Lesley Downer on how she has told Japan’s history – in 50,000 words
When I was asked to write The Shortest History of Japan, it seemed the perfect opportunity to pull together all my love and knowledge of the country. It’s more than 45 years since I first went to Japan, and I’ve been immersing myself in Japanese culture ever since. Noh and Kabuki, Japanese literature, Japanese art – all have a glorious and subtle flavour of their own.
Every book I’ve written touches on Japanese history. My first book, On the Narrow Road to the Deep North, told the story of my journey in the footsteps of the haiku poet Basho, who travelled Japan in the 17th century, and of Yoshitsune, whose path Basho was following. […]
From Book Brunch, first published on 9 September 2024.