About me
I’m a graduate in Translation and Interpreting and I have a master’s degree in Human Rights, Democracy and Globalisation. I studied at university between Barcelona, the United Kingdom and Japan and I’ve spent time in Ireland and the United States, where I was lucky enough to work in beautiful libraries. I’ve also spent time as a writer and translator in residence in other countries, but I’ve been back in my native Barcelona for more than a decade now, travelling to Japan whenever I can.
Writing
In a previous life I used to work on travel guides, but it was only quite recently that, after enjoying translation for some years, I took the plunge and started writing literature as well.
My first book, Claudia’s Dream, won the European Narrating Equality award for children’s literature on themes of equality.
My second book, A world of kisses, was named in the White Ravens catalogue for 2025, a list of the best children’s books of the year compiled by the International Youth Library in Munich.
Both books, published by NubeOcho, can be found in Catalan, Spanish, English and Italian, and A world of kisses has also been published in Korean!
Translation
I translate from Japanese and English into Catalan and Spanish. I started with manga and audiovisual translation, and this also led me into giving dubbing directions for a time. I translate for publishers, marketing departments, advertising agencies, dubbing studios, universities, cultural foundations, NGOs and institutions working for human rights.
I have chaired APTIC (the Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters of Catalonia) and I have also been a member of the FIT (International Federation of Translators) council. In this period, I learned to work as part of a team and lead all kinds of projects, both internally and in cooperation with institutions. I also had the chance to attend conferences, universities and trade fairs in Spain and abroad, both as a visitor and as a speaker. All this has confirmed my view that translation is both an art and a very human profession.
For publishers, I have translated Japanese and English literary classics, ranging from Otagaki Rengetsu, Mori Ogai, Izumi Kyoka and Tatsuo Hori to Elizabeth Gaskell; modern authors of fiction for adults such as the always impressive Yoko Tawada and bestselling writers Toshikazu Kawaguchi and Michiko Aoyama; and more than 150 picture books by well-known authors like Taro Gomi, Shinsuke Yoshitake, Jon Klassen, Britta Teckentrup and Chris Haughton. I particularly like this last type of work because I’m a firm believer in the educational and transformative power of children’s literature. That’s why I also decided to take the plunge and write!
Literary journeys to Japan
Throughout my university days and my professional career as a translator from Japanese, I’ve enjoyed different kinds of stays in Japan, from a grant-funded year at the Josai International University, and several months researching my master’s degree dissertation, to journeys for pleasure, visiting friends, discovering more of the country and spending time as writer and translator in residence in Kanazawa.
Because of my experience, I’ve been asked several times to organise custom trips to Japan for small groups, which I have accompanied, including film-making teams, families and groups of friends.
Now, I am combining this experience with my passion for literature and Japanese culture and offering you a chance to immerse yourself in literature on a trip to discover Tokyo – the great city that never sleeps – and the more traditional rural Japan. Together we will explore Japanese cuisine, art, history and culture, guided and inspired by the works of classical and contemporary authors.
If you’d like to find out more about Japanese literature and get to know me a bit better, you can watch the following videos in which I talk about Japanese children’s literature and translating the author Yoko Tawada.
