{"id":5725,"date":"2010-01-14T12:22:43","date_gmt":"2010-01-14T03:22:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.debito.org\/?p=5725"},"modified":"2010-01-14T19:13:56","modified_gmt":"2010-01-14T10:13:56","slug":"nz-publisher-perpetuates-tales-of-gaijin-leads-me-into-writing-story-under-rubric-i-cannot-accept","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/?p=5725","title":{"rendered":"NZ publisher perpetuates “Tales of Gaijin”; I have to withdraw submission due to rubric I cannot accept"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Handbook<\/a>\"\\\"<\/a>\"Foreign<\/a>\"\\\"<\/a>\"\u300c\u30b8\u30e3\u30d1\u30cb\u30fc\u30ba\u30fb\u30aa\u30f3\u30ea\u30fc\u3000\u5c0f\u6a3d\u5165\u6d74\u62d2\u5426\u554f\u984c\u3068\u4eba\u7a2e\u5dee\u5225\u300d\uff08\u660e\u77f3\u66f8\u5e97\uff09\"<\/a>\"JAPANESE<\/a>\"sourstrawberriesavatar\"<\/a>\"debitopodcastthumb\"<\/a>
\nUPDATES ON TWITTER: arudoudebito
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[NB<\/strong>: \u00a0Original title of this post has been amended] <\/em><\/p>\n

Hi Blog. \u00a0I was invited a little over a year ago to submit two stories to a NZ publisher, a new place called Fine Line Press<\/a>, run by a jolly decent fellow I know (former head of the Tokyo Chapter of JALT) named Graham Bathgate. \u00a0One story was on the Otaru Onsens Case, the other on the Top Five Things I Like About Japan. \u00a0I knew the person, was happy to oblige, and we exchanged some story drafts until satisfaction about the submissions were reached on both sides.<\/p>\n

However, in August I heard that the book would be published under the rubric of “Foreign Tales from Japan<\/a>” (actually, they were originally punning on the “Tales of Genji” to make “Tales of Gaijin”. \u00a0Ick). \u00a0Alas, I am not a foreigner in Japan, and I said I did not want my stories to be included either under this rubric or within this concept. \u00a0I have, naturally, very strong feelings about being treated as a foreigner in Japan, and I do not like publishers (and former long-termers in Japan, such as Graham) exporting the binary “Japanese vs. Gaijin” mindset to media overseas. \u00a0We have enough trouble dealing with it over here without it being propagated in more liberal societies (such as NZ). \u00a0Graham, IMHO, should know better, and should publish better.<\/p>\n

So I protested and asked the rubric to be changed or my writing withdrawn. \u00a0After several months of silence, I got the final word: \u00a0The rubric would stand. \u00a0Okay. \u00a0Sad to see.<\/p>\n

But I’m not one to let things like this go. \u00a0I feel the publisher led me down a garden path, <\/span>and then<\/span> wound up pigeonholing me through imported racist paradigms. \u00a0Should be known about. \u00a0Here’s the main correspondence we had, for the record. \u00a0Arudou Debito in Sapporo<\/p>\n

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/<\/p>\n

From: graham bathgate
\nDate: December 26, 2008 11:54:02 AM JST
\nTo: debito@debito.org
\nSubject: Graham Bathgate here<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear Debito, A long time ago we connect re JALT stuff, etc. Actually,
\nI interviewed you in a room at Sophia University (Jan. 28 ’01) and produced
\na piece which unfortunately I had no outlet for. That was entitled
\n“Onsen in hot water won’t come clean”.<\/em><\/p>\n

Now I wonder if you would be interested and have the time
\nto craft a story for a book I would like to publish in 2009. It will
\nbe my second book, the first being a slim volume of memoirs
\nby an old student of mine, now 85 – called “Glimpses of Old Tokyo”.
\nThe second book has the working title of “Tales of Gaijin” and
\nwill be stories derived from the personal experiences of people
\nwho have lived or still live in Japan.
\nI have taken the liberty of including the brief guidelines straight off
\nto you, knowing that you are already a very productive writer – I greatly
\nadmired your home page and writings. Must be hugely helpful to
\nall people, newcomers and old-hands in Japan.
\nYou’ll see below that there’s a limit of 2000 words on a story, but no-one’s
\ngoing to quibble about 2,500 or a bit more. The deadline for an idea for
\na story is end of January, and for writing something, the end of March ’09…<\/em><\/p>\n

Hope to hear from you soon. All the best for 2009. Graham
\n\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6
\nGuidelines in acronym form (PILLOTS) for your story about Tokyo\/Japan:
\nPILLOTS<\/em><\/p>\n

