Writers in Kyoto

Category: Nonfiction

Stop Mykaa!

  • By Marianne Kimura
A Kyoto scholar witnesses the possibility that her interpretations of Shakespeare may be taking shape in world events.

Nara, Japan — Japanese Air Force Officer Candidate Academy

  • By David Duff
David D. Duff, Jr. describes his rewarding job teaching English to officer candidates.

Yellow Sand

  • By Mike Freiling
Mike Freiling explains an unusual seasonal phenomenon.

The Day Muromachi Saved Lunch

  • By Karen Lee Tawarayama
A new use for an ancient tool

Off the Rails

  • By Edward J. Taylor
Train jottings of characters and music.

The Paradox of Nostalgia

  • By Mike Freiling
Translating senryū poetry, Mike Freiling muses on the ability of nostalgia to transform our view of past experiences.

An Invitation to Awareness

  • By Rebecca Otowa
Rebecca Otowa reviews “Ma: The Japanese Secret to Contemplation and Calm”

Book Review: One Hundred Poems from Old Japan

  • By Rebecca Otowa
Rebecca Otowa reviews a new translation of the Hyakunin Isshu by Mike Freiling

The City of Flowers

  • By Amanda Huggins
Cherry blossoms, a couple in their twilight years and the flower of their life together.

On the Great Eastern Road

  • By Edward J. Taylor
A journey along the Tōkaidō road to the historic town of Seki, continuing on foot through the Suzuka Pass and beyond.

Postwar Kyoto as Seen by a Film Critic 

  • By Yuki Yamauchi
Yuki Yamauchi shares his translations of a 1945 article by film critic, Naosuke Togawa.

Podcast: Stephen Mansfield discusses “The Modern Japanese Garden” with Amy Chavez

  • By Stephen Mansfield
Stephen Mansfield introduces his newly released book on the Books on Asia podcast

Shonandai Cultural Center

  • By Stephen Mansfield
A short piece from Stephen Mansfield on a fabricated landscape.

Doko Iku (Where Are You Going?)

  • By Mike Freiling
When a Zen monk approaches you to ask a question, what is he really looking for?

Video: An Englishman’s Japanese Garden (in Japan)

  • By Stephen Mansfield
Making a Japanese home garden.

A Yoga Romance

  • By Cody Poulton
A humorous reflection on the heart-openings, bonds and passing connections in and around Sunday yoga class.

Seeking Balance and Camaraderie

  • By Lisa Twaronite Sone
A report on a writers’ weekend hosted by WiK member Rebecca Otowa.

On Silence — A Conversation with Pico Iyer

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

Censorship in Wartime Japan

  • By Yuki Yamauchi
Chronicling the censorship of Akira Nobuchi's film, Murasaki Shikibu.

Member-only Content

  • By Julian Holmes
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)

  • By Joseph Cronin
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)

  • By Joseph Cronin
The man who saved Kyoto from the atom bomb and his connection to the city.

Roots and Clouds — An Encounter with Yamabushi

  • By Robert Weis
Tracing the steps of the spiritual seekers of Japan's mountains.

Pandemic Blues

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

Years

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