Poetry at AMOCA: Translation with Naoko Fujimoto

Sunday, July 26, 2026 • 2:00–4:00 PM • In Person • $0/$20

Join us at the museum for an afternoon of poetry with translator Naoko Fujimoto! Fujimoto’s latest book of Women: 20 Japanese Female Poets / 20 Waka Poems is a collection of translations of Japanese waka-poems from the seventh century to the twelfth century, featuring twenty female poets from this period, when Japanese women’s literature flourished. This book includes poems by famous writers from the era, such as Sei Shonagon (The Pillow Book) and Murasaki Shikibu (The Tale of Genji), and introduces some lesser-known female poets as well.

Waka compacts much information in a short form: words with double meanings, unfamiliar phrases, habits foreign to non-Japanese speakers, and hidden historical backgrounds. Direct translations would fail to capture the author’s full intent, so Of Women takes several approaches to capture the original sensory images, including text collage and haibun, short essays that provide historical context and introduce the author before each waka.

Fujimoto will begin the afternoon with a translation workshop at 2pm, guiding participants in creating their own English translations of a short waka poem. No prior experience or knowledge of Japanese is necessary — just bring your curiosity. This workshop is most suitable for ages 16+ (ages 12+ welcome to attend if accompanied by a ticketed adult).

The cost of this translation workshop is just $20 ($15 for Members and Pomona Residents) and includes museum admission, as well as reserves you a seat at the Poetry Reading after the workshop.

Register for workshop + reading

At 3pm, join us in the gallery for a poetry reading. With Tōgei: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics as her backdrop, Fujimoto will read from her collections 09/09 Nine Japanese Female Poets / Nine Heian Waka and of Women: 20 Japanese Female Poets / 20 Waka Poems. 

We ask that you pre-register for the poetry reading at the link below to reserve your seat and help us know how many guests to expect. You can also join the day of event, as space allows.

The cost of this in-person poetry reading is included with museum admission, which can be purchased at the door. AMOCA is open from 11 AM–4 PM on Sunday, July 26. Come early to explore all the current exhibitions.

Register using the button below. If you prefer, you may also RSVP by calling (909) 865-3146 during business hours. Note: Reserving a poetry reading ticket helps us plan a guest count; it does not include museum admission ($0-14), which may be purchased at the door when you arrive.

Register for reading

Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early for the poetry reading to allow ample time to park, purchase museum admission, and find a seat. We ask that you pre-register for the poetry reading at the link below to reserve your spot and help us know how many guests to expect.

Books will be available for purchase, and the poet will be available to sign books after the reading. Light refreshments will be served.

About the author: 

Naoko Fujimoto was born and raised in Nagoya, Japan, and studied at Nanzan Junior College. She was an exchange student and received a BA and MA from Indiana University. She is the author of the poetry collections We Face The Tremendous Meat On The Teppan, Where I Was Born, and Glyph:Graphic Poetry=Trans. Sensory, as well as four chapbooks. She is associate and translation editor of RHINO and translation editor of Tupelo Quarterly. She organizes an online community at Working On Gallery and is a Bread Loaf Translation full scholarship recipient and the 2023 Visiting Teaching Artist at the Poetry Foundation.

Note: AMOCA may photograph or video visitors for educational and promotional purposes. Attendance to a workshop or event constitutes the attendee’s consent regarding the possibility of appearing in Museum or Studio marketing materials.