Lafcadio Hearn & Finding Community as a Foreigner #japan #shimane #travel
Good morning from the moat of Matsue Castle, where turtles bask, cherry trees sway, and history lingers in the quiet corners. I’ve just visited the former home of Lafcadio Hearn, the beloved storyteller who helped introduce Japan to the Western world in the late 19th century.
Hearn was a foreigner here—just like me—and yet he was deeply embraced, not because of status or novelty, but because of his cultural curiosity and willingness to listen. His legacy reminds us that belonging in another culture begins with humility and respect.
I understand why some people in Japan are experiencing a rise in discomfort around tourism—crowded streets, noise, and frayed public manners. Even I get irritated when people cut in line or talk loudly on trains. Yet in my own experience, I’ve rarely felt hostility. When foreigners arrive with sensitivity, Japan almost always responds with warmth.
My personal connection to Hearn reaches across time—years ago, his great-nephew rented my house in Vancouver after I moved to Japan.
Now, back in Matsue, I’m heading out to see the turtles, symbols of longevity—another thread in this journey.
See you on the water.
#Japan #LafcadioHearn #Matsue #MatsueCastle #ForeignersInJapan
#Longevity #JapanTravel #CulturalExchange #TravelVlog #JapanCulture
#BlueZonesJapan #SustainableTravel #SlowTravel #Storytelling #HistoryJapan
Good morning from the moat of Matsue Castle, where turtles bask, cherry trees sway, and history lingers in the quiet corners. I’ve just visited the former home of Lafcadio Hearn, the beloved storyteller who helped introduce Japan to the Western world in the late 19th century.
Hearn was a foreigner here—just like me—and yet he was deeply embraced, not because of status or novelty, but because of his cultural curiosity and willingness to listen. His legacy reminds us that belonging in another culture begins with humility and respect.
I understand why some people in Japan are experiencing a rise in discomfort around tourism—crowded streets, noise, and frayed public manners. Even I get irritated when people cut in line or talk loudly on trains. Yet in my own experience, I’ve rarely felt hostility. When foreigners arrive with sensitivity, Japan almost always responds with warmth.
My personal connection to Hearn reaches across time—years ago, his great-nephew rented my house in Vancouver after I moved to Japan.
Now, back in Matsue, I’m heading out to see the turtles, symbols of longevity—another thread in this journey.
See you on the water.
#Japan #LafcadioHearn #Matsue #MatsueCastle #ForeignersInJapan
#Longevity #JapanTravel #CulturalExchange #TravelVlog #JapanCulture
#BlueZonesJapan #SustainableTravel #SlowTravel #Storytelling #HistoryJapan
Lafcadio Hearn & Finding Community as a Foreigner #japan #shimane #travel Locations
- Matsue Castle (35.4751335,133.0506783)
Pacific Solo
Hi, I`m Lowell, a 67-year-old rookie sailor, and a never-too-later! I preparing myself for the biggest challenge of my life: a solo journey across the North Pacific. I am a Canadian living in Japan, and in 2019, I purchased Wahine, a 1988 Gib Sea 402. I moved on board while she was moored in Tokyo. In March 2021, I terminated my contract with the Marina and have been cruising Japan full time since gaining valuable experience all the while working remotely from the boat. Wahine is my home, my studio, and my lab. Join me on my learning voyage around Japan, trying to prepare myself for Pacific Solo. If you want to see where I am please go to my website and click on the Where`s Wahine Button at https://www.pacificsolo.com Also, if you are a fellow never-too-later check out www.nevertoolateacademy.com PSThe History Channel asked if they follow me into various remote ports for a new series called Dare to Dream. The pilot airs in Japan July 24th at 8pm.
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