P – Personal experience \/ feelings
\nI –\u00a0\u00a0Images – clear and concrete – of Tokyo and\/or Japan
\nL – Lyrical (The prose should have beauty if not poetic quality)
\nL – Light (Story ideally shows a light side of life in Japan with serious\u00a0\t\tcomment on this …… or vice versa
\nO – Observation (A clear event described or some thoughts about\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\tTokyo\/Japan – contrast\/comparison with other places OK)
\nT – Tokyo-based atmosphere preferred \/ Japan fine, too
\nS – Short (Not more than 2,000 words, or two or three very short “stories” adding up to that). There can be exceptions but 5,000 words would\u00a0be a take-over!
\n\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6\u00b6<\/em><\/p>\n

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/<\/p>\n

We had a few months of drafts bouncing back and forth, arrived at finished product, then I got this update:<\/p>\n

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/<\/p>\n

From: \tgraham bathgate
\nSubject: \tInvitation to book launch Tokyo
\nDate: \tAugust 8, 2009 7:41:28 AM JST<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear All, Please have a look at the invitation on the site ….. and tell a friend:<\/em><\/p>\n

www.finelinepress.co.nz<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Iit will be “Foreign Tales from Japan” next year.<\/em><\/p>\n

My apologies to those of you already received something like this. Cheers, Graham<\/em><\/p>\n

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/<\/p>\n

I immediately checked things out and sent this reply:<\/p>\n

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/<\/p>\n

From: \tdebito@debito.org
\nSubject: \tRe: Invitation to book launch Tokyo — I am deeply disappointed by the publisher’s taglines.
\nDate: \tAugust 8, 2009 10:04:27 AM JST
\nTo: \tGraham Bathgate<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hi Graham. I’ve had a look. I am gravely disappointed by the publisher’s prospectus:<\/em><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.finelinepress.co.nz\/foreign_tales_from_japan.html
\n<\/a>
\n=========================================
\nA colleague at the school we taught at in Tokyo said that everyone has a good story to tell, possibly very true for travellers to the Far East. Recalling this we decided to ask friends there if they would like to write about an experience in Japan. The contributions were sufficient to start work on the next book. It will be published by the end of 2009, a compilation of forty stories by foreigners who live or have lived in Japan.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The basic idea in producing this kind of book was to give a chance to people to tell their Japan experience in well-crafted story form, a tale that deserves to be recounted but perhaps wouldn\u2019t otherwise find its way into print. The working title of the book isTales of Gaijin (after \u201cTale of Genji\u201d).<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

It will fascinate anyone interested in how foreigners view Japan and what their unique experiences were. It is hoped that Japanese people will read these stories and reflect on the images and opinions of people who love Japan.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

=========================================<\/p>\n

Debito continues:<\/p>\n

“a compilation of forty stories by foreigners who live or have lived in Japan”, “how foreigners view Japan” etc<\/strong><\/p>\n

I’m not a foreigner.<\/em><\/p>\n

“Tales of Gaijin (after \u201cTale of Genji\u201d).”
\n<\/strong>
\n This had better not be the title of the book.<\/em><\/p>\n

If this is how the book is shaping up, I want no part of it. I never knew that this would be sold as a book by “foreigners”, worse yet “gaijin” (a racist term in the very title). Either have your publisher make the proper accommodations for long-term residents and citizens or withdraw my story. I will have no part in perpetuating racist stereotypes overseas.<\/em><\/p>\n

Arudou Debito in Sapporo<\/em><\/p>\n

(cc publisher, which worse yet looks like it’s you. You wrote this??)<\/em><\/p>\n

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/<\/p>\n

From: \tGraham Bathgate
\nSubject: \tRe: Invitation to book launch Tokyo — I am deeply disappointed by the publisher’s taglines.
\nDate: \tAugust 8, 2009 11:12:34 AM JST
\nTo: \tdebito@debito.org<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear Debito,
\nSorry you feel the book will not shape up and be fair to all, especially to the
\nJapanese. All the stories have wonderful unique experiences
\nto tell. There are haiku and tanka, too. It is a fine collection. I would be
\nsad to lose your story because it gives an edge to the book which is lacking
\nsomewhat, I feel. However, good experiences in an adopted country have
\na readership, I am sure, not only among non-Japanese but also I hope
\namong Japanese.
\nThe working title was the play on title “Tales of Genji”. Not the final title
\nat all.
\nWhat title would you suggest? I am open.
\nWhat else would you like changed? Again open.
\nI hope I can keep your story. It’s one of the best.
\nCheers,
\nGraham<\/em><\/p>\n

