In this episode, we explore the enduring legacy of Greek/English/Irish/American/Japanese author Lafcadio Hearn and the ghost story The Peony Lantern.

We'll start out by looking at Hearn's life. We'll discuss the long history of the story Boton Doro, more commonly known as The Peony Lantern, including its most famous incarnation under Hearn's pen. And then we'll look at two modern adaptations of the story by Aoko Matsuda and Kyoko Nakajima.

Notes and sources on the episode page. Transcript available.

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In this episode, we look at bullying in Japanese literature.

We'll start out by defining bullying and looking at bullying in Japanese schools as well as the Japanese workplace. We'll see some examples in Japanese novels. And then we'll talk about Mizuki Tsujimura's Lonely Castle in the Mirror, translated into English by Philip Gabriel.

This episode is rated mature. CW: bullying and suicide

If you're thinking about suicide, please get help. Open Counseling hosts a list of international suicide hotlines.

Notes and sources on the episode page. Transcript available. Be sure to check out the new and improved RJL website!

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Get in touch at www.readjapaneseliterature.com.
Support RJL on Patreon.com.
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All content © 2025 Read Japanese Literature.

In this episode, we look into the history of Christianity in Japan—especially the role Christianity has played in Japanese literature. Our focus text is Shusaku Endo's Silence.

Notes and sources on the episode page. Transcript available.

Let RJL know what you think! (Contact us through the website if you want a response.)

Please note that text messages are for feedback only. RJL can't respond directly.
Get in touch at www.readjapaneseliterature.com.
Support RJL on Patreon.com.
Buy your books from Bookshop.org.
All content © 2025 Read Japanese Literature.