TEHRAN -- A Persian translation of the book “A History of Modern Japanese Aesthetics” by Michael F. Marra was introduced in a ceremony at Tehran Gallery on Sunday.

“A History of Modern Japanese Aesthetics” constitutes the first history of modern Japanese aesthetics in any language. It introduces readers through lucid and readable translations to works on the philosophy of art written by major Japanese thinkers from the late nineteenth century to the present.
The translator Hashem Rajabzadeh, head of Iran’s Academy of Art Publications Alireza Esmaeili, researcher Hassan Bolkhari, and head of the research department of the academy Mehrdad Ahmadian were among the participants at the ceremony.
Esmaili was the first who made the opening speech and said that the Persian translation of the book “A History of Modern Japanese Aesthetics” will later come out in a more complete version with detailed lexicography, an introduction, and index, adding, “The book enjoys complete subtitles added by the translator for further information for the readers. Rajabzadeh has also established a library in Osaka that introduces Iranian books to Japanese citizens.”
Rajabzadeh was the next to speak and said, “The writer has reviewed and discussed the subjects of aesthetics and poetic diction in this book. He has reviewed the articles initiated by Japanese scientists on aesthetics and has tried to portray an image of Japanese aesthetics in this book.
“The Japanese entered the developing era very quickly. They received many Nobel prizes in chemistry, physics, and even literature and made use of the technology of the West as much as they needed and wanted,” Rajabzadeh explained.
Researcher Bolkhari continued, “This is a great book, and not many realize how precious this book is. I teach the philosophy of art to university students and can feel how wonderful this book is for students.
“I believe this book is a philosophical text and the translator has given a smooth translation of the book. He has bestowed a enduring work to Persian literature with this translation. This book contains the major events of the past 150 years in aesthetics in Japan. Both the writer and the translator have lived in Japan and this made it easier for them to represent this book,” he remarked.
Bolkhari went on to say, “The Japanese have experienced three stages in achieving modern aesthetics. They include the three stages of becoming familiar with Western culture, reviewing the philosophy of art, and rebuilding the aesthetics of Japan.
“The modern Japanese aesthetics has its origins rooted in the West, and it was the westerners who introduced the new form of aesthetics in Japan. But afterwards, the Japanese tried to make it more domestic,” he concluded.
In addition, Mehrdad Ahmadian also gave a short explanation about the book and noted that the book is a great help for the Iranian academic society.