 12 kingdom novels and it has been a struggle. Anyway THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
Thank you for this translation you dont know how greatful i am knowing thaa the anime has no hope for contenuation
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I thank you ever so on your effort that you made to translate all of this. Thanks to you I managed to quench my thirst for 12 kingdoms. As for the continuation, it seems that there will be another book or a part of it. I found this out on a japanese facebook fan page/s of these works, and with a little help of google translate, it is announced that she IS working on something new.
Awesome work! I've been buying the books since I was in high school and wanted to read other books. Thanks for putting in the hard work. I know it isn't an easy task. For me, just one song can take quite a bit of time.
I am just so damned excited about this news (apparently I'm a huge nerd)! When I first heard about the books (over 10 years ago) I had already seen the anime (which I had loved). I had looked for an English translation but TokyoPop hadn't translated the whole series and when I looked at a French translation (I'm French Canadian) I found them all translated and in the same way they were done in Japanese (absolutely perfectly done in my opinion). I bought them all and was not disappointed (loved the books even more than the anime). But as most people, I was left hungry for more by the end of it. So very happy something else (and huge by the looks of it) is coming out soon. Unfortunately, I'm not just a huge nerd but also a bit anal (I like my series in the same format and language) so I'm going to have to wait for the French translation before I can read it (and who knows if this is gonna happen anytime soon after the Japanese release). Either way, I'm writing an email enquiry to the French publishers to find out if it's in their future plans........otherwise I'll have to brush up on my very limited Japanese skills :(
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Thank you very much for the fantastic translations! I've just finished all the ebooks (thank you for making them available in that format as well!), and I'm really sad that I can't get more of the story... Assuming another 12K book comes out in 2016, what's the chance of you translating it?
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oh my, an announcement of a new book. and you already hope to translate it, like wow Eugene, you are amazing! I'm sure it will take considerable time, but I look forward to it since it'll be a translation coming from you.
I keep coming back to read these stories. I've read Tonan no Tsubasa all the way through 3 times over the last year! I love the way you write, the way you translated and adapted Ono's books. thank you again for posting all of this.
I keep coming back to read these stories. I've read Tonan no Tsubasa all the way through 3 times over the last year! I love the way you write, the way you translated and adapted Ono's books. thank you again for posting all of this.
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Hello Eugene!
I would just like to say THANK YOU! I just found your translations! I just finished Shushou's story and adored it. Thank you for providing ebook versions of your translations too! I love having them available when I don't have reliable internet access. I've loved 12K for a long time and was sad when the translations of the novels were never officially finished, so I"m so stoked to have found translated versions!
The possibility of a new 12K novel and the fact that you have plans to translate if you have time makes me so happy and excited! Thank you for all your hard work!
I would just like to say THANK YOU! I just found your translations! I just finished Shushou's story and adored it. Thank you for providing ebook versions of your translations too! I love having them available when I don't have reliable internet access. I've loved 12K for a long time and was sad when the translations of the novels were never officially finished, so I"m so stoked to have found translated versions!
The possibility of a new 12K novel and the fact that you have plans to translate if you have time makes me so happy and excited! Thank you for all your hard work!
I just want to say, thanks a lot! These translations have made a lot of people really happy, I dont know if that was your real intention, but I dont care because thanks to your hard work I can read all these amazing novels, thank you so much!
Hey can you make the e book flie for when Taiki story. We he have to pick a king. Please. Thank for making the file. YOUR ARE THE BEST. Are you going to do the new book too?
Hello Eugene. Thank you for all your effort in translating the Twelve Kingdom universe. Thank you for allowing me to experience again that old oriental feeling this world has.
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Just found your translations. I want to express my gratitude to you for translating 12K. I am a fan of it since childhood and finding your translations made me very happy. Thank you so much and more power to you. 😀
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thank you Eugene for translating :) i've been wanting to read 12 kingdoms but it never occured to me to look for fan translations when i was younger. Having discovered your blog is a blessing. I can now continue on with the story :) I really love your translations 😆
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Thanks for translating the novels!
Do you plan on traslating Higashi no Watatsumi, Nishi no Sōkai (Sea God in the East, Vast Sea in the West)?
I've tried to find book #3, but couldn't buy it in my country nor find it online.
Do you plan on traslating Higashi no Watatsumi, Nishi no Sōkai (Sea God in the East, Vast Sea in the West)?
I've tried to find book #3, but couldn't buy it in my country nor find it online.
I can not thank you enough for the Translations. They loaded into my iBooks library without any issues at all.
When Tokyo Pop dropped hopes of the other books past the anime, I was saddened, but kept up hope that one day they would be picked up again.
You, my friend, are my hero!
When Tokyo Pop dropped hopes of the other books past the anime, I was saddened, but kept up hope that one day they would be picked up again.
You, my friend, are my hero!
Eugene, thank you so much for your incredible work! I would have never imagined I could find such a great translation in the internet. I don't know how the japanese version sounds, but your translation sure is beautiful. Not only that, there are almost none typos or things of the sort - if I didn't know, I'd say it's an official version. I can only imagine the amount of work you've put into it, and you've even gone to the trouble of making elaborate notes and ebook versions. Really, you're awesome! After finishing the first two books, I am now a great fan of both Ono's novels and your work.
Just wanted to say thank you, so much, for your work. When I watched the Twelve Kingdoms anime, it honestly changed my life (I'm not somebody who says that often - it was the perfect show for me at the perfect time). At it's abrupt conclusion, I was left yearning for more. You've provided me that, with an excellent translation that perfectly immerses me in the world. It doesn't go unappreciated, trust me.
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I've watched the anime years ago, but recently decided the books would be a fun way to practice japanese. for that I needed a translation of the texts and finding your webpage with your amazing translations was like a gift from heavens. Thank you very much for sharing your work with the rest of us.
- Mokate
- Mokate
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iTS 2018!! Thank you so much for the translations! I was looking for this after watching the anime. :D
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Dear Eugene. Thank you so much for such beautiful translation. Really appreciate your work! I wonder if you are working on translation of another Japanese novel lately?
