MEETING MY READERS
To my surprise and joy, the tour introduced me to readers who had read my books as young adults and were now flourishing in their various professions – teachers, librarians, translators, writers, musicians, artists, performers. There were no less than three harpers at my first event. Most still had their Kodansha editions for me to sign – beautiful hardcovers with ribboned bookmarks – and some spoke of their visits to Ireland. I was given gifts, cards, letters, books and CDs (Celtic music with Japanese lyrics). Truly, the Japan tour was a highlight of my life and writing career.
Here are some of the amazing artists I met.
SACHIKO NISHINA
Award-winning artist, designer, children’s book author & illustrator.
YOSHIO TAKAHATA
Storyteller, musician, writer, boutique bookstore owner.
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20250208-237538/
Author Yoshio Takahata is set to open a book cafe called Kobikitei (Fox’s Bower) in Tachikawa, Tokyo, on Saturday. Takahata studied fairies depicted in folk tales while he was in Ireland and has created a shop that reflects a world that fascinates him. The cafe will feature antiques and about 3,000 books, both old and new. (Japan News)
U-FULL & DULARINN (collaboration)
As of 2024, U-Full have released seven original albums, a live CD, and a live DVD & Blu-ray, as well as numerous other works, including a mini-album produced as a special album, “The Lake-EP-” which includes Irish recordings, and collaborative albums with the Celtic group Dúlarinn, “a small ember” and “Hearken to the Wind.” (Website Biography)
Front & back of CD cover, a small ember.
Inside CD cover.
MAY 2024 SPEAKING TOUR JAPAN
Announcement of speaking tour in English-language online edition of Asahi Shimbun, one of Japan’s 3 top newspapers, with a sample of my haiku:
With 7 books translated into Japanese and published by Kodansha, Japan’s leading house, with several reprints, this was a dream come true and a highlight of my writing career. The venues were universities and libraries, all open to the public.
My talk included Q & A after a PowerPoint presentation in English with smatterings of Irish and Japanese. Slides displayed Japanese book covers and maps along with photographs of places and artefacts around Ireland mentioned in the stories.
Sample Slides:
UNIVERSITIES
TOKYO:
Waseda University, May 10, 2024
Host: Professor Tochigi Nobuaki
Waseda flyer, front and back.
PowerPoint presentation.
Meiji University, May 14, 2024
Host: Professor Toraiwa Naoko
Meiji flyer.
Professor Tochigi (Nobi) in his office.
Professor Toraiwa and myself.
Presentation to Professor Toraiwa’s class. Q & A afterward.
University of the Sacred Heart, May 16, 2024
Hosts: Professors Fuse Mikio and David (Dáithí) McNeill
Sacred Heart flyer.
Book signing after talk.
Write-up of event on university website by Professor McNeill. (Full write-up: https://www.u-sacred-heart.ac.jp/news/20240610/17622)
KAGOSHIMA (Kyushu):
International University of Kagoshima, May 24, 2024
Host: Professor David McMurray
Kagoshima flyers.
“Librarians created a book display & flyer. 50 students borrowed The Hunters Moon.” (Professor McMurray). 2nd photo shows author with students onstage.