Our book Kyoto: A Literary Guide received a very fine review from Stephen Mansfield in the Japan Times last month. However, for the most part, the book can only be bought online, which means uncertain shoppers don't really know what they are getting before they make that purchase. To remedy this problem, I have made (with the assistance of Mewby) a short video which presents a … [Read more...]
Deep Kyoto Walks Movie: “Not Sure Which Way to Go” with Robert Yellin
Local film-makers Ted Taylor and Roger Walch have put together a series of short movies showing scenes from our book - Deep Kyoto: Walks. Here is the first video which features autumnal scenes from Kyoto's Path of Philosophy and Robert Yellin reading from his piece, "Not Sure Which Way to Go". Deep Kyoto: Walks is now available as a print on demand paperback and Kindle … [Read more...]
The Gion Festival – Exploring Its Mysteries by Catherine Pawasarat
Links on this page are affiliate links from which I will earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Gion Matsuri, Kyoto’s most famous festival, is held each summer in the month of July. It features gorgeously decorated floats, parades and processions, purification rituals, traditional music, displays of family heirlooms, and a giant street … [Read more...]
Here Comes Kenji – Short Stories for a Worthy Cause this Christmas
Kevin Ramsden is well-known in Kyoto's expat community for his tireless and creative fundraising efforts for charitable causes. This Christmas he has come up with a new fundraising initiative: a collection of eight short stories he has both written and published himself - with all proceeds going to support the educational needs of children in rural areas of Cambodia and … [Read more...]
Deep Kyoto: Walks Paperback Edition Now Available
This is a delightful collection of essays written by a diverse group of writers who share an obvious and contagious affection for Kyoto. – Matthew Stavros (Author: “Kyoto: An Urban History of Japan’s Premodern Capital ”) I am delighted to annouce the release of Deep Kyoto: Walks as a paperback edition. This is a print on demand (POD) edition and has been independently … [Read more...]
Writers in Kyoto Zoom Events with Matthew Stavros & Alex Kerr
Writers in Kyoto (WiK) have two upcoming Zoom events next weekend that should interest our readers. John Dougill writes: "On Friday the 27th, at 6.30 in the evening Japan time, we'll be featuring Matthew Stavros talking about his translation of the Hōjōki, subtitled A Hermit's Hut as Metaphor. Of all the writings about Kyoto, Hojoki is a personal favourite of mine so I'm … [Read more...]
The Sixth Annual Writers in Kyoto Writing Competition
It's that time of year again! Thanks to Karen Lee Tawarayama for passing on the news of the 6th annual Writers in Kyoto writing competition. There are a variety of prizes on offer again this year and of course the chance to be published in the next WiK anthology. Here are some details: THEME: Kyoto (English language submissions only) DEADLINE: March 31st, 2021 (Midnight … [Read more...]
Virtual Tours of Kyoto Now Available on Amazon Explore
Explore Higashiyama & Nanzenji Temple with Amazon's New Interactive Livestreaming Service Disclosure: Links in this article to Amazon.com are affiliate links from which I may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Many people will have had frustrated travel plans this year due to the global pandemic, and worldwide the tourist … [Read more...]
Byodo-in Without the Crowds
In August I was in Uji one day and took the opportunity to visit the Byodo-in temple. As the pandemic has drastically reduced the number of tourists in Kyoto, I thought it was a good opportunity to view the famous Phoenix Hall minus the hordes of visitors that were there on my last visit - a good five years ago. Although this time there were a fair number of domestic tourists … [Read more...]
Kyoto: A Literary Guide – New Translations from Twelve Centuries of Japanese Literature
Today I am very happy to share news of a brand new publication, Kyoto: A Literary Guide, which was launched this month by Camphor Press. This book was born from the shared efforts of the Kyo-centrics: a long-standing poetry in translation discussion group - of which I happen to be a member. In addition to myself, the six Kyo-centrics who collated, translated and edited this … [Read more...]
Richard Steiner 50 Years of Woodblock Printmaking: Kyoto Exhibition July 21-26
This summer the artist Richard Steiner will be celebrating a remarkable 50 Years of Woodblock Printmaking with an exhibition in Kyoto. Here are the details courtesy of John Dougill: "The 70 piece exhibition will take place July 21-26 at Gallery Hill Gate, Kyoto at Sanjo Teramachi. Richard says he'll be there every day, there'll be coffee available, and he'll be happy to … [Read more...]
Black Lives Matter Kyoto – Peaceful March; Sunday June 21st
Black Lives Matter Kyoto Peaceful March June 21st (Sunday) 3:00~4:30 PM Start at Maruyama Park Finish at Kyoto City Hall Marching even if it rains. ***************************************** Black Lives Matter 京都平和行進 6月21日(日) … [Read more...]
Help Launch The Tea Crane Organic Tea Shop in Kyoto
Online Japanese tea vendor, The Tea Crane, is launching its first physical store in Kyoto in a beautiful machiya townhouse in central Kyoto. This will be a fully fledged tea shop with a dedicated room for the tea ceremony, and as an international learning center for tea lovers it will undoubtedly be a great addition to the city. However, The Tea Crane needs your help to realize … [Read more...]
First Fridays with Joshua Breakstone Returns to Bonds Rosary
Here's some wonderful news for jazz lovers in Kyoto. Joshua Breakstone is back and ready to play! Here's the good word from Joshua: "Good news! We’ll be starting up our “First Fridays” series at Bonds Rosary again on July 3!!! First guest, on July 3, is alto saxophonist Gary Tegler, a Kyoto fave. In August: a young saxophonist who I totally love, Kurita Yosuke, who … [Read more...]
