Those who love the English language and the written word have always found like-minded souls to associate with, formally or informally, in cities where English-speaking expats and immigrants are located. In Japan, though, once one is outside Tokyo, such gatherings are rare.
Traditionally, the Kansai region, and particularly Kyoto, has been home to small numbers of expat writers. Gary Snyder, Alex Kerr and Donald Keene are just some of the more prominent names who are or have been based in the old capital.
Past gatherings of local expat writers were often social affairs, but many hoped for something a bit more structured, where writers outside Tokyo's publishing world could exchange practical advice and personal anecdotes on everything from how to pitch book projects to domestic and overseas editors, publishers and agents, to navigating the ever-expanding world of self-publishing.