Dr. Jordan Smith

Biography

Jordan Y. Smith earned a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of California, Los Angeles. He specializes in contemporary Japanese literature and culture, as well as comparative literature. He has served as an Associate Professor in Intercultural Studies at Josai International University, where he taught in Master’s programs for Translation Studies and International Administration. Additionally, he has held the position of Assistant Professor at California State University, Long Beach in Comparative World Literature. His teaching experience also includes visiting roles at institutions such as UC Riverside, Pepperdine University, Waseda University, and Sophia University. Beyond academia, Smith is a seasoned producer in television, film, and documentary media, having worked with companies including BBC World Service and BBC Radio 4. He is an accomplished author of poetry in both English and Japanese, with works such as "Syzygy," "Sea Trees," and "√IC: Redux." As a translator, he has rendered the works of Japan’s leading contemporary poets into English. He served as Editor-in-Chief (emeritus) of the Tokyo Poetry Journal and has curated art exhibitions at DIESEL Art Gallery in Shibuya, Tokyo, and N&A Gallery.

Research Interests