Category Archives: Japan

J-Horror meets H. P. Lovecraft – in “The Mists of Osorezan”!

Posted on April 16, 2018 by J P Catton

The following is an excerpt from the novel “The Mists of Osorezan”, a supernatural thriller written by Zoe Drake.  Synopsis: It begins with a series of unconnected mysteries … Aomori, Japan: A young girl dies during the testing of a revolutionary … Continue reading →

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Murder and Intrigue in Tokyo’s Sin City

Posted on April 16, 2018 by J P Catton

The following is an excerpt from the novel “Dead Hand Clapping”, a crime thriller with supernatural elements, written by Zoe Drake.  Synopsis: Tokyo, January 2002. The world is still in shock after 9/11 and Japan is in a state of paranoia, … Continue reading →

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“Zero Sum Game” – Science Fiction Adventure in a Japanese setting!

Posted on April 8, 2018 by J P Catton

The following is an excerpt from “Zero Sum Game”, a science fiction novel set in Hiroshima, west Japan.  To find out more about Cody L. Martin – go here! Hina Takamachi is leading the ordinary life of a Japanese schoolgirl … Continue reading →

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A Japanese Ghost Story from “Dark Lanterns”

Posted on April 4, 2018 by J P Catton

This is an excerpt of a story from “Dark Lanterns”, a collection of 15 ghost stories set in modern Japan, written by Excalibur author Zoe Drake. Find out more about Zoe Drake here!           FALLEN THROUGH … Continue reading →

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The War of the Yokai starts here!

Posted on April 4, 2018 by J P Catton

The following is an excerpt from “Voice of the Sword”, Book 1 of the YA Fantasy trilogy “Sword, Mirror, Jewel”, based on events and characters from Japanese mythology. To find out more about the trilogy – go here! I have … Continue reading →

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“The Sakura Strategy”

Posted on March 29, 2018 by J P Catton

EXCERPT FROM THE “SWORD, MIRROR, JEWEL” FANTASY TRILOGY BASED ON JAPANESE MYTHOLOGY: We soon entered the bustling streets of the second block of Aioicho, in the Honjo district, and looked out cautiously upon the soiled, transient beauty of the Low … Continue reading →

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Who was Jimmu – Japan’s First Emperor?

Posted on February 11, 2018 by J P Catton

     Why is Feb 11 a national holiday in Japan? What does ‘National Foundation Day’ mean? Is it referring to the national constitution drawn up after World War II, defining what Japan’s government could and could not do? In … Continue reading →

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Six Awesome Reading Experiences for 2018!

Posted on January 8, 2018 by J P Catton

This year, readers of Excalibur Books can look forward to … The official launch of Volume Two of the alternative history science fiction collection, Tales From Beyond Tomorrow! (Release Date: March 25th) A special promotion to celebrate the 200th anniversary … Continue reading →

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The World’s First Official Godzilla Store!

Posted on November 5, 2017 by J P Catton

Anyone interested in the Godzilla films, the ‘Kaiju’ tradition, or Japanese pop culture in general may well be interested in the first store dedicated exclusively to the big green behemoth! The Godzilla Store opened on October 30th 2017 – to … Continue reading →

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The Japan Writers Conference 2017

Posted on October 16, 2017 by J P Catton

The 2017 Japan Writer’s Conference was held in Tokyo, Nihon University College of Art, Ekoda Campus, on October 8th and 9th – and here is a very, very brief summary of some of the presentations. Thersa Matsuura – “The Ins … Continue reading →

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