ベルゲン国際文学祭2023

On February 12, we took part in LitFestBergen 2023. We talked about Japanese culture (it's a bit rough to use this word) and our work.

We used to think that we didn't need to talk about our works because we thought they told the whole story and that our commentary would limit the range of interpretation.

We like that our stories are often abstract and open to interpretation. However, when we had the opportunity to speak at this event and share the background and thoughts behind our work, we felt the opposite.Us talking about it is a good guide for readers to get into our stories.

Many people sympathized with us. We learned that each reader can enjoy the picture book more if we talk about our thoughts and feelings.

But again, please don't think that what we say is all there is to the work. Each reader will receive it differently. On the contrary, it changes from day to day and time to time. Y are not wrong in any of your impressions.

Even we have changed the way we feel about them now from 10 years ago. We are not only authors, are also one of readers just like you.

We look at our ever-changing selves, and we enjoy the words that are not settled. We hope that you too will enjoy the fluctuations, the fleeting feelings, and the words

The flow of the river never ceases,
And the water never stays the same.

Bubbles float on the surface of pools,
Bursting, re-forming, never lingering.

‐‐‐” Hojoki ” Chomei Kamono, Translator Mathew Stavros‐‐‐