Yushi Odashima (1930–2025) was a Japanese scholar of English literature, translator, and theatre critic. Born in Manchuria (now northeastern China), he graduated from the University of Tokyo and later became Professor of English Literature and Professor Emeritus at the same university. Odashima was one of Japan's foremost authorities on William Shakespeare, introducing modern British drama to Japanese audiences while producing influential theatre criticism. His greatest achievement was the complete solo translation of all 37 Shakespeare plays, making him only the second Japanese translator after Tsubouchi Shōyō to accomplish this feat. His translations have been widely used in theatrical productions and have profoundly shaped the reception of Shakespeare in modern Japan. In addition to his academic career, he served as Director of the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre and as a board member of the New National Theatre, Tokyo, playing a significant role in the development of Japanese theatre. He received numerous honors, including the Minister of Education's Art Encouragement Prize and designation as a Person of Cultural Merit.
