Lafcadio Hearn: a true Japanophile

The entrance gate to Lafcadio Hearn's residence in Matsue-shi, Iwate-ken. Now preserved as a museum.
The entrance to Lafcadio Hearn’s residence in Matsue-shi, Iwate-ken. Now preserved as a museum.

There is always pleasure in reading some authors who have taken a deep interest in subjects close to one’s own heart; this is particularly true of Japan since almost every writer seems to give a fresh insight into this fascinating culture. It doesn’t seem to matter if these writings were penned a hundred or more years ago, they come across the interval of time fresh and often stimulating. One of these authors was the remarkable Lafcadio Hearn who resided in Japan between 1890 and his death in 1910, precisely at a time when the Edō period was still a vivid memory to most of the population and this mediaeval culture had yet to be significantly influenced and modernised by outside events and ideas.

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Joint Dojo Kendo Practice at Tunbridge Wells

A sizeable cross-section of ranks all met on Sunday morning at the Tunbridge dojo in Skinners School for a very good session in basic Kendo under the guidance of three nanadan sensei and other senior yudansha from over the south-east. All members and others who wish to advance their Kendo in a comradely manner amongst others who feel the same way – and without reservations because of fancied affiliations – are always welcome to join in and benefit. This is always the ‘Way of Kendo’.

General practice – kirikaeshi/ji-geiko
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Senior yudansha practice
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General group photo