Covers of ‘Kaleidoscope Japan: A nation through the lens of literature’ by Richard Nathan. Published 24 August 2024. Photo: Red Circle Authors LimitedFrom the acclaimed publisher of Japanese fiction in translation comes an epic, immersive new book about Japanese literature. After a lifetime reading Japanese literature and a career spent introducing some of the nation’s greatest writers to the world, Richard Nathan has compiled his knowledge, experience and passion for Japanese literature into a rich, vibrant tapestry.
Kaleidoscope Japan, which will be published on the 24th August, 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.
From popular Tokyo literary bars, through cats, dolls and robots, to a nation repeatedly reinventing itself after catastrophe, Kaleidoscope Japan is a new lens through which the storytelling of The Land of the Rising Sun can be read and understood leaving readers with a well-rounded perspective of Japan, its social history and culture, and the nation’s finest writers.
Kaleidoscope Japan is 21 engaging and well-researched essays thematically grouped to cover Japanese Literature, Writers and Ruin; Influencers, Dolls and Devices; Robots, Runners and Riders; Cats, Tatts and Christians; and Booze, Books and Bonking.
The essays can be read sequentially or in a kaleidoscopic order that mirrors the reader’s particular interests, as an immersive experience or a dip-in, dip-out approach.
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.
Publication Date 24 August 2024. To order Kaleidoscope Japan please click here.
About the Author
Richard Nathan has spent most of his career working in international journalism and publishing with stints based in Tokyo, New York and London. He read his first Japanese language short story and full-length Japanese novel in the 1980s during the first of two periods studying and working in Japan.
Ever since, he has been fascinated with all things Japanese and a regular visitor to Japan. In 2016 he co-founded Red Circle Authors, the London-based publisher of the critically acclaimed series of newly commissioned Japanese fiction Red Circle Minis and the Circle Editions imprint, with the aim of increasing awareness and access to the many super-talented Japanese authors active today. Prior to this he worked for Kyodo News, Nature and Macmillan.
About Red Circle:Red Circle Authors Limited is a specialist publishing and communications company that conducts bespoke projects on behalf of a carefully selected and curated group of leading Japanese authors. Red Circle showcases Japan’s best creative writing. For more information on Red Circle, Japanese literature, and Red Circle authors please visit: www.redcircleauthors.com.-
About Richard Nathan:Richard Nathan is a Director and Principal of Bosquet Capital, and co-founder and Director of Red Circle Authors Limited.
Prior to this he worked for Kyodo News, Nature, and Macmillan.
