Akadot: If you could choose any Japan-related topic to publish next, what would it be? Why?

PG: Hey, we have to have some secrets in this business! One of the keys to success is getting to something before anyone else. So I will just be a little bit coy on this subject if you don't mind. But if any readers would like to suggest areas for us to go, I'm always eager to listen.

Akadot: Stone Bridge Press has published several works of Japanese fiction that has been translated and printed in English. Do you plan to expand and publish manga in English too?

PG: Manga publishing I believe is a specialized activity that we should leave to the publishers who are really good at it. If there were someone who came to us with a full-fledged manga line and wanted to partner with us to avail themselves of our editorial expertise, I'd certainly consider it. But I guess I like books, and have enough going in that area to keep us busy. That said, I would love to find literary graphic novels from Japan - adult, sophisticated, provocative - that we could publish more along the book model. I have looked at some such works, but the problem in Japan is that these things go on for many volumes, where we need something shorter and more self-contained.

Akadot: Do you have any message to the readers or fans of Japanese culture?

PG: Far be it from me to preach. So I would say that people should keep it in mind that there is the Japan as portrayed in popular culture and the Japan that exists as a nation of individuals in the real world. They are not the same. We wouldn't want people around the world to think of Americans solely as cowboys, starlets, and evil corporate execs, although these are probably the most familiar archetypes of our culture. Japanese society is not monolithic, people don't wander around spouting Zen koans, and not all girls squeal or wear sailor suits.

The way to fight becoming absorbed in or enamored of these stereotypes is by becoming knowledgeable. Learn the language, especially the written language. Travel to or spend time living in Japan. Ignore the misinformation and half truths promulgated on the Internet.

I would also suggest that you find some aspect of Japanese culture that appeals to you personally. Anime per se is too all-encompassing. To say you" like anime" is to say you like reading, or movies, or TV. Find a historical period or a traditional or contemporary art and learn everything you can about it. You'll find that the tenets of design and practice in one Japanese activity are visible in the others. By narrowing your focus, you develop an in-depth level of understanding of Japan that you can apply elsewhere. There is much overlap between high art and low in Japan, and this makes for much of the depth and resonance all of us sense in Japanese popular culture.

And finally, I'd certainly like to thank everyone who has purchased our books or recommended them to friends. Stone Bridge is not a megacorporation, and we're not supported by donations or foundations, so whatever we need to survive has to come from the support of readers. We are grateful for the chance to produce good books, and so very appreciative whenever anyone contacts us with comments and suggestions (which they are welcome to do at sbp@stonebridge.com).

Don't forget to read Part I of Akadot's interview with Peter Goodman, editor of Stone Bridge Press.

From Guide to Encyclopedia: A review of Helen McCarthy and Jonathan Clements' recent publication. Luis Reyes polishes off The Anime Encyclopedia