umihiko

Kaisen Umihiko – Enjoy Fresh Seafood Caught by the Owner Himself! Opened in June 2022, Kaisen Umihiko is a seafood restaurant located in Nishikawatsu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. The most appealing feature of this restaurant is that the owner personally goes fishing and serves the seafood he catches!   You can enjoy dishes featuring freshly caught morning seafood for both lunch and dinner. At lunchtime, they offer a limited-edition seafood bowl, available only to the first 20 customers, which often sells out quickly.     Inside, you'll find 8 counter seats and private rooms, providing a calm and relaxing atmosphere ...

  The NHK morning drama Bakebake tells the story of Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) and his wife, Koizumi Setsu. Through their lives, the series explores the depth of Japanese culture and the beauty of cultural exchange. One of the central themes of this drama is "transformation" (化ける / bakeru). However, this concept is not limited to the transformation of ghosts and yokai. Instead, Bakebake is expected to depict transformation as a symbol of changes in society, values, and even human lives.   1. The Multifaceted Meaning of “Transformation” (1) The Transformation of Yokai and Ghosts in Kaidan Stories Lafcadio Hearn’s ...

  The 2025 NHK morning drama Bakebake is a highly anticipated series that portrays the story of Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) and his wife, Koizumi Setsu. Through the perspectives of Hearn, who lived as a bridge between cultures, and Setsu, who supported him throughout his journey, the drama explores Japan’s cultural exchange with the West during the Meiji era and the allure of its ghost story traditions. In this article, we take a deep dive into the key highlights of Bakebake and uncover what makes this drama so compelling.   1. Koizumi Yakumo’s Perspective – The Story of a Man ...

  After the death of Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo), his descendants have continued to honor his legacy by preserving and sharing his literary works and contributions to Japanese culture. Even today, his family remains dedicated to promoting his achievements and contributing to the study of ghost stories and international cultural exchange. In this article, we explore the ongoing activities of the Koizumi family in the modern era.   Kazuo Koizumi and the Inheritance of Yakumo’s Legacy Kazuo Koizumi, the Eldest Son Who Continued His Father’s Work Kazuo Koizumi (1905–1965), the eldest son of Yakumo, took on the responsibility of preserving ...

  After Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) passed away in 1904, what kind of life did his wife, Koizumi Setsu, lead? She deeply loved Japanese culture and devoted herself to supporting her family. This article explores her later years and the history of the Koizumi family after Hearn’s passing.   1. Setsu’s Life After Losing Her Husband On September 26, 1904, Lafcadio Hearn suddenly passed away in Tokyo due to a heart attack. At that time, Setsu was still in her 40s and was left to care for their four children alone. Along with her deep sorrow, she was faced with ...

Lafcadio Hearn, known in Japan as Koizumi Yakumo, visited the country during the Meiji era and was deeply captivated by the natural beauty and culture of Matsue. He admired the city’s traditional customs and scenic landscapes, and he also developed a strong interest in its local cuisine. In this chapter, we will explore the cultural heritage of Matsue that Hearn cherished, along with the foods he enjoyed.   1. The Culture of Matsue that Hearn Loved (1) Traditions and Customs of Matsue Matsue developed as a castle town, fostering a rich samurai culture and a deep-rooted tea ceremony tradition. Hearn ...

Matsue is known as the city that Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) loved. Following in his footsteps is a unique journey that offers a deep insight into Japanese history and culture. This guide introduces key locations related to Hearn, highlighting must-visit spots in Matsue.     1. Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum Discover Hearn’s Life and Literary Works One of the first places to visit in Matsue is the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum. The museum features extensive exhibits about Hearn’s life, his literary works, and his fascination with Japanese culture and ghost stories.   Highlights Hearn’s Personal Belongings: Displays include his handwritten ...

Lafcadio Hearn, known in Japan as Koizumi Yakumo, arrived in Japan during the Meiji era and was deeply captivated by its culture and landscapes. Among the many places he visited, he developed a strong attachment to Matsue, a city in Shimane Prefecture. Through his time in Matsue, Hearn immersed himself in Japanese traditions and ghost stories, writing many influential works. In this chapter, we explore the places Hearn visited and the historical sites that remain today, offering a glimpse into Matsue's rich history and charm.   1. Lafcadio Hearn’s Former Residence   The House Where Hearn Lived Matsue is home ...

  Lafcadio Hearn lived in Matsue for only about a year in 1890 (Meiji 23). However, during that short time, he was deeply fascinated by the landscapes, culture, and people of Matsue, which greatly enriched his understanding of Japanese culture. So, what kind of environment did Hearn live in while he was in Matsue?   1. Matsue, a Charming Castle Town Matsue has flourished as a castle town since ancient times, and even today, historic samurai residences and stone-paved streets remain. Centered around Matsue Castle, the town is adorned with the serene scenery of Lake Shinji and many shrines and ...

  Lafcadio Hearn’s ghost stories are highly regarded not only in Japan but also around the world. His works are based on traditional Japanese ghost tales and folklore, but he reconstructed them using Western literary techniques, creating a unique appeal that serves as a bridge between cultures. This article explores how Hearn’s ghost stories are received abroad and why they continue to captivate readers worldwide.   1. Why Hearn’s Ghost Stories Are Highly Regarded Overseas (1) A Window into Cultural Understanding Hearn did more than simply translate Japanese folklore—he reinterpreted these stories through his own lens. He carefully explained the ...