Book Research
Wanna read my notes?
I struggle to make myself sit still–much less focus on research. To remedy this shortcoming, I promised my newsletter subscribers a fun Study Notes Email every other week. It helped me honor my commitment to research this project thoroughly, and people LOVED those emails. Turns out Edo period Japan has a lot of wit and wisdom to offer us here and now. So go ahead and flip through my old notes. There will be more coming on the newsletter soon!
Why are heists so interesting?
Let’s be honest. We’ve all stolen things. Maybe it went well. It probably didn’t. For example: One time I stole a frozen raspberry. One. One raspberry. The heist went flawlessly, but then I felt so guilty, I went and confessed it to my parents, who were terribly...
What did Edo Period Japan think of China?
Legend has it that Kasumi Sonoda is actually Chinese. When I was 3 years old, I came home from daycare and proudly told my father, “I’m Chinese, Daddy.” Daddy raised an eyebrow. “No Babygirl, you’re Japanese because I’m Japanese.” I lifted my chin. “No, I’m not...
What is Japanese Tea Ceremony?
Welcome back to my research notes! The main character in Project “Sparkle Cup” is a geisha. Her job is to charm powerful men and create an atmosphere of grace and peace. Historically, one of the geishas’ iconic practices for accomplishing this was to host Japanese tea...
What is Japanese Kintsugi?
Have you heard of the trope Hurt/Comfort? The term was coined by the fanfiction community to describe a scene where one character experiences some kind of hurt, physical or emotional, and another character comforts and supports them physically or emotionally. Think of...
What were laws like in the Edo Period?
Pro Tip: If you time travel to Edo period Japan don’t bring any dolls that are too big. Also don’t bring any dolls wearing clothing with thick stripes. You could be arrested for that. I am not joking. Don’t do it. Well. Now that’s out of the way. I’ve been researching...
Who were the Geisha of Edo Japan?
I’ve been thinking about her lately. The girl you looked up to when you were small. The one who seemed effortlessly graceful. Unshakable. Full of light. Maybe she was a big sister, or a fictional heroine. Maybe she was just a girl a few grades ahead who seemed like...