[Chuokoron-Shinsha Co., Ltd.] The history and charm of Matsue, Sakaiminato, and Izumo, places associated with Lafcadio Hearn and Setsu, who are the subject of much-talked-about dramas, all in one book!
Chuokoron-Shinsha Co., Ltd. Press release: September 11, 2025 To Members of the Press The history and charm of Matsue, Sakaiminato, and Izumo, places associated with Lafcadio Hearn and Setsu, who are the subject of much-talked-about dramas, are all in one book!
Chuokoron-Shinsha Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Junichi Abe) will release the book “Chasing Yakumo and Setsu: A Journey to Meet Gods and Monsters” on September 19, 2025. “Matsue, Sakaiminato, Izumo” (by Akiko Homada) will be released. This book follows the journey of Lafcadio Hearn and Setsu, who are the inspiration for the drama’s protagonist, and introduces the current highlights of each city with maps and photographs. Matsue, the city of water beloved by Lafcadio Hearn, author of “Kwaidan.” Sakaiminato, a paradise for monsters depicted by Shigeru Mizuki. Izumo, the sacred land where eight million gods gather, is a culture that continues to this day in these three cities, one that senses the invisible, reveres it, and passes it on through storytelling. This city, where myths and legends are passed down through the generations, is full of new charm.
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978-4-12-005951-3 〇Release date: September 19, 2025 〇List price: ¥1,815 (tax included, 10%) 【Author】 Akiko Konda Born in Gifu Prefecture. Graduated from Kyoto Women’s University. After
encountering a clay figurine excavated from the Kannonji Honma ruins in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, she traveled to museums and ruins around the country, conducting extensive research on clay figurines and the Jomon period. Major works include “A Thrilling Jomon Illustrated Guide” (edited by Ken Niitsu/Yama-to-Keikokusha), “The Reality of Clay Figurines” (edited by Yasuhiro Muto/Yamakawa Publishing), “Welcome to the World of Clay Figurines: The Universe of Jomon Beauty” (Yamakawa Publishing), “Folding Clay Figurines” (origami by COCHAE/Asahi Publishing), and “Unknown Jomon Life” (edited by Yasuhiro Muto). Her publications include “The Unknown Yayoi Life” (supervised by the Osaka Prefectural Museum of Yayoi Culture), “The Unknown Life of Kofun Tombs” (supervised by Matsuki Takehiko) (all three illustrated by Suso Akiko, published by Seibundo Shinkosha), “Cute Ancient Times” (Culture Convenience Club, published by Mitsumura Suiko Shoin Book Editorial Department), “Interesting Mystery Solving: The Secrets of the Jomon Period” (illustrated by Suso Akiko, published by Shogakukan), “Konda Akiko’s Journey to My Favorite Ruins” (published by Shinsensha), and “My First Clay Figurine, Revised and Enlarged Edition” (supervised by Muto Yasuhiro, published by Sekai Bunka Publishing). She is also skilled at reporting on local food and alcohol.