The Mabinogion has not been widely translated.
However, Japanese boasts not just one, but several notable editions.
Although partial Japanese translations had existed since the 1920s, Setsuko Nakano's version, originally published in 2000, was the first of the complete work.
Additionally, while earlier publications had in fact been re-translations of Charlotte Guest's English version, Nakano travelled to Wales and studied Welsh in order to work from the original Welsh source material.
Engagement with the myths has also spawned original Japanese literature, such as Nanpei Yamada's Golden Mabinogion. Although not a retelling of the stories, Yamada's work does ground Arthurian mythology firmly in its Welsh roots, something rarely seen even in Western treatments.
Perhaps, one day, things will come full circle and English and Welsh translations of Yamada's work will become available!
Credit to Eriko Hayashi for the translation of the narration in this clip from the game. Her love for the original material has been shining in her engagement with the work!
