20 Talking About Yōkai w/ Author Charles Kowalski

On this extra bonus episode of the Japan Station podcast, we explore the world of yōkai with author and Japan Station listener, Charles Kowalski.

Originally from the U.S. Charles Kowalski is a teacher and author living in Japan. His latest book--Simon Grey and the March of a Hundred Ghosts--delves into the world of the Japanese supernatural creatures known as yōkai through the lens of a young 17th century English boy who gets stranded in Tokugawa-era Japan and has to rely on the yōkai in order get back home. Smon Grey and the March of a Hundred Ghosts is the first book in what Charles is planning to be a trilogy. Charles is also the author of two full-length novels: Mind Virus and The Devil's Son.

In this episode we discuss:

• What a yōkai is
• The origin of Charles' interest in yōkai
• The plot of Simon Grey and the March of a Hundred Ghosts
• The research process Charles underwent when working on Simon Grey and the March of a Hundred Ghosts
• The fascinating life of the English sailor-turned-samurai, William Adams (1564-1620)
• What the Hyakki Yagyō  (English:"Night Parade of One Hundred Demons") is
• Teaching in Japan
• How the Japanese folktale Urashima Tarō does not follow conventional storytelling norms
• Charles' future plans for the Simon Grey series
• And much more!