翻訳 9

当事者も歓迎「まさに理想」　ＬＧＢＴテーマ絵本

2019/11/09 15:00

王子に待っていた運命の相手はハンサムな騎士。そして、花嫁候補として舞踏会に招かれた村娘が見つけた“真実の愛”の相手は王女だった－。ＬＧＢＴ（性的少数者）をテーマにした２冊の翻訳絵本が出版され、話題になっている。１冊は「王子と騎士」、もう１冊は「村娘と王女」。美しい装丁も相まって、当事者からも「まさに理想の世界」と歓迎されている。（鈴木久仁子）

ともにアメリカ原作。現地での発刊当時は日本でも話題になり、原書で購入した人も少なくないという。そこで恋愛小説を多く手掛けるオークラ出版（東京）は「これも恋愛の一つの形。広く受け入れてもらえれば」と、今年８月に翻訳出版した。絵本だが、あえて子どもっぽい表現は避け「大人にも楽しんでもらえることを意識した」という。

「王子と騎士」の舞台は、はるか遠い昔の王国。花嫁探しの旅に出た王子だったが、どんな娘に会ってもどこか気が進まない。そうこうするうちに王国を荒らすけだものと闘うことになり、窮地を救う騎士と恋に落ちる－という展開だ。

一方、「村娘と王女」は王子と仲良しの村娘が舞踏会に招待され、周囲からは「花嫁候補」と期待されるものの、王子とは幸せな未来が見えずに涙をこぼす。そこに優しく声をかけてくれたのは王女。２人は時がたつのも忘れて楽しく過ごし、やがて…。

ＬＧＢＴ当事者の交流や支援、啓発に取り組む「レインボー明石アクション」の高橋あき子代表が一読して最も驚いたのは「親が反対しないこと」。どちらの絵本でも王と王妃はひたすら子どもの幸せだけを考え、「やっと息子にぴったりの相手に出会えた」「ふたりは完ぺきなカップルね」と祝福する。

主人公たちが自分の恋愛対象に「ちゅうちょしない」ことにも注目する。「現実には多くの当事者が親や周囲に反対され、打ち明けられない人もいる。自分らしい恋愛をできないことも少なくない」からだ。

さらに絵本では、髪の質や肌の色、人種も異なる登場人物がそれぞれ色鮮やかに描かれ、「多様な壁をなくす仕掛けがある。この絵本の世界観が現実になったら素晴らしい」と応援する。

いずれも２２×２６センチ。１７００円（税別）。オークラ出版ＴＥＬ０３・３７９２・２４１１

 https://www.kobe-np.co.jp/news/sougou/201911/0012863149.shtml

New LGBT-themed children's stories reflect an 'ideal world'

09/11/2019 15:00

Written by Suzuki Kuniko

The prince waits for 'the one' - a handsome knight. The true love the maiden meets at the ball is a princess. These are the stories that make up two translated LGBT-themed picture books that have been published last month. The first, 'Prince & Knight,' and the second, 'Maiden & Princess,' are beautifully bound and even the makers welcomed its publication as a step towards an ideal world.

An American publication, even its initial release in America became a talking point in Japan, with no small number of people here buying the books. The translations were published last month by experienced Tokyo-based romance novel publisher Oakla. They commented, 'These books depict one type of love, which we hope will be met with acceptance.' Though they are picture books, they avoided associations with young children, adding, 'We want these books to be known as being enjoyable for adults too.'

'Prince & Knight' is set in a far away kingdom long ago, where a prince goes on a journey to find a partner. No matter how many women he meets, no one ever feels quite right. While the prince is away, the kingdom is terrorized by a beast, and when the prince goes to slay it, he falls in love with the knight who he sees battling alongside him.

In 'Maiden & Princess,' the prince invites his friend, a maiden, to the ball. While everyone expects her to be a potential suitor for the prince, but he is left without a happy ending when she instead spends a magical evening with the princess.

Takahashi Akiko, from advocacy group 'Rainbow Akashi Action,' who seek to increase public awareness and support for the LGBT community, said, 'The most surprising thing is that the parents in the books aren't opposed to their child's relationship.' The king and queen think only of their children's happiness, and are overjoyed that, 'my son has finally found his perfect partner,' and, 'together, they are the perfect couple.'

The main characters also don't hesitate with the object of their affections. 'In real life, LGBT people have to deal with opposition from their friends and family, and a lot of people can't be open about their sexuality. A lot of people can't have the relationship they want to have.'

There has also been an effort in these books to focus on diversity, with the characters' differences celebrated in vivid colors. 'This is a way we can knock down various walls. It would be amazing if reality was like the world view of these books.'

Both books 22 x 26cm, 1700¥ before tax.

Oakla Publishing: 03 3792 2411