On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we’re talking about Kyoto, kimono and more with Dr. Rebecca Copeland.
About Dr. Rebecca Copeland
Dr. Rebecca Copeland is a professor of Japanese language and literature at Washington University in St. Louis. Her research specialties include modern and contemporary women’s writing in Japan, modern literature, and translation studies. Dr. Copeland also writes fiction and just published her first novel called The Kimono Tattoo (Brother Mockingbird).
Topics Discussed
- About Dr. Copeland’s new novel The Kimono Tattoo
- Some of the aspects of Dr. Copeland’s life that influenced and appear in The Kimono Tattoo
- On spending time in Kyoto
- Some of Dr. Copeland’s favorite places in Kyoto
- About Tanukidani-san Fudō-in Temple
- Exploring Kyoto and going off the beaten path
- The canals that run along the Philosopher’s Path
- What inspired the “cursed kimono” that is one of the focuses of The Kimono Tattoo
- The recycling of kimono fabric
- How valued items such as kimono are sometimes thought to be imbued with the spirit of its creators
- About studying traditional Japanese dance (Nihon Buyō)
- About the classic strict student-teacher dynamic often see in traditional Japanese arts
- On Dr. Copeland’s transition to writing fiction
- The long process of writing The Kimono Tattoo
- On future plans for a sequel to The Kimono Tattoo that furthers the story of Ruth Bennett
- About Yamamba: In Search of the Japanese Mountain Witch and Dr. Copeland’s story Blue Ridge Yamamba
- What the yamamba is
- About the experience of teaching inmates at the Missouri Eastern Correctional Center about Japan
- On how getting to learn about Japan and the Japanese language is a privilege
- And much more!
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Support on Patreon
If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we’re able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you’ll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you’ll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
Links, Videos, Etc.
To pick up a copy of The Kimono Tattoo, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It will not cost you anything extra and it will support the show.
To pick up a copy of Yamamba: In Search of the Japanese Mountain Witch, consider using the Amazon affiliate link below.
To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
Special Thanks
Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi’s music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Dr. Rebecca Copeland
Featured image: Courtesy of Rebecca Copeland
