[Slonopotam845]

From: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chann...literature-936

Pen unites Tamil, Japanese literature

M. Muthu, 93, of Salem and his pen friend of 42 years, Shuzo Matsunaga of Japan, who is also 93, have been exchanging literary works and translations of poems and novels in an effort to pass on art, literature and culture of their respective countries to the next generation.

In conversation with this newspaper, Mr Muthu recalled his pride when the Japanese government brought out a stamp in his honour in 2007 — Tokyo had first decided to dedicate the stamp to Mr Shuzo for his contribution towards literature, but the generous Japanese told his government that Mr Muthu deserved the honour more.

However, Mr Muthu is more excited these days as his four books of translation of Japanese folk tales are getting ready for release early April by a reputed publisher in Chennai.

Residing with his son Mr Kannan, 63, a retired PWD engineer, Mr Muthu spends all his time reading, writing and translating for his friend. “Our relationship remains afresh even today. He sends photos and wishes during Pongal and Deepavali along with a big parcel of books. I also send him important literary works,” he said. The duo has translated Tamil ancient literary works like Naladiyar, Manimekalai and Panchathanthira Kadhaigal.

Mr Muthu was naturally anxious when the Fukushima nuclear disaster destroyed neighbourhoods in Japan. “I was relieved only after a letter from Shuzo. We met once in 1981 when Shuzo took part in the world Tamil conference in Madurai,” he said.

Mr Shuzo has written four volumes of books on marriage, birth and death ceremonies, important festivals of Tamil Nadu with inputs and photos sent by Mr Muthu. “Shuzo’s book India as Seen Through Letters, was very popular in his country. I have copies of his books. I want to preserve them,” he said. So far Mr Muthu has penned seven books with the help of Mr Shuzo.