
Letters from Japan
Small seasonal moments from Japan delivered to your inbox.
Letters from Japan is my way of staying in touch with readers. Four times a year, I'll share small moments from life in Japan, books that have stayed with me, a haiku in English and Japanese, a short essay, and the occasional subscriber-only short story.
俳句 · What you'll receive
Four seasons, one city, written twice
Each letter carries a haiku from the season it's sent in — written first in Japanese, then translated. Here's a taste of each.
春
Spring
"In the clear blue sky / tiny white flower petals / gently fall like snow"
夏
Summer
"Evening fireworks / for one moment the whole sky / belongs to the crowd"
秋
Autumn
"Cool wind through Shibuya / people walk a little slower / summer says goodbye"
冬
Winter
"Crisp December air / trees glistening like diamonds / Keyakizaka"
In the press
Readers and critics
"Bestselling author Matthew O'Connell has created a true literary masterpiece."
Orlando Sentinel
"Matthew O'Connell has created a world that readers will want to dive into and never leave. 'ThePainter of Time', is a veritable masterpiece loaded with intrigue, art and romance."
Capital Gazette
"Spirit of the Fox is thrilling, captivating and will take your breath away."
Chicago Tribune
"Spirit of the Fox is brilliant. It takes you on a mysterious journey that is simply captivating."
The Baltimore Sun
Letters from Japan
News & Events
Books I Love
Join the letters
One letter, every couple of months. Worth the wait.
Subscriber-exclusive short stories, seasonal haiku, and dispatches from Tokyo — straight to your inbox.


















