The Shortest History of Japan

‘A terrific overview of Japan’s long and rich history that covers an astonishing amount of ground. A gem of a book that is as engaging as it is readable.’
Peter Frankopan

‘A masterpiece of brevity from one of the great writers on Japan.’
Daunt Books newsletter

UK edition available from:

Amazon.co.uk · Bookshop.org · Waterstones

US edition available from:

Amazon.com · Barnes & Noble · Books A Million · Bookshop.org · Powell’s

On the Narrow Road to the Deep NOrth

Journey into a Lost Japan

‘Original and engaging … Lesley Downer is the perfect guide – expert, intrepid, following a dream.’
John Carey, Sunday Times

UK edition available from:

Amazon.co.uk · Bookshop.org · Waterstones

Available in the US from:

Amazon.com · Barnes & Noble · Books A Million · Bookshop.org · Powell’s

Lesley Downer – Author and Historian

Specialist in all things Japan

Welcome to my website.

My great passion is Japan. I’m a writer, historian and all-round Japan specialist.

My most recent books are The Shortest History of Japan and a sparkling new edition of my beloved first book, On the Narrow Road to the Deep North. I’ve written four historical novels, The Shogun Quartet, and works of non-fiction including Geisha: The Secret History of a Vanishing World. I was the historical consultant for Northern Ballet’s spectacular 2020 ballet, Geisha, and appear on Age of the Samurai: Battle for Japan (Netflix) and on Pernel Media’s Sekigahara on French TV. I speak Japanese and am consulted as a geisha and Japan expert.

Latest News

Lesley Downer reviews the Silk Roads exhibition at the British Museum, open until February, 2025

Silk Roads exhibition: Review In Historia Magazine

Travel writing

Recent travels have taken me to Mexico, Burma and Uzbekistan.

Age of Samurai

Age of Samurai on Netflix

Thrilled to be involved in this brilliant Netflix series on Japan’s Age of Samurai. … I was lucky enough to be asked to tell the women’s side of the story. […]