Keiko Tanaka, who has served as an interpreter for numerous celebrities such as the Dalai Lama, Taylor Swift, Bill Gates, and Audrey Tang, is one of the top simultaneous interpreters in Japan.
I heard that a publication commemorative lecture for Keiko Tanaka's book "If You Put It into Words, Your Wishes Will Come True" will be held, so I spoke with the organizer.
Overview of the Publication Commemorative Lecture for "If You Put It into Words, Your Wishes Will Come True"
The publication commemorative lecture will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, starting at 2:30 PM at the "Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan Multi-Purpose Hall".
Please check the image below for details.
If time permits, she is also said to be willing to answer questions about interesting episodes and English conversation. Additionally, there will be opportunities for book signings and photo sessions after the lecture.
About Keiko Tanaka and the Book
As a simultaneous interpreter and active in the field of coaching, Keiko Tanaka is a director of the Ohara Art Foundation and a big fan of Kurashiki.
In her book published in May 2025, "If You Put It into Words, Your Wishes Will Come True: English Phrases that Give Me Courage," she introduces wonderful "people, things, and events" she has encountered through simultaneous interpretation, along with memorable English phrases.
The book is filled with various stories that make you realize the deep meanings of familiar phrases, bring a smile through episodes, and give you the courage to take a step forward.
This book, which can be easily started from any page, is one that I would like those who are not good at English to pick up.
Interview with the Organizer
I spoke with Kumi Tsukahara, the representative of the "Koto Kana" Publication Commemorative Lecture Executive Committee, which is organizing the lecture.
What is your connection with Keiko Tanaka?
Tsukahara (no honorifics)
Keiko Tanaka has broadcasts on an app called "Voicy".
She often talked about Kurashiki there, so I started listening out of curiosity and learned that she is a director of the Ohara Art Foundation.
I thought she was an amazing person as a simultaneous interpreter, but after meeting her directly at an offline meeting about a year ago and experiencing her friendly and warm personality, I became an even bigger fan.
Why did you plan this lecture?
Tsukahara
After reading "If You Put It into Words, Your Wishes Will Come True," I was able to learn more about Keiko's various experiences as a simultaneous interpreter.
The episodes featured convey the warmth of interactions with the people involved, and they are all heartwarming.
I was excited by the episodes with super famous people, and I felt a bit smarter every time I encountered an English expression I didn't know, while empathizing with her stories of failure (laughs).
I wanted many people to know about this wonderful book and the amazing person that is Keiko Tanaka, so I thought it would be great to hold a publication commemorative lecture in Kurashiki.
It’s free for high school students and younger, right?
Tsukahara
Actually, Keiko had a period of not attending school during her high school years.
After that, she explored her path while being part of a theater company and studying abroad in the United States several times. This background is detailed in her first published book, "The Reason Why a High School Girl Who Didn't Attend School Became One of Japan's Top Simultaneous Interpreters."
Her experiences and efforts suggest various ways of living and possibilities, and her current success as a simultaneous interpreter brings us hope and courage.
Therefore, I wanted young people, such as junior high and high school students who are struggling with career choices, to hear her story, which is why we set the fee as "free for high school students and younger."
Please say a word to those considering participating.
Tsukahara
Keiko is truly a wonderful person.
She serves as a director of the Ohara Art Foundation, but she also loves Kurashiki very much and is really looking forward to this lecture.
In fact, she is a big fan of the artist Fujii Kaze from Satosho Town, Okayama Prefecture, and has accompanied him on overseas tours for work. She has also worked on many music-related projects, so we might hear about those episodes as well.
Through Keiko's bright and friendly talk, I believe everyone can feel warm and encouraged when their hearts are tired by touching on English expressions and words.
Let’s spend a fun and enriching time together. We look forward to seeing many of you there.
Conclusion
I also purchased and read the book.
Each episode is summarized in about 4 to 5 pages, with easy-to-understand expressions and readable text, allowing you to progress through it quickly. I felt that each episode is filled with the charm of "words" that are not just tools.
I have long had a desire for English conversation, but I have also held a strong sense of inadequacy about it.
In the "Introduction" of the book, it states, "Because it is a language that is not my mother tongue, it can sometimes feel like it enters my heart smoothly." This book is indeed filled with episodes that "resonate in the heart even if you don't understand English," and I feel it is a must-read for those who, like me, struggle with English.
I am very much looking forward to hearing about the deeper backgrounds of the episodes included in the book and stories that were not written in the book during the lecture.
Data on Keiko Tanaka's Publication Commemorative Lecture "If You Put It into Words, Your Wishes Will Come True" and English Phrases that Give Me Courage
| Name | Keiko Tanaka's Publication Commemorative Lecture "If You Put It into Words, Your Wishes Will Come True" and English Phrases that Give Me Courage |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, October 18, 2025 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM |
| Location | Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan Multi-Purpose Hall |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Adults: 1,000 yen (2,500 yen with book) Free for high school students and younger |
| Website | Details and Application Form |
