Letters from China and Japan

In the spring of 1919, a philosopher and his wife set out on a leisurely journey across the Far East, but their plans quickly turned scholarly when an unexpected invitation led them to lecture at Japan's Imperial University. Their letters, written to their children back home, capture the vivid bustle of Tokyo's streets, the kaleidoscope of kimono fabrics, and the surprising humanity of rickshaw pullers navigating mud and snow. Readers get a first‑hand glimpse of everyday life, from bustling markets to quiet moments in tea houses, as seen through the eyes of curious, observant travelers.

The couple’s curiosity then carried them to China, where they found a nation wrestling with the promise of democratic change. Their correspondence records encounters with locals, the challenges of language, and the striking contrast between ancient traditions and modern aspirations. These candid observations offer a window into a pivotal moment in East Asian history, inviting listeners to experience the wonder and complexity of a world just beginning to open to the West.