Departures of note

Nobuyuki Nakamoto was a distinguished Japanese scholar of Russian literature, theater critic, and translator. Born in 1932 in Tochigi Prefecture, he graduated from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies with a degree in Russian language. He dedicated his career to bringing Russian literary and theatrical works to Japanese audiences through translation and criticism.

He served as assistant professor at Kanagawa University's Faculty of Foreign Studies from 1977, becoming full professor in 1983 before retiring in 2003 and receiving the title of honorary professor. His scholarly work included directing stage productions and teaching at the Stage Arts College and Sound Arts Professional School. In 2008, he was awarded the Pushkin Medal by the Russian government in recognition of his contributions to Russian cultural exchange.

Nakamoto translated numerous Russian literary works including Chekhov's plays and writings about Tchaikovsky. He was particularly known for his Japanese translation of Nazım Hikmet's anti-war poem "The Dead Girl," which tells the story of a young victim of the Hiroshima atomic bombing. He also served as a calling member of the Setagaya Article 9 Association and chaired the Chekhov Centenary Memorial Committee.