I'm not doing any translations right now. While waiting for Fuyumi Ono to finish her next Twelve Kingdom novel, I'm alternating between the Chihayafuru series and Edogawa Ranpo's young adult mystery novels. Inspired by Chihayafuru, I'm also slowly working my way through the Manga Hyakunin Isshu Daijiten.
First, congratulations ! that is a amazing job!
second, Are translating the Kaze no Umi, Meikyū no Kishi-"A Sea of Wind, Shores of the Labyrinth" ?
second, Are translating the Kaze no Umi, Meikyū no Kishi-"A Sea of Wind, Shores of the Labyrinth" ?
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Hi, I just wanted to thank you for translating all the 12 Kingdom books available so far. Sadly, my home country only published the first 4 volumes (I own the Germany translation), so your translation were a real blessing. I devoured it all on Kindle and currently am on the most recent book.
Dear Eugene, thank you so much for all your hard work to create these beautiful translations of the twelve kingdoms books. I first watched the anime well over 10 years ago, and read the published english version of the books as soon as the came out, but have always longed for more of the story. Thank you for making it possible to finally read the rest of these stories!
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Somehow, I missed the fact that you don't have a translation for Kaze no Umi, Meikyu no Kishi. I can't believe that I missed that. I had pre-ordered all of the TokyoPop books well before they were released and was (as were many) sorely disappointed by The Skies of Dawn. This was of course followed by ToykoPop's dissolution.
Should you one day decide to complete the translation set, I'd be more than happy to read it. I've also been following Ono-sensei's publisher, ever since the announcement of another novel, and of course check in here now and again hoping for news in English. In truth, the new novel has been tantalizing me for so long, I'd be forever grateful if you would choose to bring that to the English reading world.
I am a few years late in writing this, as I've been reading your translations for quite some time, but I feel that I should let you know that the care and skill that you bring to these translations is appreciated.
Should you one day decide to complete the translation set, I'd be more than happy to read it. I've also been following Ono-sensei's publisher, ever since the announcement of another novel, and of course check in here now and again hoping for news in English. In truth, the new novel has been tantalizing me for so long, I'd be forever grateful if you would choose to bring that to the English reading world.
I am a few years late in writing this, as I've been reading your translations for quite some time, but I feel that I should let you know that the care and skill that you bring to these translations is appreciated.
I read your translations years ago, before TokyoPop published theirs, and just returned to read Hoshou’s Birds. Thank you for your work, and for sharing it!
Hi Eugene! Do you have a ko-fi or a patreon? I've been using your site for years and reading your translations, and with the news of the new Twelve Kingdoms novel about the Tai Kingdom to be published in 2019, I wanted to donate something as a thanks for all the work you've put into this over the years.
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I can not thank you enough for this. This is literally the only book I have read I am extremely grateful to you for translating it. I can't understate my appreciation for the translations. God, do I love this novel.
Hi! I would like to translate Juuni Kokki to Spanish using your's English translations, do I have your permission? I'll post them on Patreon in order to earn money to buy the originals since I'm barely starting as a translator. I love this author and I'm happy to learn there will be a new one regarding Taiki since I couldn't wait to learn what happened to him and Risai
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Hello! I am rereading the "The Twelve Kingdoms" after I've heard the news of upcoming release this year 2019. I was in despair for not knowing the ending of the story of Tai and Kei. I was always reading the news whether or not there will be new sequel and finally some good news! Your translation are really really amazing. Please keep doing it for the next book. Thank you so much.
-Fan from the Philippines :)
-Fan from the Philippines :)
My translations aren't licensed or authorized or anything like that, so I can't speak with any legal authority on the subject. But with that in mind, if you want to use my translations as a source or reference, go right ahead! It's fine with me.
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Thanks for all your effort, that gives me some hours of happy reading and a little of the magic of the Kindgdoms.
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Hi! I just started this series and I want to thank you for this amazing translation: in my country there is no way to acquire legally the published volumes in english. That said, do you have any plans on translating the missing Sea of Wind? It does bother me not been able to read them in published order :/
Eugene, I have the two that you are missing (copied the ones that the other translators made in a .doc file). Do you want them? I mean, to be fair to o6asan and the other -I think there was another but can't remember his/her name-
I've posted links to translations of The Demon Child and A Sea of Wind.
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I would like to give my upmost gratitude to you Eugene. I spend a wonderful time rediscovering reading. I hadn't read anything in forever until I found your translations of the books after watching the anime. Although I liked the anime, I felt it left a lot unanswered, which is why I put off watching it for a long time. This book/translation is what made me go out and buy a paperwhite kindle. I spent so much time enjoying and reading the first book only to realize that the 2nd book wasn't translated. My heart sank. I put off reading any other version of Sea of Wind because I wanted to read your translation because I hold it with high esteem. You've done such a wonderful job. I can only hope that you revisit the series and finish the book. I want to buy the original Japanese copies one day but I have a long way to go with my language studies until then.
Either way, Thank you for such an amazing translation and opening up Ono Fuyumi's world to so many people. You have my sincere gratitude.
Either way, Thank you for such an amazing translation and opening up Ono Fuyumi's world to so many people. You have my sincere gratitude.
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Thank you SO much for all the hard work you put in this page. I read all the books of Twelve Kingdoms (Poseidon of the East, Vast Blue Seas of the West like 4 times, defenitly my favorite) and i was surprised of how perfect the translation was. I was so joyful seeing updates about the new books, and hope one day you decide to translate them.
You will forever have my upmost gratitude for this page and for the wonderfull hours i spent reading Ono Fuyumi's works.
You will forever have my upmost gratitude for this page and for the wonderfull hours i spent reading Ono Fuyumi's works.
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Thank you for those translations. I recently rewatched the series and hoped, i could read these novels. In my country it would be hard to find them. So thanks for the hard work.
