Translator Cathy Hirano balances her time between freelance translations and young adult literature, and has earned accolades for both. Although her most recognized translations are for lifestyle guru Marie Kondo’s wildly popular works, starting with “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” Hirano’s translations have also won awards in children’s literature.

While she was growing up in Canada, however, Hirano had no specific interest in Japan. It was her desire to take chances and go beyond her comfort zone that led her down a path she did not expect. After graduating from high school, she pursued a certificate in carpentry, hoping to get an apprenticeship.

“At that time, it was the beginning of a recession, so for a woman just starting out in a man’s field, I could see there wasn’t much future for me in Canada,” Hirano, 63, says. Although she had little interest in attending university, she had a passion for learning. “I really wanted to learn, and I thought the best way to do that would be to travel the world.”