'Shakespeare of Conspiracy and Crime' to be Released May 26: Challenges 'To be, or not to be' Mistranslation
Kawade Shobo Shinsha presents a new work by Mikiko Ishii, an expert in British history. The book reinterprets Shakespeare through historical facts and original texts, coinciding with an upcoming stage production of 'King Lear' translated by Ishii this autumn.
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- 📰 Published: May 26, 2026 at 18:00
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Kawade Shobo Shinsha (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo / CEO: Yu Onodera) will release 'Shakespeare of Conspiracy and Crime: Lectures on True Translation' by Mikiko Ishii (retail price: 2,970 yen including tax) on May 26, 2026.
'To be, or not to be is a mistranslation!'
Starting with this provocative statement, the book proposes a new way to enjoy Shakespeare. The author, Mikiko Ishii, is a leading authority on British history. In this volume, she accurately deciphers the original texts of seven plays: the four great tragedies (Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth), plus The Winter's Tale, Richard II, and Romeo and Juliet. She explains how historical events behind the stories were elevated into drama.
Ishii received constant encouragement from the late Yukio Ninagawa to maintain the courage to share new insights. Why did Shakespeare depict so many incidents like poisoning, assassination, duels, and rebellion? This book vividly restores the essence of Shakespeare's era and his works.
Additionally, Ishii's translation of 'King Lear' will be staged this autumn with a star-studded cast. Starring Nakamura Shikan, the play will run at the Shinbashi Enbujo from September 6 to 22, 2026.
Table of Contents Highlights:
- Chapter 1: Searching for Hamlet - 'To be, or not to be' is a mistranslation!
- Chapter 2: The Patron is Poisoned - Hamlet and Religious Wars
- Chapter 3: Who is the Ultimate 'Equivocator'? - Macbeth and the Portraits of Terrorists
- Chapter 4: Desdemona's White Handkerchief - Othello and Honor Killings
- Chapter 5: Astonishing! The Queen's Trial - The Winter's Tale and the Age of Discovery
- Chapter 6: The Rebellion of the Earl of Essex - The Danger of Richard II
- Chapter 7: Murder in the House of the Earl of Southampton - Romeo and Juliet
'To be, or not to be is a mistranslation!'
Starting with this provocative statement, the book proposes a new way to enjoy Shakespeare. The author, Mikiko Ishii, is a leading authority on British history. In this volume, she accurately deciphers the original texts of seven plays: the four great tragedies (Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth), plus The Winter's Tale, Richard II, and Romeo and Juliet. She explains how historical events behind the stories were elevated into drama.
Ishii received constant encouragement from the late Yukio Ninagawa to maintain the courage to share new insights. Why did Shakespeare depict so many incidents like poisoning, assassination, duels, and rebellion? This book vividly restores the essence of Shakespeare's era and his works.
Additionally, Ishii's translation of 'King Lear' will be staged this autumn with a star-studded cast. Starring Nakamura Shikan, the play will run at the Shinbashi Enbujo from September 6 to 22, 2026.
Table of Contents Highlights:
- Chapter 1: Searching for Hamlet - 'To be, or not to be' is a mistranslation!
- Chapter 2: The Patron is Poisoned - Hamlet and Religious Wars
- Chapter 3: Who is the Ultimate 'Equivocator'? - Macbeth and the Portraits of Terrorists
- Chapter 4: Desdemona's White Handkerchief - Othello and Honor Killings
- Chapter 5: Astonishing! The Queen's Trial - The Winter's Tale and the Age of Discovery
- Chapter 6: The Rebellion of the Earl of Essex - The Danger of Richard II
- Chapter 7: Murder in the House of the Earl of Southampton - Romeo and Juliet
FAQ
What is the significance of May 26 for Kawade Shobo Shinsha's new book release?
Kawade Shobo Shinsha released Mikiko Ishii's new book on May 26, which reinterprets Shakespeare through historical facts and original texts.
Who is the author of the new Shakespeare-related book published by Kawade Shobo Shinsha on May 26?
Mikiko Ishii, a British history expert, authored the new book released by Kawade Shobo Shinsha on May 26.
How does Mikiko Ishii's book challenge the phrase 'To be, or not to be'?
Mikiko Ishii's book challenges the traditional mistranslation of 'To be, or not to be' by analyzing original Shakespearean texts and historical context.
What Shakespeare play is being translated by Mikiko Ishii for a stage production this autumn?
Mikiko Ishii is translating 'King Lear' for an upcoming stage production scheduled this autumn.
Which publisher released Mikiko Ishii's reinterpretation of Shakespeare on May 26?
Kawade Shobo Shinsha published Mikiko Ishii's reinterpretation of Shakespeare on May 26.