Hello Eugene! Thank you for your awesome translations. I read on your blog that it was going to take a year or Two before you’d start working on translating the new novel, Hills of Silver Ruins, a Black Moon Rises. I’m really looking forward to reading your translation when it’s done! ��
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Hello Eugene! Thank you for your translation. where can i read 12 Kingdoms on japanese? I am learns japanese for myself and want test me.
I'll post more about this at a later date, but Honto, Amazon Japan, and Yes Asia ship internationally. Honto is only in Japanese. Amazon's account and checkout pages can be set to English or Chinese by mousing over the little globe icon next to the search bar. Yes Asia has localized versions of the website in English, Chinese, and Korean.
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Many have done it before me, but i definitely have to do it too. Thanks a lot for your Juuni Kokuki's translations. The notes, the wording, the writting style... I can tell your work is high quality, even though i'm no specialist. Like many others, i discovered the series through the anime. It is probably because it is not published in France (i'm french), and never saw any books for sale. Speaking of which... You are probably aware of it by now, but your amazing work became a lifesaver for not only english speaking readers, but for people all over the world... Considering that, i wonder if your webpage can be added to UNESCO patrimony :D. Still, i'm not a heavy reader and never was. It will take quite some time for me to read it all. But on the plus side, your work serves as a great way to improve my own, self-taught english. And i'm really, really happy you started to translate the last one. When i heard Ono Fuyumi was writting a sequel, and considering i have no hope to see it published in France, i realized my only way to get to read it... would be through the dedication of great translators like yourself. So again, many thanks.
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Hi Eugene, I love your translations so much. Of course I've bought the official versions, but they don't hold a candle to your eloquent word mastery! I do hope you'll pick up translations of the new books that continue Taiki's arc.
I've learned so many interesting, new words thanks to your amazing work. I periodically revisit this site often to see if you have updated at all. I just want to say that I have deep respect for the amount of dedication and attentive care you put in.
Thanks so much for everything over the years.
I've learned so many interesting, new words thanks to your amazing work. I periodically revisit this site often to see if you have updated at all. I just want to say that I have deep respect for the amount of dedication and attentive care you put in.
Thanks so much for everything over the years.
Thank you for your hard work! From the first time I saw the anime, The Twelve Kingdoms became my all time favourite fantasy fiction series. The first time I read the TokyoPop translation of the first volume, I took a much longer bus-route home from work -- all so I could spend more time reading. Last year I re-read it in a one-day marathon session and today I started reading and completed your translation of book 5. I look forward to reading the rest.
Hi, Eugene. I just wanted to thank you for your translations, you have no idea what the twelve kingdoms books mean to me, thanks a lot, you've saved me! I hope you're still translating and I wanted you to know that I'm using your translation of hills of silver ruins to translate it to Spanish, I hope you don't mind, of course I will let the links of your page and say where I took the English translation from when I post it.
Eugene, Thank you sooo much! I have been waiting years for the Taiki story line. I am enjoying it soo much! Thank you for all the time you put into these translations.
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I am so incredibly grateful that you have taken the time to translate and make available these books. I found the anime to be one of the most interesting/innovative world creations and was so confused when it ended in the middle of a story arc!
It's only been after some 15 years that I've done a bit more research as to whether translations were available and not only did I managed to buy the first four translations that were published, but was able to find your treasure of a website. I have subsequently been pouring through the books and eagerly await the translations of the last two books of Hills of Silver Ruins. Though how she'll "wrap up" any of the outstanding questions I have in just two sub books seems beyond me.
In short, you're a literary hero and I am indebted to you for the work you've done for everyone one of us who loves The Twelve Kingdoms and the world its created.
It's only been after some 15 years that I've done a bit more research as to whether translations were available and not only did I managed to buy the first four translations that were published, but was able to find your treasure of a website. I have subsequently been pouring through the books and eagerly await the translations of the last two books of Hills of Silver Ruins. Though how she'll "wrap up" any of the outstanding questions I have in just two sub books seems beyond me.
In short, you're a literary hero and I am indebted to you for the work you've done for everyone one of us who loves The Twelve Kingdoms and the world its created.
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Thank You Eugene. I finished Twelve Kingdoms anime and I absolutely loved it.
But knowing the story is unfinished I finally decided I will read its light novel.
Knowing there is fan translation given by you is boon to people like us who don't know Japanese.
I sincerely thank you for the countless hours you've put into translating Twelve Kingdoms and I hope you continue to do so.
Thanks a lot, from a fan of 12 Kingdoms
But knowing the story is unfinished I finally decided I will read its light novel.
Knowing there is fan translation given by you is boon to people like us who don't know Japanese.
I sincerely thank you for the countless hours you've put into translating Twelve Kingdoms and I hope you continue to do so.
Thanks a lot, from a fan of 12 Kingdoms
Oh my gosh! Thank you so much for translating these! I have the Tokyo Pop novels and was so sad to see they quit translating them. I was honestly seriously considering the long undertaking of learning written Japanese just to be able to finish the stories! And then by google chance I learned about your translating work and oh my gosh! I'm so happy! Is there a recommended reading order for those who've seen the anime? Thank you so much! Is there any way I can support? Do you have a Patreon? Thanks again!
Not all heros wear capes! I just learned that more books came out for this series (the long awaited conclusion). I watched the series as a teenager (I was 15 when it came out) and subsequently came upon the French translation of all the original books by Milan edition (lucky it's my mother language). I don't know if they'll ever continue the series and translate the latest books and I knew there wasn't any complete English translation so my hopes of ever getting to read the latest books was slowly fading (I did take 3 years of Japanese but trying to take it up again and spend years learning it so I could read these books was not the most appealing). And here you are! A quiet hero who's undertaken this translation and already delivered two of these new books! I cannot express how grateful I am for your efforts and your time. I still hope for Milan to complete the series in French (because it would tickle my fancy to see the complete series in one single format on my bookshelf) but until then, at least I get to know what happened!