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/<\/p>\n

From: \tdebito@debito.org
\nSubject: \tRe: Invitation to book launch Tokyo — I am deeply disappointed by the publisher’s taglines.
\nDate: \tAugust 8, 2009 10:28:32 PM JST
\nTo: \tGraham Bathgate<\/strong><\/p>\n

Graham, I think you missed my point. You are selling this as a book with the perspectives of foreigners. What about me, then? I am not a foreigner. Can you not see the disconnect?<\/em><\/p>\n

Titling: “Foreign Tales from Japan”, okay, but again, what about me? Not foreign. If you say it’s foreign perspectives, I’m out.<\/em><\/p>\n

Moreover, if you use the word “gaijin” in the title, my essay is off limits. I am not a gaijin, or a gaikokujin, and I will not be associated with any work which imports and uses that binary rubric to view the world. I am a Japanese. Full stop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Do you at least see the problem I’m talking about? I’m not talking about “fairness to all, especially to the Japanese”. I’m talking about accuracy. Calling me a foreigner is inaccurate. With me so far? If so, email back and we’ll continue this discussion.<\/em><\/p>\n

PS: Again, did you write the book blurb below?<\/em><\/p>\n

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/<\/p>\n

I received no answer until January 12, as in two days ago.<\/p>\n

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/<\/p>\n

From: \tGraham Bathgate
\nSubject: \tRe: Launch ……. I am deeply disappointed…..
\nDate: \tJanuary 12, 2010 6:47:17 PM JST
\nTo: \tdebito@debito.org<\/strong><\/p>\n

Omedetoh,
\nSorry such a late reply, but Xmas or something.
\nMany other writers were happy as “gaijin”, so I would like to
\nsave your “Onsen”, if I may, for another publication.<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ll be sure to let you know about the launch of “Forty Stories of Japan”, probably
\nbeginning of November in Tokyo, but should be out here in March.
\nAll the best for Tiger,<\/em><\/p>\n

Graham<\/em>
\n============================<\/p>\n

On 14\/12\/2009, at 7:32 PM, Arudou Debito wrote:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hellooooo Graham? What’s happening with my writing, please? Debito<\/em><\/p>\n

============================<\/p>\n

Begin forwarded message:<\/strong><\/p>\n

From: Arudou Debito <\/em>
\nDate: August 13, 2009 9:55:43 PM JST
\nTo: Graham Bathgate <\/em>
\nSubject: RESEND: Invitation to book launch Tokyo — I am deeply disappointed by the publisher’s taglines.<\/em><\/p>\n

Graham, did you get this? Debito<\/em><\/p>\n

============================<\/p>\n

Begin forwarded message:<\/strong><\/p>\n

From: Arudou Debito <\/em>
\nDate: August 8, 2009 10:28:32 PM JST
\nTo: graham bathgate <\/em>
\nSubject: Re: Invitation to book launch Tokyo — I am deeply disappointed by the publisher’s taglines.<\/em><\/p>\n

Graham, I think you missed my point. You are selling this as a book with the perspectives of foreigners. What about me, then? I am not a foreigner. Can you not see the disconnect?\u00a0… [rest of forwarded message deleted]<\/em><\/p>\n

ENDS<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I was invited a little over a year ago to submit two stories to a NZ publisher, a new place called Fine Line Press, run by a jolly decent fellow I know (former head of the Tokyo Chapter of JALT) named Graham Bathgate. One story was on the Otaru Onsens Case, the other on the Top Five Things I Like About Japan. I knew the person, was happy to oblige, and we exchanged some story drafts until satisfaction about the submissions were reached on both sides.<\/p>\n

However, in August I heard that the book would be published under the rubric of “Foreign Tales from Japan” (actually, they were originally punning on the “Tales of Genji” to make “Tales of Gaijin”. Ick). Alas, I am not a foreigner in Japan, and I said I did not want my stories to be included either under this rubric or within this concept. I have, naturally, very strong feelings about being treated as a foreigner in Japan, and I do not like publishers (and former long-termers in Japan, such as Graham) exporting the binary “Japanese vs. Gaijin” mindset to media overseas. We have enough trouble dealing with it over here without it being propagated in more liberal societies (such as NZ). Graham, IMHO, should know better, and should publish better.<\/p>\n

So I protested and asked the rubric to be changed or my writing withdrawn. After several months of silence, I got the final word: The rubric would stand. Okay. Sad to see.<\/p>\n

But I’m not one to let things like this go. I feel the publisher wound up pigeonholing me through imported racist paradigms. Should be known about. Here’s the main correspondence we had, for the record.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,43,36,22,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5725","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-academia","category-bad-business-practices","category-bad-social-science","category-cultural-issue","category-media"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5725","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5725"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5725\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5725"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5725"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5725"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}