In the Age of AI Translation, Why Do People Learn Languages? ~New WEB Series "Journey Through World Languages" by Takao Inoue, Former Chief Editor at Shinchosha, Starts July 1, 2026~

Interbooks Inc. (Location: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Yoichi Matsumoto) will launch the web serial column "Journey Through World Languages" by Takao Inoue, former Chief Editor at Shinchosha, starting July 1, 2026 (Wed).

A World of Languages to Make You Want to Learn More, Guided by a Language Professional

The author of this series is Takao Inoue, who has been involved in proofreading at Shinchosha for over 40 years and has engaged with numerous languages. Fascinated by world languages since his student days, he has traced the grammar of approximately 200 languages. Based on his extensive experience, "Journey Through World Languages" will convey the "fascination of language" and the "expansion of human knowledge" that cannot be replaced by AI, inviting readers into the profound world of words.

A Series Structure to Be Read Like Following a "Map of Languages"

This series is structured to explore the connections and characteristics of various languages, starting with European languages as an entry point.

Each installment will offer a different perspective on understanding languages, such as language groups that evoke the roots of English, languages with striking sound qualities, languages that have undergone unique evolutions, and languages that exist in isolation.

While professional, the content is designed to be naturally enjoyable, exploring "a world of words you never knew" through Mr. Inoue's signature lighthearted narrative style.

Series Title "Journey Through World Languages"

[Part 1] "A Map of World Languages" Revealed After Studying 200 Languages

[Part 2] The Fascinating World of the Germanic Languages: English's Relatives!

[Part 3] The Charm of the Romance Languages, Like Singing

[Part 4] The World of the Slavic Languages, Extending Beyond Russian

[Part 5] The Celtic Languages, Interesting Because They're Minority Languages, Plus Albanian and Greek

[Part 6] The Baltic Languages, Where the Soul of a People Resides; The Uralic Languages, Each Distinct?; The Unique Basque Language, and More

*Scheduled for 12 installments in total.

Publication Information

Series Start Date: July 1, 2026 (Wed)

Update Frequency: Once a month

Publication URL: https://www.interbooks.co.jp/column/languages-journey/

Author Profile

Takao Inoue (Inoue Takao)

Proofreader / Language Generalist (Multilingual Studies)

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture. Graduated from the Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Letters, The University of Tokyo. Former Chief Editor at Shinchosha.

Has dedicated over 40 years solely to proofreading. He has proofread almost all publications, including magazines such as "Shosetsu Shincho," "Shincho," "Geijutsu Shincho," "Shukan Shincho," "03," and "Foresight," as well as books and Shincho Bunko paperbacks. Served as Chief Editor from 2010 to 2014. Subsequently, he has continued to be actively involved in proofreading and language education, serving as the first lecturer for "Shinchosha's Proofreading Course" and as a lecturer for "Takao Inoue's Seminar on Multilingualism for Translation."

Authored "Learning World Languages Enjoyably" (Shinchosha) and "Is That Japanese Okay?" (Shinchosha).

[Contact Information]

Interbooks Inc. Public Relations and Planning Office

TEL: 03-5212-4652

Mail: pr_info@interbooks.co.jp

Kudan Crest Building 6F, 1-5-10 Kudan Kita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0073

URL: https://www.interbooks.co.jp/