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I am very thankful for this translation since there is no way I could import the officially translated books to my country. Thank you ever so much!
I am so happy for your work and admire your perseverance and voluntary efforts. There's something special about works like this that I never feel anymore with Western literature. I don't ever get the same rush of childhood nostalgia like I did for Star Wars or Lord of the Rings, but Hayao Miyazaki, Jin Yong, and 12 Kingdoms have shown me that that feeling can still be found if I look further afield. I want to capture that juvenile wonder and excitement as much as I can and share it with anybody who is willing.
I have a couple questions for you.
1. The first book was perfect. But I've gone on to the second Youko novel and I've noticed a small but not negligible number of typos. I have been keeping track of them and would be honored to give you my findings once I finish.
2. Would you consider writing a post about the experience of translating and tips for others? My focus is on Chinese (incidentally, I used the blog you link to for The Demon Child for their translation of Crane Startles Kunlun, getting help for the really difficult paragraphs of the first Chinese novel I read) and I'm strongly inclined to translate something by Wang Dulu next year. I can think of nobody I'd rather take pointers from than you.
I have a couple questions for you.
1. The first book was perfect. But I've gone on to the second Youko novel and I've noticed a small but not negligible number of typos. I have been keeping track of them and would be honored to give you my findings once I finish.
2. Would you consider writing a post about the experience of translating and tips for others? My focus is on Chinese (incidentally, I used the blog you link to for The Demon Child for their translation of Crane Startles Kunlun, getting help for the really difficult paragraphs of the first Chinese novel I read) and I'm strongly inclined to translate something by Wang Dulu next year. I can think of nobody I'd rather take pointers from than you.
I welcome any corrections. You can post corrections as a comment in the blog entry for that chapter (preferably one chapter at a time).
I am a self-taught translator, and it is now mostly a hobby, so take this advice with that grain of salt. 1) Immerse yourself in the language you are studying for as many hours a day as you can realistically manage. 2) As with most things in life, you learn by doing. To paraphrase David Eddings, "Your first million words are practice." 3) When in doubt, google it. 4) Find a native speaker to help out when you're really stumped.
I am a self-taught translator, and it is now mostly a hobby, so take this advice with that grain of salt. 1) Immerse yourself in the language you are studying for as many hours a day as you can realistically manage. 2) As with most things in life, you learn by doing. To paraphrase David Eddings, "Your first million words are practice." 3) When in doubt, google it. 4) Find a native speaker to help out when you're really stumped.
I don't think a grain of salt is necessary, it's all the good advice. I've been working hard at following it, from ancient philosophy to modern news, Buddhism to the 24 Histories. There's a Chinese quote similar to your paraphrase, 行千里路读万卷书, walk 1,000 miles and read 10,000 books. I don't know if I'll ever get to 10,000, but my goal is 25 advanced books before I try my hand at translating a relatively simple one (like Wang Dulu, definitely not Jin Yong).
Perhaps you wouldn't mind if I asked a more specific question: How do you decide what to translate and what to transliterate? I've noticed in the second Youko book that for the first hundred pages or so, you used "you-creature", but then went back to "youma" afterwards, the standard of the first book. Words like ranka, rike, azana (I'm thrilled with that usage, rather than the typical translation of 'courtesy name'), and plenty more, it does get a little confusing, but it also adds a lovely flavor of authenticity. And you do it so well, not too much, pretty much just perfect. I really am most impressed.
Indeed, I began studying Chinese to read Legend of the Condor Heroes. The English translation, A Hero Born, had just come out and I was incredibly put off by the translation of Huang Rong to Lotus Huang. The frustration with that choice was the catalyst that set me off on probably 4000 hours of study to read the original. Your philosophy of translation is much more respectful, I feel, and thus something I'm set on learning from through a close reading of your translations.
Finally, perhaps I'm missing something, but I don't see anywhere to comment on the chapters. Have you posted them elsewhere, somewhere with a comment section? They're pretty insignificant typos, maybe 30 little things in the first 40% of A Thousand Leagues of Wind, The Sky at Dawn, like "The clothing wore by the" (worn) and "was a greenhouse build by an" (built) and "Shouryuu listened to Youko explanation" (Youko's). I know how annoying proofreading your own writing can be, it's probably the only thing I don't like about the experience of writing. Oddly, as a reader, I really enjoy it, and all the more so to assist somebody who has done such an important job in making a great foreign text accessible to many more people.
Perhaps you wouldn't mind if I asked a more specific question: How do you decide what to translate and what to transliterate? I've noticed in the second Youko book that for the first hundred pages or so, you used "you-creature", but then went back to "youma" afterwards, the standard of the first book. Words like ranka, rike, azana (I'm thrilled with that usage, rather than the typical translation of 'courtesy name'), and plenty more, it does get a little confusing, but it also adds a lovely flavor of authenticity. And you do it so well, not too much, pretty much just perfect. I really am most impressed.
Indeed, I began studying Chinese to read Legend of the Condor Heroes. The English translation, A Hero Born, had just come out and I was incredibly put off by the translation of Huang Rong to Lotus Huang. The frustration with that choice was the catalyst that set me off on probably 4000 hours of study to read the original. Your philosophy of translation is much more respectful, I feel, and thus something I'm set on learning from through a close reading of your translations.
Finally, perhaps I'm missing something, but I don't see anywhere to comment on the chapters. Have you posted them elsewhere, somewhere with a comment section? They're pretty insignificant typos, maybe 30 little things in the first 40% of A Thousand Leagues of Wind, The Sky at Dawn, like "The clothing wore by the" (worn) and "was a greenhouse build by an" (built) and "Shouryuu listened to Youko explanation" (Youko's). I know how annoying proofreading your own writing can be, it's probably the only thing I don't like about the experience of writing. Oddly, as a reader, I really enjoy it, and all the more so to assist somebody who has done such an important job in making a great foreign text accessible to many more people.
The numbered header for each chapter posted on the website links to the blog for that chapter (except for Shadow of the Moon).
