A well-known University of Washington scholar and translator of modern Japanese literature from the University of Washington in Seattle will join Harvard's faculty in September, alleviating a partial shortage of Japanese literature specialists in the Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations (EALC).

Jay Rubin, who was an assistant professor at Harvard 13 years ago and served as a visiting professor in 1990-91, on Wednesday accepted a tenured post in the department.

Rubin's acceptance comes approximately one year after the University denied tenure to Associate Professor of Japanese Haruko Iwasaki. At the time, the tenure decision left the department with just one senior and one junior faculty member offering courses in Japanese literature.

Rubin will teach three courses next year, according to Professor of Japanese Literature Edwin A. Cranston: one on the development of Japanese literature, one on the reading of literary texts; and one on noh drams, a 14th and 15th century genre.

Reached at his Seattle home last night, Rubin said he was especially interested in working with undergraduates who are gaining proficiency in Japanese language and are beginning to study Japanese literature.

"It's a strange area to specialize in," said Rubin. "But to help students who are no longer working in text-books and want to deal with language as a whole...is really kind of satisfying."

Besides teaching, Rubin said he will continue working on the English translation of Japanese author Haruld Murakami's latest novel, Wild Sheep Chase. Rubin said he will also be writing a book about Murakami.

Professors said Rubin will be a valuable addition to the department because of his extensive translating experience, his expertise in 19th and early 20th century Japanese literature and his amiable personality.

"He's a translator of tremendous skill...He has an impeccable grasp of English and Japanese...he's the best translator in the game," said Professor of Japanese History Harold Bolitho. "We're tremendously lucky to have him."

"We're very happy to have him," said Cranston. "He'll be a big plus to our department...He's a very talented teacher...and one of the finest people I've ever met."

EALC Chair Stephen Owen said Rubin's addition will increase the number of professors in the Japanese literature specialty to four. Rubin received the tenure offer in late January, Owen said.

"There has been a tremendous upsurge in interest in Japanese...enrollments have been huge," Owen said.

Last June, graduate students called the Japanese literature specialty "unhealthy" and "understaffed" as a result of Iwasaki's tenure denial and the departure of another faculty member, Assistant Professor of Japanese Literature Dennis C. Washburn '76.

Among Rubin's published works are numerous translations, a book about early censorship of literature in Japan and a humorous tract about the quirks of teaching Japanese grammar