Category: Nonfiction

On Silence — A Conversation with Pico Iyer

Pico Iyer talks with Robert Weis about his new book, Aflame, and the beauty of sitting quietly alone.

Censorship in Wartime Japan

Chronicling the censorship of Akira Nobuchi's film, Murasaki Shikibu.

Member-only Content

In this excerpt from his upcoming book, Julian Holmes details why Kyoto held a special place in Bowie’s heart.

Henry L. Stimson and His Visits to Kyoto in 1926 and 1929 (Part 2 of 2)

The second part of an investigation into the man credited with saving Kyoto from the atom bomb.

Henry L. Stimson and His Visits to Kyoto in 1926 and 1929 (Part 1 of 2)

The man who saved Kyoto from the atom bomb and his connection to the city.

Roots and Clouds — An Encounter with Yamabushi

Tracing the steps of the spiritual seekers of Japan's mountains.

Pandemic Blues

Cody Poulton visits Kai Fusayoshi’s legendary Kyoto bar, Hachimonjiya

Writers of Kyoto, Part 4: Kashiwai Hisashi 柏井壽

Fourth in a series about Japanese authors of Kyoto

Writers of Kyoto, Part 3: Matsuda Michio 松田道雄

The third installment of a series on Japanese writers of Kyoto.

Writers of Kyoto, Part 2: Yamamura Misa 山村美紗

Part 2 of a series on Japanese writers who used Kyoto as a setting in their works.

Writers of Kyoto, Part 1: Mizukami Tsutomu 水上勉

Part 1 of a series on Japanese writers who used Kyoto as a setting in their works.

Hearn on Heian Jingu

A selection from Dai-Koku-Den

Can I Call You Daddy?

An exploration of Japanese names for one's spouse

To Weave a Perfect Day: From Brocade Gardens to Spools of Thread

Description of a pleasant afternoon which includes an unplanned visit to a textile studio.

The Bath

The tribulations of the Japanese bath.

The Dogs’ Logs


Kayaking, poetry and camping in caves. Adventures galore!

Muroto, High and Low

Description of a trip to Cape Muroto in Shikoku.

Monks on My Mind

A short piece on a bonze-ridden town.

A Discussion with Rebecca Otowa: Artist, Writer, Musician

An introduction to the artwork of Rebecca Otowa.

Garrison Island

A photo essay on a visit to Okinawa.

Bin Ueda, Professor and Translator

A biographical sketch of one of Lafcadio Hearn's students.

Alan Watts (5)

More on Alan Watts and his connection to Kyoto.

Book Review: Off the Beaten Tracks in Japan: A Journey by Train from Hokkaido to Kyushu, by John Dougill

Review of a travelogue on train journeys in Japan that is oh so much more than just a travel guide.

Book Review: Hidden Japan, by Alex Kerr

Kerr on places he'd rather you not visit. Instead he offers wonderful descriptions.