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Steve John Powell
For Steve John Powell's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Nov 6, 2022
'Kokoro': Lafcadio Hearn's insights into a country he loved
The collection of 15 essays and stories, which explore the inner lives of Japanese society through topics such as karma, art and architecture, reveal the writer's deep affection for Japan.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
May 5, 2022
‘Master Dogen’s Zazen Meditation Handbook’: Are you searching for enlightenment? Take a seat.
Tuttleu2019s recent translation of Zen master Eihei Dogenu2019s writings and accompanying commentary serve as a helpful guide to the origins of Zen in Japan and the benefits of seated meditation.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Mar 27, 2021
The genius and geniality of Santoka Taneda, a wandering Zen poet
u2018The Life and Zen Haiku Poetry of Santoka Taneda,u2019 a biography of one of Japanu2019s most beloved poets, is a loving tribute compiled by Tanedau2019s close friend, Sumita Oyama.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Oct 24, 2020
Unclutter your mind with ‘Zen Wisdom for the Anxious’
Ryuunji templeu2019s head priest, Shinsuke Hosokawa, offers encouragement and friendly advice with 52 Zen sayings and simple English explanations.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Apr 25, 2020
Where we want to go in Japan once this is all over
COVID-19 has put a pause on travel, but that doesnu2019t mean we canu2019t plan. The Japan Timesu2019 Escape page regulars write about where they want to go in Japan once we see the back of COVID-19.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Feb 15, 2020
'Introduction to Zen Training': Sogen Omori's road map to enlightenment
An introduction to Zen practice, by one of Japan's leading practitioners.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books / RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOKS ABOUT JAPAN
Sep 28, 2019
'A Manga Lover's Tokyo Travel Guide': Picture the capital in a whole new way
Singaporean artist Evangeline Neo walks travelers through Tokyo's best traditional must-sees, anime hot-spots and even Mount Fuji in her comic-book guide to the metropolis.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books / ESSENTIAL READING FOR JAPANOPHILES
May 18, 2019
'The Art of the Japanese Garden': Green-fingered insight into Japanese garden spaces
By delving into the history, development and intricate details of Japanese gardens, "The Art of the Japanese Garden" brings new appreciation and awareness to the art form.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
May 17, 2019
Sandankyo Gorge: Hiroshima's hidden ravine
An easy trip from Hiroshima city, head to Sandankyo Gorge for a day of exploring picturesque ravines and waterfalls before indulging in a local hot spring.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Dec 28, 2018
New Year's Eve in Hiroshima: A silent night, a crowded morning
I can't quite believe we're doing this. It's dark and freezing outside, and we only went to bed three hours ago. Yet here we are, walking streets so quiet you can hear the mice snore. It's New Year's Eve, but there's not a carouser in sight. Here, as in most of Japan, in the darkness beyond the big city glow, tonight is a time for reflection and tradition.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Oct 19, 2018
The Akinada Tobishima Kaido: An alternative route across the Seto Inland Sea
Although less well-known than the nearby Shimanami Kaido, the 96-kilometer-roundtrip Akinada Tobishima Kaido route is gaining in popularity. Starting at the Akinada Bridge, the Tobishima route spans a network of seven bridges seven islands that can be traversed on car, bike or foot down to Okamura Island, north of Shikoku.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jan 6, 2018
Munch like a monarch as you walk with the gods on Miyajima
Beyond the island's iconic torii, oysters, okonomiyaki, eel and manju016b await.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books / ESSENTIAL READING FOR JAPANOPHILES
Dec 2, 2017
'A Brief History of Japan': Jonathan Clements guides readers from ancient lore to otaku obsessions
Ask any Japanese high school student which is their most difficult subject, and chances are they'll answer Japanese History — a consequence of the endless litany of dates, names and battles they need to memorize. Pity then, that they don't use this little book in class, because it manages to make thousands of years of Japanese history both accessible and enjoyable.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Nov 17, 2017
Communing with the gods in Hiroshima's kagura performances
Music and dance spectacle is part of Japan's rich performing arts heritage.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Apr 14, 2017
Among the monks: Dipping a toe in Zen at Shinshoji Temple
When was the last time you sat in silence, without fretting about the things you ought to be doing or gazing at a screen of any kind? When was the last time you didn't think anything at all?
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Dec 12, 2015
The changing view of Onomichi town
Last September, the town of Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture became a headline-grabbing topic around the world with its Cat Street View project. In its first two weeks online, this Google-style map of the town, filmed from a cat's perspective, went viral, racking up 1.7 million views. CNN, Huffington Post and Business Insider all ran the story.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Nov 21, 2015
The Hiroshima art triangle: a space to get lost in thought
'It's Tokyo minus the stress." That's how one Japanese colleague described Hiroshima to us shortly after my wife, Angeles, and I arrived here, near the end of the last millennium. So, what's its secret? Well, there's its size for a start. And having six rivers flowing through it certainly helps. But, as we discovered, the key to Hiroshima's laid-back charm lies in its serene green spaces.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Sep 12, 2015
Sweeping beauties of Kumano's brush area
In the soft morning drizzle, a handful of people line up before an altar-like mound of stones where a small fire crackles and hisses. Each person in turn throws a handful of old brushes into the blaze. The local garbage incinerator? No — this is ritual cremation.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Jul 18, 2015
Yuki's hot pools and cool trails are truly the stuff of legends
According to legend, the hot spring in Yuki town, in western Hiroshima Prefecture, was discovered way back in the sixth century, when villagers noticed an injured heron bathing in the waters. Somewhat later, the Asano lords, who ruled the Hiroshima area from 1619 till 1869, used to enjoy a break in this area.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
May 9, 2015
Dancing on the waves at Miyajima
"The mystery of the Orient is legendary . . . it was in the air the moment we stepped ashore in Kyoto, and now in Tokyo it began to envelop us." That's how Charlie Chaplin described his arrival in Japan. I'm not sure if the "Little Tramp" ever visited the island of Miyajima on any of his four trips to Japan, but if so, I'm sure the sense of mystery would have positively engulfed him there, too.

Longform

A statue of "Dragon Ball" character Goku stands outside the offices of Bandai Namco in Tokyo. The figure is now as recognizable as such characters as Mickey Mouse and Spider-Man.
Akira Toriyama's gift to the world