Supernatural Japan
Izumi Kyoka and the Global Fantastic
Book •
Pedro Thiago Ramos Bassoe's Supernatural Japan examines Izumi Kyōka (1873–1939) as a founding figure of modern Japanese literature of the fantastic.
The book traces Kyōka’s incorporation of global influences—including European and other foreign writers—alongside Japanese pre-modern genres like kusazoshi.
Bassoe develops the concept of the “scholarly fantastic” to show how realistic epistemologies in Kyōka’s work reinforce supernatural elements.
The book offers close readings of Kyōka’s major stories and situates them within broader literary and transnational contexts.
It serves as an up-to-date introduction for students and scholars interested in Japanese fantasy literature and media.
The book traces Kyōka’s incorporation of global influences—including European and other foreign writers—alongside Japanese pre-modern genres like kusazoshi.
Bassoe develops the concept of the “scholarly fantastic” to show how realistic epistemologies in Kyōka’s work reinforce supernatural elements.
The book offers close readings of Kyōka’s major stories and situates them within broader literary and transnational contexts.
It serves as an up-to-date introduction for students and scholars interested in Japanese fantasy literature and media.
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Amanda Kennel
Pedro Thiago Ramos Bassoe, "Supernatural Japan: Izumi Kyoka and the Global Fantastic" (U Michigan Press, 2026)
Mentioned by Host as the book being discussed and by Pedro Bassoe as his own recent publication about Izumi Kyoka and the global fantastic.
Pedro Thiago Ramos Bassoe, "Supernatural Japan: Izumi Kyoka and the Global Fantastic" (U Michigan Press, 2026)
