NIGHTLAND - Japanese Journal of Fantasy Literature

Received my complimentary copies of this fabulous journal about fantasy and fantasy authors. I was interviewed by one of their writers in Tokyo, during my speaking tour of Japan in May of this year. That "O.R. etc" on the lefthand side is me. I cannot read the article yet as I've only begun to study kana or Japanese script including hiragana, katakana (for foreign words and names) and kanji. But I can tell you that it includes first-time translation into Japanese of the early chapters of my most recent book PEOPLE OF THE GREAT JOURNEY, a work of magic realism for adult readers (offered free in PDF on my website). Yes there are fairies in the book but also a lot of intense and painful subject matter not appropriate for younger readers. 

 

IADT/CREATIVE FUTURES ACADEMY INTERVIEW

I was interviewed recently for a promo video about the Certificate in Immersive Storytelling course at Ireland's national college of technology and design IADT (Institute of Art, Design and Technology). A micro credit course that introduced me to the wonderful world of XRimmersive and AI tech. A new way to tell stories! Ideal for my cosmic sci fi tale dealing with our planetary climate crisis. Short version posted on LinkedIn and TwitterX. Longer version on CFA course page. #XR #Immersive #creativetechnology 

     

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF JAPAN

 My accommodation in Tokyo was the glorious International House of Japan in Roppongi which provided a spacious room with large desk, shelves, Wifi. and Japanese screens opening to a balcony. Perfect for working. Breakfast was enjoyed overlooking a Zen Garden in which I could walk day or night. And the tea lounge and lobby were used to hold meetings and interviews. It was also within minutes of a walk to a Metro subway, Shinto shrine, vast bookstore, cafes, shopping plaza, Asahi TV ... #Japan #writingcommunity #speakingtour 

THE MAGIC OF JAPAN

Whether it's the landscape or the people, Japan is truly magical. Met a Faerie king at one of my readings - Itabashi Library in Tokyo.Tadgh (stage name @bardoffairyhill on TwitterX) is a Celtic storyteller, speaks Irish, plays the lyre and has visited Ireland several times. As for Fujisan (the sacred mountain of Fuji) it is a dream to see, an aisling vision. #Ireland #Japan #IrelandinJapan #writingcommunity

JAPAN MAY 2024

 

Hit the ground running in Japan. Left Ireland May 1st in the morning and arrived in Tokyo May 2nd in the evening. Shinjuku-Goen National Gardens, Meiji Shrine and Omoide Yokocho ("Piss Alley") with pals first met in Outer Mongolia, taste of Shibuya with Irish poet, professor & haikuist Andrew FitzSimons, thrilling 4-hour deep dive into Kabuki and 2-hour spiritual experience with Noh, train to Yamanashi Prefectural Library in Kofu to see exhibition of Nishina Sachiko, one of my readers who grew up to be an artist. The library featured both our books. Lunch and visit to Yumeya "Dream Bookstore". #Japan #writingcommunity

TALK AT WASEDA UNVERSITY, JAPAN, MAY 2024

 We're drawing near to my speaking and research tour of Japan. Getting very excited. This is the latest flyer promoting my talk (front and back). Waseda is the university from which Haruki Murakami - one of my favourite authors  - graduated, and many of his characters also. #Japan #writingcommunity #cultureireann #cultureireland

  

TALK AT MEIJI UNIVERSITY, JAPAN

 

Flyer announcing my talk at Meiji 

University, May 14, 2024. It's 

getting nearer! Dashing about with 

last-minute preparations. I'll be doing 

some research as well as my talks on 

haiku, haibun and Kabuki Theatre. 

#Ireland #Japan #speakingtour