How Lafcadio Hearn Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Lafcadio Hearn continue to shape the world today.

Lafcadio Hearn, also known as Yakumo Koizumi, was a writer of Greek-Irish descent who became a British and Japanese National. He is known for introducing Japanese culture and literature to the West through his writings, particularly his collections of Japanese legends and ghost stories like *Kwaidan*. Before moving to Japan, he worked as a journalist in the United States, especially in Cincinnati and New Orleans, documenting the culture of New Orleans. His former home in Orleans Parish is now a historic site, and a Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum exists in Japan.

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Full Timeline Legacy & Impact

1900: Japanese Styles Introduced at Paris Exposition Universelle

In 1900, at the Paris Exposition Universelle, Japanese aesthetics were introduced, popularizing Japanese styles in Western countries and bringing recognition to Hearn's writings about Japan.

September 1904: Death of Yakumo Koizumi (Lafcadio Hearn)

In September 1904, Yakumo Koizumi, also known as Lafcadio Hearn, a writer who introduced Japanese culture to the West, passed away.

1924: Publication of Creole Sketches

In 1924, selections of Hearn's New Orleans writings were collected and published in 'Creole Sketches'.

1926: Daniels Records Similar Stanzas

In 1926 Julius Daniels recorded stanzas in song similar to those that Hearn had overheard while listening to the songs of the roustabouts.

1939: McClennan Records Similar Stanzas

In 1939, Tommy McClennan recorded similar stanzas in his version of 'Bottle Up and Go', similar to what Hearn had overheard when listening to the songs of the roustabouts.

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1964: Kwaidan film Adaptation

In 1964, Masaki Kobayashi adapted four Hearn tales into his film 'Kwaidan'.

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1983: Reprint of Ye Giglampz

In 1983, the Cincinnati Public Library reprinted a facsimile of all nine issues of 'Ye Giglampz', the weekly journal of art, literature and satire written, illustrated, and published by Hearn and Henry Farny.

1984: Broadcast of Japanese TV series Nihon no omokage

In 1984, the four-episode Japanese TV series 'Nihon no omokage' (Remnants of Japan), depicting Hearn's departure from the United States and later life in Japan, was broadcast, starring George Chakiris as Hearn.

1989: Lefkada and Shinjuku Become Sister Cities

In 1989, Lefkada and Shinjuku became sister cities, connecting the ends of Lafcadio Hearn's life journey.

1994: New Orleans and Matsue Become Sister Cities

In 1994, New Orleans and Matsue, two cities where Hearn lived, became sister cities.

1999: Kwaidan Puppet Theatre Adaptation

In 1999, Ping Chong adapted some of Lafcadio Hearn's stories into his puppet theatre, including the 'Kwaidan'.

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2002: OBON Puppet Theatre Adaptation

In 2002, Ping Chong adapted some of Lafcadio Hearn's stories into his puppet theatre, including the 'OBON: Tales of Moonlight and Rain'.

2007: Opening of Lafcadio Hearn Museum in Yaizu

In 2007, a small museum dedicated to Lafcadio Hearn opened in Yaizu, Shizuoka.

2012: Koizumi's Visit to Dublin

In 2012, Professor Bon Koizumi (Hearn's great-grandson) and his wife Shoko visited Dublin where they met Motoko Fujita.

2013: Koizumi's Trip to Ireland

In Autumn 2013, Fujita coordinated a trip for Bon and Shoko Koizumi to Ireland, during which key relationships to more Lafcadio supporters in Ireland were forged.

July 2014: Inauguration of Lafcadio Hearn Historical Center in Lefkada

On July 4, 2014, the first museum in Europe dedicated to Lafcadio Hearn, the Lefcadio Hearn Historical Center, was inaugurated in Lefkada, Greece. It showcases early editions, rare books, and Japanese collectibles, illustrating Hearn's life and the cultures of Europe, America, and Japan.

October 2015: Opening of Coming Home Exhibition

From October 15, 2015, to January 3, 2016, The Little Museum of Dublin hosted the exhibition 'Coming Home: The Open Mind of Patrick Lafcadio Hearn', the first time Hearn was honored in the city. Professor Bon Koizumi attended the opening.

2015: Publication of The Faceless Ghost

In 2015, Sean Michael Wilson, along with artist Michiru Morikawa, created 'The Faceless Ghost', a manga book version of Hearn’s Japanese stories.

January 2016: Coming Home Exhibition Ends

On January 3, 2016, The Little Museum of Dublin ended the exhibition 'Coming Home: The Open Mind of Patrick Lafcadio Hearn', the first time Hearn was honored in the city. Professor Bon Koizumi attended the opening.