At only twenty-eight years old, Luong Viet Dung has translated many great works of Japanese literature. Dung has translated these texts into Vietnamese and received much praise from critics and readers.

The work that brought him prominence was Yoshimoto Mahoko's "Kitchen," which has also been made into two movies. Dung also translated Beddotaimu Aizu or "Bedtime Eyes" by Yamada, which won the Bungei Literary Price in 1985. Both Mahoko and Yamada are prominent female Japanese writers.

Dung says he enjoys translating works from the opposite sex, as he claims he is captivated by them and their work assists him in understanding women. Dung also asserts that translating helps him understand more about Japanese culture, personality traits of Japanese people and their psychological make up. Dung finds his work spiritually rewarding.

Dung also translated a work that most American horror movie enthusiasts would recognize—Ringu or the "Ring" by Japanese writer Suzuki Koji.

15 September 2008