Don Philippi

Donald L. Philippi (October 2, 1930 – January 26, 1993) was a noted translator of Japanese and Ainu, and a musician.

Philippi is known for his translation of the Kojiki and the ancient Shinto prayers known as norito.

He also published a book of translations of Ainu epic poems (yukar), Songs of Gods, Songs of Humans: The Epic Tradition of the Ainu, and a book of translations of ancient Japanese poems, This Wine of Peace, This Wine of Laughter: A Complete Anthology of Japan's Earliest Songs.

Under the pseudonym Slava Ranko, Philippi edited and published Maratto, a little magazine focused on Ainu literature and culture.

Philippi was also a musician, learning the shamisen and the biwa both in the U.S. and Japan.