Polly Barton

Polly Barton is a Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Cambridge. She specializes in Japanese literature translation and cultural studies, with a focus on contemporary narratives and language dynamics. Her work bridges Japanese literary traditions with global audiences through meticulous translations and critical essays.

Key roles include organizing and presenting at academic events such as the East Asia Seminar Series, where she discussed translation's role in dissolving cultural barriers. She has translated seminal works by authors like Aoko Matsuda and Mieko Kanai, emphasizing themes of gender, labor, and identity.

• Awards: 2019 Fitzcarraldo Essay Prize for Fifty Sounds, a seminal exploration of Japanese language and society.
• Translations: Where the Wild Ladies Are, There's No Such Thing as an Easy Job, and Mild Vertigo.

Her research intersects translation practice with critical analysis, contributing to debates on literary representation and cross-cultural communication. She frequently collaborates with institutions like Felicity Bryan Associates for professional engagements.