With a series as vast and complex as the Twelve Kingdoms, I constantly change my mind about how to translate certain words, and whether they should be translated at all. Alas, I often don't get around to standardizing the terminology within the same volume, let alone from one title to the next.
In A Thousand Leagues of Wind, "you-creature" is a transliteration plus a literal translation of youjuu, as distinct from youma. I've mostly gone with youjuu since. I think such choices ultimately come down to the clarity of the text and the overall flow of the narrative.
I've also flip-flopped on Japan/Yamato/Hourai. In Hills of Silver Ruins, I use Hourai.
Along with manga, the fantasy and science fiction genres uniquely demonstrate the remarkable language ability to incorporate and categorize new terminology (or just ignore it) and get on with the story. When it comes to telling tales, the human brain needs verisimilitude, not textbook accuracy.
Coincidentally, Kate recently blogged on the subject.
With a series as vast and complex as the Twelve Kingdoms, I constantly change my mind about how to translate certain words, and whether they should be translated at all. Alas, I often don't get around to standardizing the terminology within the same volume, let alone from one title to the next.
In A Thousand Leagues of Wind, "you-creature" is a transliteration plus a literal translation of youjuu, as distinct from youma. I've mostly gone with youjuu since. I think such choices ultimately come down to the clarity of the text and the overall flow of the narrative.
I've also flip-flopped on Japan/Yamato/Hourai. In Hills of Silver Ruins, I use Hourai.
Along with manga, the fantasy and science fiction genres uniquely demonstrate the remarkable language ability to incorporate and categorize new terminology (or just ignore it) and get on with the story. When it comes to telling tales, the human brain needs verisimilitude, not textbook accuracy.
Coincidentally, Kate recently blogged on the subject.
Oh, I was wondering if you might know - the Worlds in Translation versions of Demon Child and Sea of Wind are translated from Chinese, right? The only other series on their site are Chinese wuxia books, so I'm guessing they were. They haven't posted anything in a couple years and I don't see a way to contact them to verify. I just wanted to double-check.
Right now you are my hero!
I didn't know that and there was a translation of the last 3 books. I love you seriously
I didn't know that and there was a translation of the last 3 books. I love you seriously
Eugene, you are my hero! I was looking for this since 2018! Soooo glad that I found you and your work! Kisses from Brazil!
Wow. I feel like I've stumbled upon a very special, wholesome part of the internet. People have been thanking Eugene for this translation for more than a decade. I recently stumbled on the anime for 12 kingdoms and couldn't resist the urge to find out what happens next, and it led me here.
Thank you Eugene!
Thank you Eugene!
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Just wanted to thank you SO much for these translations. Been folowing the page for years, checking news about the last book and I have read all the storyes, love every one of them!! Waiting expectingly for the translation of Hills of Silver Ruins to be over so I can inmerse comletly in reading it. Love the work and I admire you for all you have done with these transaltions.
Again, thank you Eugene!
Again, thank you Eugene!
Have to thank you so much for the translations of the Twelve Kingdoms. They are so so enjoyable, and thanks for providing e-book copies of your translations. Was just wondering if you are able to talk Aili to do the same for the 2 stories they translated, or if you have your own translations of Demon Child and 'Sea of Wind, Shore of the Maze' stories. It's nice being able to read the stories when you don't have internet connection. Thanks a lot for your hard work. I do follow your weekly updates of the latest story. Do continue with your great work
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I Just wanted to thank you for your hard work translating all of these books! The 12 Kingdoms is my favourite book serie of all time and after the French edition went out of print, your work is allowing me to finally know the end and recommend it to other people!
Thank you for everything!
Thank you for everything!
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Are you producing this with the permission of the publisher and author Fuyumi Ono? Please do not infringe on copyrights. Your producing and distributing this does not benefit the author
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You are doing god's work, Eugene! Don't let the comment above get to you — I went ahead and bought all the novels off Amazon JP to suppose Fuyumi Oni, and also started self learning Japanese via various translator bots and cross referencig from your translations. I wish you good health always!
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Thank you for all these translations and for your hard work! I recently started reading and wasn't sure if I'd be able to find all the translations until I found this website, but finding this was a joy for me! Wish you the best :D
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Thank you so much for your translations Eugene, I love the 12 Kingdoms series. <3 I'm waiting for the last novel to get finished so I can binge read it. :D I read all the previous novels. If only novels 5+ would get officially translated in English or German, I want to own them.
LOL @ "Your producing and distributing this does not benefit the author" - excuse me, I have bought all the novels in Japanese even though I can't read Japanese, just to support the author. I also bought the 4 novels in English that were translete by Tokyopop - to support the author. I'd buy all the novels in English or German if they existed, but they don't. So Eugene is the only person who is helping us read this wonderful series. And I'm sure other fans are buying the novels too.
LOL @ "Your producing and distributing this does not benefit the author" - excuse me, I have bought all the novels in Japanese even though I can't read Japanese, just to support the author. I also bought the 4 novels in English that were translete by Tokyopop - to support the author. I'd buy all the novels in English or German if they existed, but they don't. So Eugene is the only person who is helping us read this wonderful series. And I'm sure other fans are buying the novels too.
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Hi Eugene. I really really appreciate your hard work and your amazing translation. I was very curious about the mystery that Taiki brought and looked for it after watching the anime. i really love the worldbuilding and extraordinary stories. it was really hard to find and then i found your blog. You have no idea how pleased I am, and I have no regrets reading this awesome novel. this is also possible because you have translated it. May I know are you still continuing Hills of Silver Ruins or is it done? I always hope the best for you. I sincerely thank you very much
As of this Saturday (1/7/23), I will have posted 254 of 435 pages in book 4 of Hills of Silver Ruins. So 181 pages to go.
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Hello!
First of all I would like to thank you so much for your hard work translating all of these novels. I fell/learned of your page of translations by chance, through scrolling randomly on reddit servers about retro anime. After finding your website, I just sunk further and further into the rabbit hole. Thank you so much for actually not just translating- for doing so much research and reinterpretation as well.
