In bridging two worlds Lafcadio Hearn aka Koizumi Yakumo (1850-1904) was famous in the United States as a journalist and novelist when he went to Japan and never returned. He married a samurai’s daughter, became a university professor, and retold old Japanese legends, folktales, and especially ghost stories. He was known as the Poe of the Orient. His prolific writings and interpretations of Japanese culture (1890-1904) made him a bridge between the West and East. Lafcadio’s wisdom and open-minded philosophy about the connectedness of humans are still relevant today. He wrote of the evils of materialism, racism, and militarism.

Lafcadio’s legacy and writings continue in popularity and influence literature, journalism, entertainment, education, politics, and environment issues.