![[Held on Saturday, October 18] “Wishes Come True When You Put Them into Words” Publication Commemorative Lecture — Keiko Tanaka, one of Japan’s top simultaneous interpreters XXX](https://media.kuratoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/25084544/2332c58c913696e4e122f97b24e4b164.jpeg)
Keiko Tanaka, who has interpreted for numerous well-known figures such as the Dalai Lama, Taylor Swift, Bill Gates, and Audrey Tang, is one of Japan’s top simultaneous interpreters.
We heard that a publication commemorative lecture for Keiko Tanaka’s book, “Wishes Come True When You Put Them into Words”, would be held, and spoke with the organizer.
The information presented was current when this article was published in September 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Overview of the publication commemorative lecture for “Wishes Come True When You Put Them into Words”
The publication commemorative lecture will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. at the “Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan Multipurpose Hall.”
Please see the image below for details.
If time permits, she will also answer questions about episodes that interest you and English conversation. Book signings and photo opportunities are also planned after the lecture.
About Keiko Tanaka and her book
Keiko Tanaka, who is active as a simultaneous interpreter and in the field of coaching, is a director of the Ohara Art Foundation and a great fan of Kurashiki.
Published in May 2025, “Wishes Come True When You Put Them into Words: English Phrases That Give Me Courage” introduces the wonderful “people, things, and experiences” Tanaka has encountered through her work as a simultaneous interpreter, alongside English phrases worth remembering.
The book is filled with all kinds of stories: you may discover the profound meaning behind familiar phrases, find yourself smiling at an anecdote, or gain the courage to take a step forward.
This book can be picked up and read from any page, making it a volume especially worth reading for those who struggle with English.
Interview with the organizer
We spoke with Kumi Tsukahara, representative of the “Koto Kana” publication commemorative lecture executive committee, which is organizing the lecture.
How did you come to know Keiko Tanaka?
Tsukahara (surname only)
Keiko Tanaka broadcasts on a streaming app called Voicy.
She often talked about Kurashiki there, so I became curious and started listening. That’s when I learned she was a director of the Ohara Art Foundation.
I had always thought that simultaneous interpreters were truly amazing people. About a year ago, I attended a fan meetup and met her in person. Her friendly, warm personality made me an even bigger fan.
Why did you plan this lecture?
Tsukahara
After reading “Wishes Come True When You Put Them into Words,” I was able to learn more about the many experiences Keiko has had in her work as a simultaneous interpreter.
The episodes in the book convey the interactions she had with the people she met and the thoughtfulness she showed along the way. They are all heartwarming.
The stories about hugely famous people were exciting, I could relate to her accounts of her own mistakes, and every time I came across an English expression I didn’t know, I felt a little smarter (laughs).
I wanted many people to learn about this wonderful book and the remarkable person Keiko Tanaka is, so I thought we should hold a publication commemorative lecture in Kurashiki, too.
Admission is free for high school students and younger, right?
Tsukahara
Actually, Keiko was unable to attend school for a time during high school.
After that, she explored her path by joining a theater troupe and studying in the United States several times. Her story is described in detail in her first book, “How a High School Girl Who Stopped Going to School Became One of Japan’s Top Simultaneous Interpreters.”
The path of her experiences and efforts offers insights into diverse ways of living and possibilities, while her success as a simultaneous interpreter today gives us hope and courage.
That is why we set admission as “free for high school students and younger”—we especially want young people, such as junior high and high school students who are struggling with their future paths, to hear her story.
Do you have a message for those considering attending?
Tsukahara
Keiko is truly a wonderful person.
She serves as a director of the Ohara Art Foundation, but she herself also loves Kurashiki very much, and she is really looking forward to this lecture.
She is also a huge fan of artist Fujii Kaze, who is from Satosho Town in Okayama Prefecture, and apparently has accompanied him on overseas tours for work. She has also worked on many other music-related projects, so you may hear stories about those, too.
I think that hearing from the cheerful and friendly Keiko and encountering English expressions and words through her stories will warm everyone’s hearts, and offer encouragement when they are feeling emotionally tired.
Let’s enjoy a fun and enriching time together. We look forward to welcoming many of you.
From the Writer
I also bought and read the book.
Each episode is about four or five pages long, and the clear expressions and easy-to-read writing make it a quick and enjoyable read. I felt that every story was filled with the appeal of “words”—something far more than a mere tool.
I have always admired the idea of speaking English, but for even longer, I have felt that I’m not good at it.
The book’s introduction says, “Sometimes, because a language is not your mother tongue, it can feel as though it slips straight into your heart.” This book is full of stories that truly “touch your heart even if you don’t understand English,” and I felt that it is especially worth reading for people like me who struggle with English.
I’m already looking forward to hearing more at the lecture about the deeper background to the stories in the book, as well as stories that weren’t included in it.
Keiko Tanaka’s publication commemorative lecture: “Wishes Come True When You Put Them into Words”—English Phrases That Give Me Courage Information
| Name | Keiko Tanaka Publication Commemorative Lecture: “Wishes Come True When You Put Them into Words”—English Phrases That Give Me Courage |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, October 18, 2025 2:30–3:30 p.m. |
| Venue | Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan Multipurpose Hall |
| Admission (tax included) | Adults: ¥1,000 (¥2,500 with the book) High school students and younger: Free |
| Website | Details and registration form |
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