As the founding managing editors of Kotan Publishing, Gavin Allwright and Atsushi Kanamaru are a match made in the heaven and hell of small independent book making. Certainly they could not be more physically different, one so tall, well-meaning and -- dare I say -- well padded; the other small, neat and gently retiring.

In their mission, however, they are as one: dedicated to introducing new and exciting Asian literature and artwork to the rest of the world. As Atsushi explains: "We're creating opportunities for English-speaking audiences to delight in the wealth of talent from the region. Enabling Asian writers, artists and publishers to express themselves across cultural and linguistic divides."

Seeking a name for their company, they wanted something that indicated they were ready to listen to minority people. "Kotan means 'village' in the language of the Ainu in northern Japan," says Gavin. "We also discovered later that it has an international feel, used in Lapland, and also among the Cree Indians in Canada. In this sense kotan means 'world village.' "