Aleksandra

Priimak

[Recorded: 8.7.2024]

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Literature Scholar ● Poet ● Writer & Editor

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FROM GRADUATE STUDENT TO LITERARY SCHOLAR

Laying an early foundation for a future in Japan helped Alex accomplish what many transplants struggle with: finding meaningful work, and creating a life brimming with opportunity despite the apparent challenges.

The Dive into Publishing

A closeness to the war in Ukraine saw Alex wanting to do something proactive and positive with her emotions. The resulting effort was the Japanese edition of the Resistance and Opposition Arts Review (R.O.A.R.) and an expansion of the organization's mission.

Securing a Magazine Column

In the summer of 2024, the venerable Hakusuisha publishing house welcomed Alex as a columnist to their Web ふらんす magazine, providing her with yet another opportunity to practice and fine-tune her Japanese writing voice. Not to mention, get in front of a lot of new readers.

Poetry for the Win

Poetry changes thoughts and lives, and when writing in more than one language is possible, the rewards for both reader and artist multiply with the acquisition of each new language. Alex is joyfully kicking up some of that dust; galleries and enthusiasts are starting to notice.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN WITH ALEKSANDRA

What it's like to transition to full-time resident after studying in Japan
Her approach to setting learning goals that are achievable, and when to take a break from studying without losing your momentum
How she became interested in literary criticism and how she is crafting a career in the field
The story of how she teamed up with a renowned professor and author for the Japanese edition of the Resistance and Opposition Arts Review (R.O.A.R.)
What it was like to earn her master's degree in Japan
Her tips for stacking language learning (she speaks five languages!)
What it was like to work for a "ブラック企業" in Japan, and how to avoid landing in one yourself!
How she landed her first magazine column with the prestigious Hakusuisha publishing firm, and what it was like to be half of the popular "Nick & Alex" You Tube Show

ALEKSANDRA AND DAZAI

In 2021, Alex put together an incredibly creative read of our first Dazai Osamu published work—Wish Fulfilled. Here's her take on our translation of this super short vignette!

OUR WELCOMED GUEST

Aleksandra Priimak

Writer, editor, and translator. Based in Tokyo.

Alex works in art and publishing and is a recent graduate of Sophia University where she majored in Japanese literature, specifically, Dazai Osamu. Deft with a pen, she writes part-time and hosts a monthly column written in Japanese for Hakusuisha's Web ふらんす where she covers cultural and literature-related topics.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Alex has also been working as a volunteer translator for the anti-war web-magazine R.O.A.R., hoping to spread awareness of the situation, as well as to share Russian contemporary writing with a Japanese audience.

A JAPANESE LANGUAGE PROGRAM LIKE NO OTHER.

Maplopo helps intermediate and advanced learners of Japanese internalize language through the power of story—all in a single learning platform. Maplopo is rigorous, structured, and handcrafted for serious learners of Japanese.