Limits of retranslation: the first Chinese translation of The Tale of Genji and its successors

Much of the theorizing on retranslation has been significantly influenced by the Retranslation Hypothesis, which valorizes subsequent translations as improvements on prior ones. In this regard, Chinese translations of The Tale of Genji prompt a re-evaluation of scholarly views on the original text, its first translation, and the later retranslations. In the wake of Feng Zikai’s first complete Chinese translation of Genji in Mainland China in 1980, numerous retranslations have emerged. However, a combination of textual and statistical analysis reveals that four of the full retranslations are closely related to Feng’s version, either directly borrowing from it, or subtly rewording it. The intertwined motivations of fame for the translators and profit for the publishers have driven this phenomenon, indirectly fostering a static reading of Japanese literature and culture in China. Instead of offering new interpretations of Genji, the Chinese retranslations reinforce the authority of Feng Zikai’s translation.