Abstract
Through a reading of Ikezawa Natsuki’s retranslation of the Kojiki, this article examines the notion of Japanese literary tradition and its reception within the contemporary editorial and literary landscape. Ikezawa’s translation is part of the Ikezawa Natsuki=kojin henshu nihon bungaku zenshū (Anthology of Japanese literature selected by Ikezawa Natsuki), an editorial project aimed at renewing the classic literary canon with new translations by contemporary authors. Ikezawa’s translation strategy and his discourse on the Kojiki revive the vision of literature as a reflection of cultural identity, a vision first developed at the end of the 19th century. The article argues that, through this project, Ikezawa cements his position as an intermediary for Japan’s national literary heritage.