INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF JAPAN

Website:  www.ihj.global/en

The IHJ is a private, non-profit organisation incorporated in 1952 to be “a hub for intellectual dialogue” hosting cultural and social events. Situated in the heart of the central and glamorous Roppongi district, it was an ideal place for my extended stay in Tokyo.

Breakfast each morning was enjoyed gazing out on the beautiful and multi-tiered Zen Garden replete with koi (carp) and a little waterfall in the pond. 

In the Zen garden
A handsome man sweeps the path
Koi dream in the pond

The IHJ offers accommodation to members only but also, if approved, those recommended by a member. (Thank you to my referee who wishes to remain anonymous.) My room overlooking the Zen garden was a wonderful place to work, while the spacious lobby and the patio of the dining room were excellent venues for meeting guests and doing interviews. 

The latter included Tokyo-based David McNeill, professor and journalist, Kagoshima-based David McMurray, professor, author and column moderator of “Asahi Haikuist Network,” Asahi Shimbun and Takeshi Yatabe, writer and journalist and his friend Avery Morrow, Ph.D. in Japanese Studies who acted as interpreter for us. 

My room with screens opening to the Zen garden & the garden at night

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF JAPAN

Website:  www.ihj.global/en

The IHJ is a private, non-profit organisation incorporated in 1952 to be “a hub for intellectual dialogue” hosting cultural and social events. Situated in the heart of the central and glamorous Roppongi district, it was an ideal place for my extended stay in Tokyo.

Breakfast each morning was enjoyed gazing out on the beautiful and multi-tiered Zen Garden replete with koi (carp) and a little waterfall in the pond. 

In the Zen garden
A handsome man sweeps the path
Koi dream in the pond

The IHJ offers accommodation to members only but also, if approved, those recommended by a member. (Thank you to my referee who wishes to remain anonymous.) My room overlooking the Zen garden was a wonderful place to work, while the spacious lobby and the patio of the dining room were excellent venues for meeting guests and doing interviews. 

The latter included Tokyo-based David McNeill, professor and journalist, Kagoshima-based David McMurray, professor, author and column moderator of “Asahi Haikuist Network,” Asahi Shimbun and Takeshi Yatabe, writer and journalist and his friend Avery Morrow, Ph.D. in Japanese Studies who acted as interpreter for us. 

My room with screens opening to the Zen garden & the garden at night