Lafcadio Hearn and Matsue

: The Theme of “Transformation” in Bakebake

2025/3/2

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 ...

Lafcadio Hearn and Matsue History & Culture

: NHK Morning Drama "Bakebake" – A Deep Dive into Its Highlights

2025/3/2

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 ...

Lafcadio Hearn and Matsue History & Culture

: What Are the Descendants of Yakumo Doing Today?

2025/3/2

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 ...

Lafcadio Hearn and Matsue History & Culture

: Setsu’s Later Years and the Legacy of the Koizumi Family

2025/3/1

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 and Matsue History & Culture

: The Culture and Cuisine of Matsue, Loved by Lafcadio Hearn

2025/3/1

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 ...

Lafcadio Hearn and Matsue History & Culture

: A Guide to Exploring Matsue and Lafcadio Hearn

2025/2/28

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 and Matsue History & Culture

: Places Lafcadio Hearn Visited and Existing Historical Sites

2025/2/28

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 and Matsue History & Culture

: The Streets of Matsue Where Lafcadio Hearn Lived

2025/2/26

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 and Matsue History & Culture

: The Appeal of Lafcadio Hearn’s Ghost Stories from an International Perspective

2025/2/26

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 ...

Lafcadio Hearn and Matsue History & Culture

: The Relationship Between Yakumo’s Ghost Stories and Japanese Folktales

2025/2/26

Lafcadio Hearn, also known as Koizumi Yakumo, was deeply fascinated by Japanese folktales. He wrote many ghost stories based on these legends and traditional narratives. His works were not merely translations or collections of folklore. Instead, he reinterpreted and refined them into new literary pieces, making them accessible to Western readers. This article explores how Yakumo’s ghost stories are connected to Japanese folktales, examining their similarities and differences in detail. 1. Why Yakumo Was Fascinated by Ghost Stories Yakumo had a strong interest in different cultures and folktales from an early age. He was born in Greece and ...

Lafcadio Hearn and Matsue History & Culture

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