I know you are currently translating Hills of Ruins, but I had a quick question about a previous book, Poseidon of the East. (If there's no time, feel free to ignore.) In part 7, chapter 34, pg 263 of your translation, I found it really interesting that you choose to have Rokuta say "Try not to do anything stupid" as opposed to Shouryuu saying "Don't make me worry like that (or something similar)", for when he finally found Rokuta in the catacombs. Is the former a transliteration error from the Tokyo Pop Translations, or an improvisation on your part? I vaguely recall seeing an explanation somewhere, but there are so many archives. Is there an explanation, and if so, where can I find the explanation for this particular revision on the blog?
Again, this is really just to sate my curiosity, so please feel free to disregard my question, since you're already working so hard on translating Hills of Silver Ruins. Please pardon me if you thought my tone was entitled in any way-that was definitely not my intention. I am not challenging your translation of this part in any way just was merely curious regarding the inspiration behind this bit of dialogue. I also apologize if my question turns out to be rather mundane or redundant as well. Once more, thank you for all your hard work.
First of all I would like to thank you so much for your hard work translating all of these novels. I fell/learned of your page of translations by chance, through scrolling randomly on reddit servers about retro anime. After finding your website, I just sunk further and further into the rabbit hole. Thank you so much for actually not just translating- for doing so much research and reinterpretation as well.
I know you are currently translating Hills of Ruins, but I had a quick question about a previous book, Poseidon of the East. (If there's no time, feel free to ignore.) In part 7, chapter 34, pg 263 of your translation, I found it really interesting that you choose to have Rokuta say "Try not to do anything stupid" as opposed to Shouryuu saying "Don't make me worry like that (or something similar)", for when he finally found Rokuta in the catacombs. Is the former a transliteration error from the Tokyo Pop Translations, or an improvisation on your part? I vaguely recall seeing an explanation somewhere, but there are so many archives. Is there an explanation, and if so, where can I find the explanation for this particular revision on the blog?
Again, this is really just to sate my curiosity, so please feel free to disregard my question, since you're already working so hard on translating Hills of Silver Ruins. Please pardon me if you thought my tone was entitled in any way-that was definitely not my intention. I am not challenging your translation of this part in any way just was merely curious regarding the inspiration behind this bit of dialogue. I also apologize if my question turns out to be rather mundane or redundant as well. Once more, thank you for all your hard work.
Hey,
i spend the last hour looking for the answer to the question.
"Is the japanese novel series finished?"
Does someone have an answer?
i spend the last hour looking for the answer to the question.
"Is the japanese novel series finished?"
Does someone have an answer?
Hills of Silver Ruins does feel like Fuyumi Ono's swan song, though along with Hayao Miyazaki (whose absolutely, positively last film, How Do You Live? opens this summer), I wouldn't rule out another installment down the road.
Upon review, the Tokyo Pop translation is correct. The sentence in question on page 263 of Poseidon of the East means, "Don't make me worry."
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Hi Eugene!
Thanks for the translations. I was really sad the anime ended, so I was very very happy when I found your website. Thanks again for all your hard work. Just had some quick questions:
1)Was there a certain order to the books? I finished all of Youko's arc, then started Poseidon of the East. Which one was I supposed to read first? And can I read the short story collections at the end, or are they in between some novels? Which reading order do you recommend?
2)Speaking of which, I also had another short question about the book I just finished, the Poseidon of the East. In page 219 of part 6 (ch 28) it said that Shouryuu's kid (really his wife's and his dad's-eek)'died with his father'. But in ch 17 of part 4 (pg 141) it mentioned that he had 'a wife and daughter' being but one example from the tons of concubines in his harem? Did he have two kids then, a boy and a girl?
3)If all the youma are male, and the trees are in charge of reproduction, does that mean two youma males pair off together to raise young/baby youma, or are they like a pack? Or do youma really raise themselves? Did Fumiyo Ono leave that a mystery?
Once again, thanks.
Thanks for the translations. I was really sad the anime ended, so I was very very happy when I found your website. Thanks again for all your hard work. Just had some quick questions:
1)Was there a certain order to the books? I finished all of Youko's arc, then started Poseidon of the East. Which one was I supposed to read first? And can I read the short story collections at the end, or are they in between some novels? Which reading order do you recommend?
2)Speaking of which, I also had another short question about the book I just finished, the Poseidon of the East. In page 219 of part 6 (ch 28) it said that Shouryuu's kid (really his wife's and his dad's-eek)'died with his father'. But in ch 17 of part 4 (pg 141) it mentioned that he had 'a wife and daughter' being but one example from the tons of concubines in his harem? Did he have two kids then, a boy and a girl?
3)If all the youma are male, and the trees are in charge of reproduction, does that mean two youma males pair off together to raise young/baby youma, or are they like a pack? Or do youma really raise themselves? Did Fumiyo Ono leave that a mystery?
Once again, thanks.
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Anybody having issues opening chapters 22 and 23 of A Thousand Leagues of Wind, the Sky at Dawn? I thought it was my computer, but the issue happens on all browsers (chrome, safari) and all devices (iMac, laptop, iphone). I've tried incognito mode, deleting history, browser, restarting etc, but for some reason on ch 22, it doesn't let me go to the next page (no arrow to click next like previous chapters)and when I click ch 23 from the drop down list, it's a completely white page.
Is anyone else having the same problem?
Is anyone else having the same problem?
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Hello!
Just wanted to thank you for all your hard work. Almost there!
Btw, just wanted to let you know. Ch 37 of Hills of Silver Ruins has two spelling errors
pg 407-Enki instead bumped her hand his fists. (Was it with his fists?)
pg 408-And in less than a year. That is some mighty find work, General. (Find should be fine, right?)
Again, thanks so much for translating, especially since the Tokyopop english translations have stopped for the latter books. Not all heroes wear capes, haha
Just wanted to thank you for all your hard work. Almost there!
