author
Yoshisaburo Okakura
1868–1936
A pioneering Japanese scholar of English, he helped shape modern language education while also writing thoughtful books that introduced Japanese culture and ideas to readers in English.
1 Audiobook
The Japanese Spirit
by Yoshisaburo Okakura
About the author
Born in Yokohama in 1868, Yoshisaburo Okakura was a Japanese scholar, educator, and writer best known for his work in English studies. He taught at major institutions including Tokyo Higher Normal School and later Rikkyo University, and he became an important figure in the teaching of English in Japan.
He also wrote books in English such as The Japanese Spirit and The Life and Thought of Japan, which presented Japanese culture, ethics, and national character to international readers. In addition to his own writing, he is remembered for his work on dictionaries and English-language study materials, showing how deeply he influenced generations of students and teachers.
Okakura died in 1936. He was the younger brother of Okakura Kakuzo, also known as Okakura Tenshin, but built his own distinct reputation through education, scholarship, and writing.