Digital versions of Murakami Haruki's works come to China
Updated: 2016-06-27 12:54
(chinadaily.com.cn)
|
|||||||||
Murakami Haruki. [Photo/IC] |
Readers can now buy e-books of Murakami Haruki's works on Amazon.cn in China. Introduced by the Shanghai Translation Publishing House, the books include Rain, Burning Sun and Far Away Drums. Yet, there is no digital version of Norwegian Wood – the most popular among Chinese readers.
"This is an ice-breaking and meaningful success for us, for it has been always difficult to get the digital copyrights from Japanese writers," said Han Weidong, president of the Shanghai Translation Publishing house.
As one of the most well-known and popular foreign writers among Chinese readers, Murakami Haruki has had more than 40 works introduced to China since 2001.
As the popularity of digital books rose in recent years, many Chinese readers also wanted to buy digital copies of Haruki's works.
But it is not easy for Chinese publishing houses to get Japanese writers' digital copyrights.
"Both protection and management of copyrights are extremely strict in Japan. As to digital books, there are only English versions for Murakami Haruki's works, none for any other languages. Even in Japan, there are no digital versions of his books," Han said.
Han says digital books are still strangely new to most of the writers. They are worried that the digital books will take a toll on the sales of paper copies. Moreover, the infringement also will harm their rights.
And celebrated writers and agencies, who often know little about the development of the digital books market in China, are prudent towards selling digital copyrights to Chinese presses.
"Not only Murakami Haruki, but also Milan Kundera who has a good cooperation with us, rejected our proposal to get his digital copyright. He strongly opposed digital books," Han said.
Han says Murakami Haruki finally approved the sale of the digital rights to the publishing house after lots of communication. The three e-books are "pioneers", and they hope to get digital copyrights of more of Haruki's works. No doubt, the digital copy of Norwegian Wood will still be the most demanding one.
Han did not agree with the common idea that digital books would jeopardize paper-copy sales. On the contrary, "Digital and paper books can promote each other's sales, as long as it is a good book, digital ones can help the selling of paper copies," he said.
Han believes paper books will still exist for a long time and even rise in popularity, to some extent.
"Digital books are just a supplement to paper copies," Han said.
- Hillary Clinton boasts double-digit lead over Trump: poll
- First New York Pride March since Orlando shooting targets gun control
- Intl experts question proceedings of South China Sea arbitration
- South China Sea tribunal has no legal validity
- Cambodia positions itself along new Silk Road: media
- UK opposition leader Corbyn says will not resign after Brexit vote
- The world in photos: June 20-26
- Panama Canal opens with Chinese ship making first passage
- Eco-friendly farming system introduced to NE China
- UK votes to LEAVE the EU in historic referendum
- Aussie Ben Simmons picked by 76ers as No 1 in NBA Draft
- Ancient scroll's digital art show staged in Beijing airport
- University students go underwater to celebrate graduation
- Ten photos from around China: June 17 - 23
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Anti-graft campaign targets poverty relief |
Cherry blossom signal arrival of spring |
In pictures: Destroying fake and shoddy products |
China's southernmost city to plant 500,000 trees |
Cavers make rare finds in Guangxi expedition |
Cutting hair for Longtaitou Festival |
Today's Top News
Abe's blame game reveals his policies failing to get results
Ending wildlife trafficking must be policy priority in Asia
Effects of supply-side reform take time to be seen
Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi to meet Kerry
Chinese stocks surge on back of MSCI rumors
Liang avoids jail in shooting death
China's finance minister addresses ratings downgrade
Duke alumni visit Chinese Embassy
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |