This is a scorching article on the absolute state of The New York Times, and much of the rest of the media. Not just the billionaire media, note, but also the billionaire-*compliant* media, which both-sides every issue with purchased junktank talking points. lithub.com/maybe-dont-t...

Didn’t do it again though, did he?

We are thrilled that Lesley Downer's The Shortest History of Japan has been selected as one of Waterstone's non-fiction paperbacks of the year. @waterstones.bsky.social @lesleydowner.bsky.social www.waterstones.com/campaign/pap...

Just mentioning ... Arthur I Miller is raising funds for the rerun of SYNCHRONICITY on #Crowdfunder! A gripping piece of science theatre that delves into psychology, physics and alchemy ... Even a tenner would help. Help the play come on in October! www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/synchronic...

Today Prince Hisahito was recognised as heir to the imperial throne. By the post war constitution only males can be emperor. But in the past there were empresses ... Curious? Come to my talk Monday at @DaiwaFoundation! #Japan #history @oldstpublishing dajf.org.uk/event/the-im...

My review of On the Narrow Road to the Deep North: Journey into a Lost Japan by @lesleydowner.bsky.social‬, published by Eland Books, is on my website to read now: tomasstanger.com/on-the-narro... #Booksky #writingcommunity #bookreviews #travel #TravelBlogShare

Letter of the day (in the Times)

Spotted - at Haneda Airport, #Tokyo. Happy that it's reached its natural home! Thanks to eagle-eyed @drchrisharding! #Japan #history @ConnollyKieron @oldstpublishing @TheJapanSociety @DaiwaFoundation @JapanSocietyNW

Packing your bags for the trip of a lifetime - to #Japan? Don't forget to pack The Shortest History of Japan. Will (hopefully) make everything you see make sense! www.amazon.co.uk/Shortest-His...

Spotted - in Book Culture near Columbia, New York! Thanks, Margaret!

Thrilled to feature on @drchrisharding's brilliant substack - on all things #Japan, history and much besides. If you're interested in #women, power or #Japanesehistory - or all three - do listen in! @ConnollyKieron Women and Power in Japanese History open.substack.com/pub/illumina...

Just in time for summer holiday reading or a trip to #Japan! The #ShortestHistoryofJapan, out in paperback June 3. Everything you need to know in one small package, from the world's first potters to shaman queens, geisha & manga. www.amazon.co.uk/Shortest-His... @kieronconnolly.bsky.social

To brighten up your day - my @history_girls piece on #Japan's #JazzAge. All about Japanese #flappers and #feminists! @Japan_Australia @GBSasakawa @japansociety the-history-girls.blogspot.com

Thank you Tina!

The Shortest History of Japan by @lesleydowner.bsky.social www.tripfiction.com/an-overview-... "..written with authority and style..."

‘the weak body of a useless woman’ - the story of Matsuo Takeko, an Edo period peasant woman who was a poetess and led a very adventurous and independent life.

Thank you! That’s very kind! I wonder which novel you have still to read - and was there one that you preferred? Thank you for your kind post!

6 clubs on the Island are running #BookClubs during #AlderneyLitFest. Interested in Japan? Then join @lesleydowner.bsky.social for coffee, cake, and a discussion of her book on Friday, 28 March on the lovely Channel Island of #Alderney. www.alderneyliterarytrust.com/lesley-downer

Happy New Year of the Snake, everybody! Crossing fingers this will be a good year ...

Anna Sawai of #Shogun gets top billing. #Japan #history www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...

Big news! #Sumo in London next year ... First time since 1991. "The most important part is to bring #Japanese tradition and Japanese culture to the British public," says Nobuyoshi Hakkaku (Hokutoumi, who won 1991 tourney). www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/...

My review of the sweeping #SilkRoads exhibition @britishmuseum. Ends Feb 23rd. Worth catching.

@lesleydowner.bsky.social reviews the Silk Roads exhibition at the British Museum, which aims to recreate the "irresistibly romantic" allure of the ancient trading route's history. Read what she thought of it in Historia at historiamag.com/[email protected]

Synchronicity, anyone? FULL HOUSE last night - and lots of people every night! When the brilliant but tormented physicist #Pauli went to #Jung for help ... One week to go. Snap up your ticket now! @WhiteBearTheatr #physics #alchemy #psychoanalysis vimeo.com/1032311247

#Happy Birthday to Lucy - well, a sort of birthday. She was actually born 3.2 million years ago - but her bones were discovered 50 years ago this month. www.amnh.org/explore/vide...

First post on Bluesky - inspired by @deborahswain.bsky.social! Hugely enjoying Arthur I Miller's new - and first - play, #Synchronicity at the White Bear Theatre, Kennington. Come along and see for yourself! www.whitebeartheatre.co.uk/whatson/sync...