As a narrative goes, lyricist Chris Mosdell's story is anything but a straightforward one.
"There was an article that said I was the Lafcadio Hearn of lyrics, which I kind of liked," says the British wordsmith, explaining, "Lafcadio Hearn was the first foreigner here who wrote all about Japan. I've worked with so many eclectic people — calligraphy artists, poets, all sorts of people — that I couldn't have done anywhere else, I don't think."
Though born in Gainsborough, England, Mosdell grew up in North Wales and is now based for half the year in Tokyo and half in Boulder, Colo., in the United States. He has become woven into the fabric of Japanese society, not only working with huge domestic bands but also anime companies, respected poets and more.