A Passion for Japan: A Collection of Personal Narratives

A Passion for Japan brings together the stories of thirty long-term residents of Japan who have, among other things, gained behind-the-scenes access to one of Japan’s most famous festivals; worked as an interpreter and commentator in professional and amateur sumo; been ordained as a female Buddhist priest at a 440-year-old temple in the mountains of Kyushu;become a Master in one of Japan’s oldest schools of tea ceremony; climbed the Nihon Hyakumeizan (“Japan’s top 100 mountains”); represented Japan in the world chess championships; and translated Japanese novels, short stories, film and TV subtitles, manga, and video games.A captivating tapestry woven by people whose passion for something they do or have discovered in Japan has enriched their lives, A Passion for Japan overflows with struggles and joy, wisdom, warmth, and glimpses into worlds that few people have experienced. Read more