Kokura Nights (Kokura-no-yoru)

About the Book

This is not Hollywood's Japan, Hideki Tojo's, or any of the great warlords who reigned for many centuries. It is about a modern city-especially the little idiosyncrasies of Japanese urban life which is usually ignored by Western mediums. I take Kokura, a former medium sized city (now part of Kitakyushu) and observe its character-tried to dissect its essence-even things the place would rather keep secret. Kokura Nights is written in an old poetic style known as ottava rima. The contrast with the contemporary subject mattter may baffle some, but it is just a side piece for the reader to pay attention to the words, and everything written has relevance. So-for the first time in a long time, has a person used this style with such ease and precision. For those who want to read about a real part of Japan will be pleased that Kokura Nights has been written for them. And by the way, the author suggests you read the introduction and footnotes as this will provide critical information to help you understand the text.

About the Author

sheridinho {syeh-ree-jeen-yoh} as he is known here, is a native of the Puget Sound region in Washington State. It is not uncommon for him to be somewhere in Seattle scribbling verse or prose. He has travelled and lived in Japan, and has spent part of his childhood in Micronesia. He is an alumnus of a state university in Washington, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree. What he is most proud of is his diverse heritage which consists of a Japanese and European blend.