We are returning to Japan in 2024. In 46 days, for the first time since 2019. Our trip scheduled in 2020 was cancelled due to Covid. This will be my sixth trip, and I am looking forward to exploring new places and revisiting Kyoto and Tokyo.
I haven’t written much Blossomkitty content this year. I have been busy writing a book. I’m writing a memoir about my late husband’s suicide in 2013, and how travelling to Japan changed my perspective on life. Suicide is historically and culturally significant in Japan, and the perception is very removed from our stigmatised understanding of it in other countries. It also follows other themes, including connection through travel, finding meaning, and overcoming fear and self-doubt. It’s called ‘You Can’t Say That,’ and I am almost finished.
I’m looking forward to sharing travel planning and my trip here, as much has changed since my last visit. I will share my findings as I uncover them.
We are travelling to Japan for many reasons. To see friends and family, to visit sake breweries, and to absorb all the wonderful things we have been missing since our last visit. We are madly brushing up on our Japanese skills and making lists of our unmissable go-tos.
Another reason we are visiting Kyoto is for me to undertake some preliminary research and planning for my next book. “You Can’t Say That,’ has been so enjoyable to write, I am going to continue writing. I want to write about Japan. I’m still uncertain if the next book will be narrative nonfiction, or historical fiction. I’m excited to get to Kyoto and start feeling it out.
Links
If you would like to check out my project, ‘You Can’t Say That,’ here is a link to my author website: kylieeklunddenman.com.
You can read more about my relationship with suicide here, at Me, Japan and Suicide.