Btw, just wanted to let you know. Ch 37 of Hills of Silver Ruins has two spelling errors
pg 407-Enki instead bumped her hand his fists. (Was it with his fists?)
pg 408-And in less than a year. That is some mighty find work, General. (Find should be fine, right?)
Again, thanks so much for translating, especially since the Tokyopop english translations have stopped for the latter books. Not all heroes wear capes, haha
Thanks. I fixed the typos in chapter 37 and uploaded new versions of chapters 22 and 23 in A Thousand Leagues of Wind. It wasn't just you. Sorry about the delay.
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Hi,
First of all, thank you so much for translating. These novels have brought me so much joy over the last 15 years or so and I was delighted to rediscover your translations recently!
The epub link for Dreaming of Paradise incorrectly downloads as a .mobi file. It would be much appreciated if that could be fixed when you have the time!
Thanks for your hard work!
First of all, thank you so much for translating. These novels have brought me so much joy over the last 15 years or so and I was delighted to rediscover your translations recently!
The epub link for Dreaming of Paradise incorrectly downloads as a .mobi file. It would be much appreciated if that could be fixed when you have the time!
Thanks for your hard work!
Eugene, I really appreciate all your work on The Twelve Kingdoms translations. You have done more than was expected of you, and I appreciate anything I can get of the story. Your translations are wonderful, and I find I don't enjoy other translations of the Twelve Kingdoms novels as much.
In the last few years, from visiting your website, I got interested in your sister Katherine's books. I really love them. However, as I have been reading through them on my Kindle, I have been submitting notes for typos and possible errors through the Kindle system. I don't believe they were ever fixed. I don't remember what they were now, but it sometimes disappoints me as I am reading through. I am not sure if I am misunderstanding the story at times, or there is something missing.
I noticed you update files for the Twelve Kingdoms if you have verified there are errors. Is there someplace I should send requests for clarification or possible typos for your sister's books?
Thanks so much for your help.
In the last few years, from visiting your website, I got interested in your sister Katherine's books. I really love them. However, as I have been reading through them on my Kindle, I have been submitting notes for typos and possible errors through the Kindle system. I don't believe they were ever fixed. I don't remember what they were now, but it sometimes disappoints me as I am reading through. I am not sure if I am misunderstanding the story at times, or there is something missing.
I noticed you update files for the Twelve Kingdoms if you have verified there are errors. Is there someplace I should send requests for clarification or possible typos for your sister's books?
Thanks so much for your help.
Hello! Kate Woodbury here. I'm glad you enjoy my books.
You can submit requests to me on my fiction page. Depending on the book, I can make corrections--my current series are in the process of being revised. Peaks Island Press publications would, of course, involve the publisher :)
You can submit requests to me on my fiction page. Depending on the book, I can make corrections--my current series are in the process of being revised. Peaks Island Press publications would, of course, involve the publisher :)
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Yay, you completed Hills of Silver Ruins, I'm so happy, kyaaa. Can't wait for the epub so I can binge read it. <3 Thank you soooo much! You are so awesome. <3
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Hello!
Thanks so much for translating. Hills of Silver Ruins was in a way cathartic, although my heart broke whenever I would read about Taiki and the painful effort he would make to push himself beyond his limits.
I just wanted to bring it to your attention- In part 19, Ch 7, it ends on page 59. But part 20 ch 8 jumps to page 62 (assuming 62 is the top page before 63). Even so, it leaves pg. 60 and 61 missing. Was it a numerical error? Based on the Japanese version, wasn't there an additional chapter where Gyousou gives Ragou cakes and finally flies above the cave in? Sorry in advance if I caused more confusion.
Thanks so much for translating. Hills of Silver Ruins was in a way cathartic, although my heart broke whenever I would read about Taiki and the painful effort he would make to push himself beyond his limits.
I just wanted to bring it to your attention- In part 19, Ch 7, it ends on page 59. But part 20 ch 8 jumps to page 62 (assuming 62 is the top page before 63). Even so, it leaves pg. 60 and 61 missing. Was it a numerical error? Based on the Japanese version, wasn't there an additional chapter where Gyousou gives Ragou cakes and finally flies above the cave in? Sorry in advance if I caused more confusion.
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Thanks for translating Silver Ruins. Just had a couple of questions because some things I didn't get.
Did Taiki actually receive a vision saying Asen was the emperor (because he pushed himself so hard) or was it a complete lie? And how did Taiki become so logical, like making cold calculations? I thought kirin were supposed to be completely compassionate? Social conditioning and social expectations and pushing himself aside, though not telling about the horn was a good move, he didn't seem as the brilliant tactician/observant type. Or did he become logical/calculating because of his cynicism which rooted from all the trauma he faced (kind of sounds like PTSD)?
Did Taiki actually receive a vision saying Asen was the emperor (because he pushed himself so hard) or was it a complete lie? And how did Taiki become so logical, like making cold calculations? I thought kirin were supposed to be completely compassionate? Social conditioning and social expectations and pushing himself aside, though not telling about the horn was a good move, he didn't seem as the brilliant tactician/observant type. Or did he become logical/calculating because of his cynicism which rooted from all the trauma he faced (kind of sounds like PTSD)?
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The links for the old books in " A guide to the novels" don't work. I'm trying to read the index; click on the links for the translation to read the books online this webpage, but it doesn't work for the old books anymore (only for Hills of Silver Ruins). Even when I go to downloads and click on Index too. It just brings me to a really old post in the blog, a square box with the title and name of whatever book.
If I do want to read the books online, I have to go to the original homepage and click on the title of the books there.
Is it happening for everyone else or is it just me?
If I do want to read the books online, I have to go to the original homepage and click on the title of the books there.
Is it happening for everyone else or is it just me?
Yes. It is. I believe it is intentional. It started with the first volume maybe a few weeks ago.
I think Eugene converted everything to DOC files that can be read from Google Drive instead of leaving everything on the website. The only things he left directly on the website were notes, maps, glossaries, and illustrations that were never included in the epub and mobi versions he previously released.
