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Kaleidoscope Japan
by Richard Nathan
Kaleidoscope Japan takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride through the fascinating, diverse and colourful world of Japanese letters. Whether you are familiar with the influences, movements, and characters behind some of the greatest―and earliest―works in world literature or are taking your first tentative steps into a realm of genius detectives, curmudgeonly drunks, and lecherous princes, there will be something in each of these essays for you.
Kaleidoscope Japan is highly recommended for anyone who is interested in Japan, who wants their horizons expanded, or who wants to hear the stories behind the stories.
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The complete works of Shakespeare were published in Japanese translation in 1928 for the first time[UPDATED: 2-18-2026]
In 1928 Shoyo Tsubouchi (1859-1935), a Japanese writer and translator and professor at Waseda...- TOPICS:
- Shakespeare
The complete works of Shakespeare were published in Japanese translation in 1928 for the first time Posted by -
Japan’s first portable ‘Reading Device’ was invented in 747[UPDATED: 2-18-2026]
Legend has it that in the reign of Emperor Tenji (626-672), Japan’s 38th emperor, the discovery...- TOPICS:
- History
Japan’s first portable ‘Reading Device’ was invented in 747 Posted by
Meet the Founders
Richard Nathan and Koji Chikatani are two international publishing executives with a wealth of experience who have been friends for more than 20 years. Though fluent in Japanese, Richard has always wanted to read the very best Japanese creative writing in English; and for years it's been Koji's ambition to make the best Japanese contemporary writing accessible to readers outside Japan.














