For those who are looking to test out their translation skills as they level-up their Japanese, I’ve compiled a list of currently active translation prizes and competitions.

This includes those that are specific to Japanese translations and those that are more generally for international works in translation. Know of something not here? Leave a comment or shoot us an email!

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Japanese

JLPP International Translation Competition
Japanese Literature and Publishing Project, Agency for Cultural Affairs

Translation of Japanese Literature Prize [US citizens]
Donald Keene Center of Japanese Culture, Columbia University; Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission

Lindsley and Masao Miyoshi Translation Prizes and Grants [non-US citizens & non-permanent residents]
Donald Keene Center of Japanese Culture, Columbia University; Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission

Japan Association of Translators Contest
Japan Association of Translators

John Dryden Translation Competition
The British Comparative Literature Association and the British Centre for Literary Translation

Kurodahan Press Translation Prize
Kurodahan Press [**cancelled as of 2021**]

Selden Memorial Translation Prize
Cornell University, Department of Asian Studies

General

Best Translated Book Award
University of Rochester

International Booker Prize
The Booker Prize Foundation

John Glassco Translation Prize
Literary Translators’ Association of Canada

Lucien Stryk Asian Translation Prize
The American Literary Translators Association

National Book Award for Translated Literature
National Book Foundation

PEN Translation Prize
PEN America

The TA First Translation Prize
The Society of Authors

Warwick Prize for Women in Translation
Warwick

Willis Barnstone Translation Prize
University of Evansville

World Literature Today Student Translation Prize
World Literature Today

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Know of other competitions not included here? Let us know!