Lafcadio Hearn's Kwaidan: Terrifying Japanese Tales of Yokai, Ghosts, and Demons

Lafcadio Hearn's Kwaidan is the first and most famous collection of Japanese yokai stories, featuring 17 eerie tales and 3 original cultural studies. This new edition includes over 20 full-color woodblock prints and a foreword by Michael Dylan Foster. Hearn's English versions were translated back into Japanese and are considered classics of Japanese literature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 08 September 2022
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Lafcadio Hearn's Kwaidan, meaning "ghost story" in Japanese, is a renowned and pioneering collection of Japanese yokai stories. This captivating collection, comprising 17 eerie tales and 3 original cultural studies, was first published and has since become a staple in Japanese folklore. Hearn's work draws from traditional oral tales that have been passed down through generations, offering a unique and chilling perspective on the dark and mysterious aspects of the Japanese psyche. These tales have been immortalized in various forms of media, including anime, manga, and video games, and have even found their way into the realm of cinema, with Masaki Kobayashi's Oscar-nominated horror film "Kwaidan" being a notable example.

This new edition of Kwaidan is a testament to its enduring popularity and significance. It features over 20 full-color woodblock prints that beautifully depict the rich visual tradition of Japanese Yokai. In addition, a new foreword by Michael Dylan Foster, the foremost Western expert on Yokai literature, provides valuable context and insights into the stories. Foster's foreword sheds light on Hearn's pioneering exploration of Japan's enchanting spirit world and highlights the lasting impact of his work.

The stories within Kwaidan are diverse and captivating. Each tale offers a unique perspective on the supernatural, from the haunting tale of Yuki-onna, a ghostly woman who rescues a man during a snowstorm only to deliver a deadly warning, to the unsettling story of Mimi-Nashi-Hoichi, a musician who is unwittingly summoned by a Samurai to perform for the dead, resulting in tragic consequences. Diplomacy is another noteworthy story, where a Samurai warrior cleverly outsmarts a man he intends to kill, avoiding the ghostly revenge that looms over him.

Lafcadio Hearn, known for his exceptional expertise in Japanese culture, had a particular fascination with tales of the supernatural. He eagerly collected delicate, transparent, and ghostly sketches in his adopted land and translated them with infectious enthusiasm. His English versions of these stories were then translated back into Japanese, earning him a place as a revered figure in Japanese literature.

Kwaidan remains a testament to Hearn's remarkable talent as a storyteller and his deep understanding of Japanese culture. It offers readers a glimpse into the enigmatic and captivating world of Yokai, inviting them to explore the darker corners of the Japanese psyche and experience the eerie tales that have captivated audiences for generations. Whether you are a fan of Japanese folklore, horror, or simply seeking an intriguing and immersive reading experience, Kwaidan is a must-read that will leave you spellbound.

Weight: 255g
Dimension: 203 x 130 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9784805316801