Lafcadio Hearn enjoys great acclaim as a literary genius who brought the folklore of Japan to Westerners. Yet behind the novelist lived Hearn the teacher.

As a translator, he saw learning as the source of intercultural understanding. As a mediator, Hearn advocated a cosmopolitan outlook on Japan. Caring about cultural and social tensions, he sought ways to navigate them with respect and humanity.

This lecture delves into Hearn’s translation of Japan’s culture.

We discover a person dedicated to understanding across cultures, ambitious in his rejection of bigotry, and sensitive to Japanese life and ethics despite their contrast to the West.

Hybrid event (in-person and online).

Note: Booking essential.