Kokoro: Hints and Echoes of Japanese Inner Life


Read by Expatriate

(4.5 stars; 22 reviews)

In an introductory paragraph, Lafcadio Hearn declares his intention: "The papers composing this volume treat of the inner rather than of the outer life of Japan, for which reason they have been grouped under the title Kokoro (heart). Written with the above character, this word signifies also mind, in the emotional sense; spirit; courage; resolve; sentiment; affection; and inner meaning, just as we say in English, "the heart of things."" The result is a highly eclectic collection of stories, diary entries, cultural essays, and collected traditional texts that illustrate not only the state of Japanese society in the 1890s but also the endlessly fascinating issue of the intersection of cultures as demonstrated in a Westerner's interpretations of what he observed in Japan. As much is revealed about the Western mind as the Japanese mind whenever such an intersection occurs. - Summary by Expatriate (7 hr 57 min)

Chapters

At a Railway Station 7:51 Read by Expatriate
The Genius of Japanese Civilization, Pt. 1 22:10 Read by Expatriate
The Genius of Japanese Civilization, Pt. 2 18:14 Read by Expatriate
A Street Singer 8:15 Read by Expatriate
From a Traveling Diary 27:49 Read by Expatriate
The Nun of the Temple of Amida 16:42 Read by Expatriate
After the War 25:25 Read by Expatriate
Haru 12:14 Read by Expatriate
A Glimpse of Tendencies, Pt. 1 22:03 Read by Expatriate
A Glimpse of Tendencies, Pt. 2 20:26 Read by Expatriate
By Force of Karma 16:53 Read by Expatriate
A Conservative, Pt. 1 22:00 Read by Expatriate
A Conservative, Pt. 2 26:21 Read by Expatriate
In the Twilight of the Gods 12:59 Read by Expatriate
The Idea of Pre-Existence, Pt. 1 23:47 Read by Expatriate
The Idea of Pre-Existence, Pt. 2 22:30 Read by Expatriate
In Cholera-Time 9:41 Read by Expatriate
Some Thoughts About Ancestor-Worship, Pt. 1 24:43 Read by Expatriate
Some Thoughts About Ancestor-Worship, Pt. 2 24:43 Read by Expatriate
Kimiko 21:38 Read by Expatriate
Appendix 1: Three Popular Ballads (Intro.) 18:21 Read by Expatriate
Appendix 2: The Ballad of Shuntoku-Maru 22:18 Read by Expatriate
Appendix 3: The Ballad of Oguri-Hangwan, Pt. 1 21:58 Read by Expatriate
Appendix 3: The Ballad of Oguri-Hangwan, Pt. 2 23:50 Read by Expatriate
Appendix 4: The Ballad of O-Shichi, the Daughter of the Yaoya 4:26 Read by Expatriate

Reviews

Subjective but interesting


(3 stars)

This is an interesting book by Lafcadio Hearn, although it comes across as being more about his take on Japanese traditions particularly those of ancestor worship. Thanks to volunteer for good clear reading. For those wanting a more informative account of Japanese history and culture I highly recommend "Japan: an attempt at interpretation" by same author. it's much longer but worth the effort.

ok


(3 stars)

worth listening to. reader was clear.