I have a feeling that once Hills of Silver Ruins is completely converted to epub and mobi files, you will probably no longer be able to read it directly from the index, but will have to read a DOC file through Google Drive.
You can download the DOC version as a webpage or other formats, if you think that will be more helpful. He did mention that in his updated downloads post, and all the individual indexes include a link to the Downloads section. However, I can imagine it was much nicer to read it directly on the website as the notes and illustrations were appropriately placed in the story.
However, it is free, so I guess we can't complain too much. It should free up some website space for Eugene.
I think Eugene converted everything to DOC files that can be read from Google Drive instead of leaving everything on the website. The only things he left directly on the website were notes, maps, glossaries, and illustrations that were never included in the epub and mobi versions he previously released.
I have a feeling that once Hills of Silver Ruins is completely converted to epub and mobi files, you will probably no longer be able to read it directly from the index, but will have to read a DOC file through Google Drive.
You can download the DOC version as a webpage or other formats, if you think that will be more helpful. He did mention that in his updated downloads post, and all the individual indexes include a link to the Downloads section. However, I can imagine it was much nicer to read it directly on the website as the notes and illustrations were appropriately placed in the story.
However, it is free, so I guess we can't complain too much. It should free up some website space for Eugene.
Sophia is correct. I plan to move the website content off the server in the next couple of months. Other than Hills of Silver Ruins, the Twelve Kingdoms pages get little traffic, and it has become increasingly cumbersome to maintain multiple versions in different locations. The Google Docs platform is the most convenient way to update the files and handle the downloads.
I wondered, what would be your next 12k project and if you had desire and energy to do this and I am very happy to see you decided to translate Hisho no Tori. Thank you so much !
He lied to Asen. Let's say he had what he had to do/have to fulfill will of heaven and outplayed the usurper. Trauma and suffering from our world reinforced his will and emotions to be able to fulfill his role - that is what I believe , happened.
I am also curious. At least, if it happened, it does not hurt too much, if it got unintentionaly overlooked.
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Hello!
Thanks for translating all the novels! Just had some quick questions.
From Thousand League of Wind-What's the difference between Hisen and Senpaku? I know Hisen are those that gained immortality/long lives through their own merits and are not on the register, (except for those like Riyou, Suzu's mistress, who was ordained one through edict, so her rank is one lower than the usual...?). So there's two types of Hisen, basically, depending on if they were ordained or not? Does that mean Senpaku is the higher version of Hisen or something, or are they totally different things? Roushou/Enho is Senpaku or Hisen or both?
Also finished Hills of Silver Ruins. I thought immortals don't get sick, and can't get killed unless with enchanted weapons or beheaded. I'm confused about where the line of sickness is. Risai lost her arm during battle, and Gyousou was still very wounded (although alive) when he got out of the cave (like his eyesight and voice). Don't those count as very severe sickness/illnesses though? Or by not getting sick, do they mean that immortals won't get sick from normal/status ailments or whatever, like colds and fevers, and heal faster? Or is it really that these immortals are susceptible to all sorts of disease (including colds and fevers) but just won't die?
Once again, thanks for all the hard work.
Thanks for translating all the novels! Just had some quick questions.
From Thousand League of Wind-What's the difference between Hisen and Senpaku? I know Hisen are those that gained immortality/long lives through their own merits and are not on the register, (except for those like Riyou, Suzu's mistress, who was ordained one through edict, so her rank is one lower than the usual...?). So there's two types of Hisen, basically, depending on if they were ordained or not? Does that mean Senpaku is the higher version of Hisen or something, or are they totally different things? Roushou/Enho is Senpaku or Hisen or both?
Also finished Hills of Silver Ruins. I thought immortals don't get sick, and can't get killed unless with enchanted weapons or beheaded. I'm confused about where the line of sickness is. Risai lost her arm during battle, and Gyousou was still very wounded (although alive) when he got out of the cave (like his eyesight and voice). Don't those count as very severe sickness/illnesses though? Or by not getting sick, do they mean that immortals won't get sick from normal/status ailments or whatever, like colds and fevers, and heal faster? Or is it really that these immortals are susceptible to all sorts of disease (including colds and fevers) but just won't die?
Once again, thanks for all the hard work.
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Thank you so much. You have made my day. Heck, you have made my year.
I have searched and waited so long - for the later books to be adapted for the anime, or to be translated to English, and for the last book to be written so we I could at least read about the fate of Tai on wiki or reddit or someplace like that. Besides the Song of Ice and Fire, this is the one series for which I have so desperately sought closure.
But thanks to your generosity and incredible effort I can finally get that closure. And the few paragraphs I have read, you have done a stellar job at translating, as your text is blooming with the lyrical literary quality that I had always associated with the essence of the Anime.
My best wishes to you and your family. With the success of Shogun, and the revival of the Avatar series, perhaps more people will take interest in this incredible series. Hopefully some publisher resurrects this series in English language, and use your work, so both you and Fuyumi-san can get rewarded for your work.
I have searched and waited so long - for the later books to be adapted for the anime, or to be translated to English, and for the last book to be written so we I could at least read about the fate of Tai on wiki or reddit or someplace like that. Besides the Song of Ice and Fire, this is the one series for which I have so desperately sought closure.
But thanks to your generosity and incredible effort I can finally get that closure. And the few paragraphs I have read, you have done a stellar job at translating, as your text is blooming with the lyrical literary quality that I had always associated with the essence of the Anime.
My best wishes to you and your family. With the success of Shogun, and the revival of the Avatar series, perhaps more people will take interest in this incredible series. Hopefully some publisher resurrects this series in English language, and use your work, so both you and Fuyumi-san can get rewarded for your work.
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According to some reddit forums, the writer was planning on writing a series of short stories on Tai after twelve kingdoms? (Besides finishing the main story, Hills of Silver Ruins.) Does anyone know if this is true, and/or if there is any way to verify this?
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