Adaptation (hon’an) is a term that was used throughout the Tokugawa period to refer to translated literary works, in contrast to hon’yaku, which was reserved for medical and scientific texts. Though adaptations often parallel the original works in many ways, they do not correspond to the work but alter such elements as the setting, characterization, or plot. Historically adaptations have been highly regarded in Asia, seen more as homage than plagiarism. During the early Meiji period, adaptation was the dominant mode of literary transmission from the West into Japan, with works as diverse as Aesop’s Fables, Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Social Contract and 1001 Arabian Nights, and the science fiction of Jules Verne making their first Japanese appearance as adaptations rather than literal translations. By the early 20th century, correspondent translation had eclipsed adaptation as the dominant mode of literary transmission in Japan.
Historical dictionary of modern Japanese literature and theater. J. Scott Miller. 2009.