This museum opened in 2007 as a memorial to the life and work of Koizumi Yakumo, who was also known as Lafcadio Hearn. Mr. Hearn was born in Greece as Patrick Lafcadio Hearn (June 27, 1850 - September 26, 1904). He was a Greek and Irish writer, translator, and teacher. Prior to moving to Japan and becoming a Japanese citizen, he worked as a journalist in the United States. In Japan, he married Koizumi Setsu and took the name Koizumi Yakumo. He and his family lived in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. I first heard of him when I was in the area to visit Matsue Castle.
From 1897 until his death in 1904, he spent summers in Yaizu, Shizuoka Prefecture.
The Museum is free and is about a 20 minute walk from the Yaizu train station. A lot of the museum information is in English.
Between October last year and the end of March this year, NHK's morning drama told the story of Lafcadio Hearn and his wife. Did you have the opportunity to watch it? If there is some way you can watch it online, I highly recommend it.
Ever since I bought one of Koizumi Yakumo's books in Sweden in the mid 1970s I have been fascinated by his life and the portrait of Japan he so vividly painted in his written stories.
Between October last year and the end of March this year, NHK's morning drama told the story of Lafcadio Hearn and his wife. Did you have the opportunity to watch it? If there is some way you can watch it online, I highly recommend it.
ReplyDeleteEver since I bought one of Koizumi Yakumo's books in Sweden in the mid 1970s I have been fascinated by his life and the portrait of Japan he so vividly painted in his written stories.
That museum would be great to visit, the author has a fascinating story and talent.
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