Eric

Margolis

[Recorded: 7.24.2024]

Ask Me Anything

Journalist ● Author ● Translator & Editor

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FROM THE BIG APPLE TO THE LAND OF TOYOTA

Without a bevy of connections and an expat package, hitting the ground running as a newcomer to Japan appears an insurmountable task. Eric's unique cross-continent approach helped him avoid the eikaiwa trap; his tenacity and superb writing chops have kept him running ever since.

Writing for The Times x 2

There are writers who write for The New York Times; writers who write for The Japan Times. Few, do both. Fewer still, score both outlets as a rookie freelancer. Eric began to sweep away the notion such a lofty goal was an impossibility beginning in 2020—logging an array of intriguing stories at both outlets, and adding byline after byline with other noteworthy publishers at the same time.

Far Beneath the Fold

While front'n'center journalism may sate our curiosity of mind, nourishment of the soul tends to manifest under much dimmer lighting. For Eric, writing and translating poetry provides conduit to that most important part of his being. It's a talent showcased in his translations of the poet Noriko Minesawa, and in his own work—both featured in the Tokyo Poetry Journal.

Technicolor Dreams

Words + Art. For many a Japanese translator, the dream gig is the chance to work in the universe occupied by manga and animation. Eric's role as American market acquisitions editor at One Peace Books puts him in the driver's seat for a host of duties at this NYC publisher of light novels, manga, nonfiction, and literary fiction. Is work in anime right around the corner?

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN WITH ERIC

His tips to ramping up a career quickly as a new transplant to Japan.
How he lands freelance writing work with top tier publications, and how he snagged his first client as a journalist in Japan.
His study strategies for passing the N1, and how he avoids losing his hard-earned language skills despite spending much of his day in an English-focused profession.
The jump from fairly fresh grad to living and working in Japan, and his take on studying literature and language in college. Was it worth it?
Why he initially chose to live in Nagoya over Tokyo, and how life has changed for him now that he's picked up and moved to Tokyo for graduate studies.
How to nail a pitch, and how to negotiate rates so everyone wins, and he doesn't starve.
What it's like to pursue a Master's degree in Japan while working full time.
How to FINISH your first (and second!) novel.

Eric's Helluva Page Turner

A cryptic will. A near-dead car. And, a brother and sister fixated on finding a long-lost, magic family bracelet before they leave their teens in the rear view. It's a perilous journey across America for Matt and Becca Rosen as a haunting character named Cowboy Jim clips at their heels the entire way.

OUR WELCOMED GUEST

Eric Margolis

Eric Margolis is a writer, translator, and editor based in Tokyo. He received his B.A. in English from Yale University and after graduating, he began as a journalist and translator of manga and light novels from Japanese to English.

Currently, Eric is an editor at One Peace Books, a journalist covering arts, culture, and environmental and social issues, and a freelance translator working on magazines and short fiction. His publication credits include The New York Times, The Japan Times, Foreign Policy, Vox, Slate, The Evergreen Review, and more. Eric is the author of the novel The Golden State and a lover of seasides, mountains, and jazz.

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.