Unpacking Japan The writer who brought the world's attention to underrated Japanese cities
Oct 3, 2025
This session features Craig Mod, a writer and photographer based near Kamakura, known for his dedication to documenting underrated Japanese cities. He shares insights on respectful tourism, the joys of long walks in Japan, and how these pursuits have influenced his literary career. Craig discusses his journey into indie publishing, creating tactile books, and the challenges of translating his work for international audiences. He also recalls striking encounters on his walks and the importance of promoting lesser-known locales in Japan.
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Episode notes
Craft Choices Define The Book's Feel
- Hand-binding and close printer relationships let Craig create unique mid-weight cloth-bound covers with fine tolerances.
- High craft, many specialist vendors, and ethical supplier choices drive production quality and cost.
Walking Became His Framework
- Craig discovered walking through pilgrimage routes after joining John McBride and doing ascetic practices like Vipassana and Yamabushi training.
- Those experiences and solo walking became the framework that unified his language skills, photography, and writing.
Walk, Switch Off, Write Every Night
- When walking long routes, turn off news and social media and write nightly to capture fresh impressions.
- Use daily discipline (walk, photograph, edit, write) to build sustained creative momentum.
