William Scott Wilson (born 1944,
Nashville, Tennessee) is known for translating several works of
Japanese literature, mostly those relating to the
martial tradition of that country.
Wilson has brought historical Chinese and Japanese thought, philosophy, and tactics to the West in his translations of famous
East Asian literature.
Awards
On November 3, 2015, Wilson was inducted into the
Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, for "promoting understanding of Japan through the introduction of Japanese Literature in the United States."[1]
Wilson received Japan's Foreign Minister's Commendation from the Consulate General of Japan in Miami, Masakazu Toshikage on November 15, 2005. According to the Consulate Press release:[2]
The award is "conferred upon individuals or groups that have rendered especially distinguished service in strengthening the relationship between Japan and other countries. Through his literary works and translations, Mr. Wilson has contributed greatly to increased cultural understanding and friendship between the US and Japan."
His first original work, The Lone Samurai: The Life of Miyamoto Musashi, was published in 2004. He has done extensive research on Japanese philosophy and
Bushido, the way of the samurai."
Bachelor of Arts, Japanese Language and Literature, Monterey Institute of Foreign Studies, Monterey, California, USA (Now Monterey Institute of International Studies, a graduate school of Middlebury College)
Aichi Prefectural University, Nagoya, Japan (1975–1977) extensive Study of
Edo period (1603–1868)
Master's Degree in Japanese Language and Literature, University of Washington at Seattle. (1979)
The Flowering Spirit: Classic Teachings on the Art of No by Zeami. Kodansha (release date: May 19, 2006)
ISBN4-7700-2499-1
The Demon's Sermon on the Martial Arts by Issai Chozanshi. Kodansha International (release date: November, 2006)
ISBN4-7700-3018-5
The 36 Secret Strategies of the Martial Arts by
Hiroshi Moriya (March, 2008)
Yojokun: Life Lessons from a Samurai (The Way of the Warrior Series) by
Kaibara Ekiken (January 1, 2009) Kodansha International 224 pages
ISBN978-4-7700-3077-1
The Unencumbered Spirit: Reflections of a Chinese Sage, 2010, Kodansha International
ISBN4-7700-3097-5
Tao Te Ching: A New Translation by Lao Tzu, Shambhala Publications, 2012
ISBN159030991X