Update: Welcome to my little educational site. I live in Fukuoka city which is located on the island of Kyushu.
I studied history and archaeology at university majoring in Japanese history and culture (B.A History). I have studied Japanese history since coming here for the first time in the 90s. I also have an English teaching certification (TESOL IV) and I completed a certificate course in Photojournalism.
Topics:
- Early State Formation
- Japanese Ancient & Medieval History
- Japanese Studies
- Japanese Religions
- Japanese Buddhism
- Japanese History
I have been living in Japan now for nearly 10 years. I lived in Hokkaido for 6 years, Hiroshima for 5 months, Kumamoto for 6 months and now here in Fukuoka. During this time I immersed myself in study, teaching and living the Japanese life. My wife is Japanese and all of my children were born in Japan.
I have travelled to about 17 prefectures in Japan but I think I know Hokkaido and Kyushu the most. I love Japanese castles and have visited about 25 so far. After coming to Kyushu I have become interested in early Japan. For example, the Yayoi through to the Heian periods. Kyushu was the gateway to Japan for centuries due to its close location to mainland Asia therefore we have so many exciting things here to see and explore.
Right now my time is split between running my shop, doing research and visiting historic sites in Japan. My wife and I own a little Hair Salon and English Cafe in Gintencho, Hakata, Fukuoka City called RUST.
Please contact me if you have any questions about Japan, Japanese history or culture. I can also help with any travel or educational questions.
If you are ever in Fukuoka, please come in to the cafe and say hello!
Japanese History and Culture 
You sound pretty busy.
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Can never be too busy doing something you enjoy.
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There is an old saying, That if you make your work fun, then the harder you work the more fun you have!!
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May I ask what you’re background in the academic world is. I am a history student and really like some of your articles. The only problem is that I have to know if your information is academical or not……. (professor’s rules).
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Hello, thankyou for your message. I think you would like to know if you can use the information as source material? Is this correct? Many of the articles I have posted have come from university essays I wrote a while ago. These essays do reference source material but I simplify them for the website. Many of the source materials can be found on the ‘Book and Journal’ page. Please have a look at this page too. This is a list of all the resource materials I have used. Other information I use is from information sheets I get from the places I visit. Some are in English, other I have to translate from Japanese. Also, not all the articles on my site are written by me, I have friends who allow me to use their material as well. As for me, yes I have a B.A majoring in history and I’m a qualified English teacher. Cheers. If you need any help please let me know.
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Hi,
I have recently been researching this topic and am interested in your amazing website. I would like to reference your name for the task. May I ask what your name is?
Thanks 😊
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Hi, sure. Stuart Iles. Thankyou for checking out my website.
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Hi,
First of all, I wanted to say that I really enjoy reading this blog, and that thank you for providing so much information. Secundly I wanted to ask if it would be possible to contact because I am doing a project (ttrpg) in which your knowledge would be extremely helpful. I myself have a little knowledge of the history of Japan, but certainly not as good as yours. If we could get in touch and you could answer my questions, I would be very grateful.
Thank you in advance for your answer
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Hello, thankyou so much for reading my blog. I can do my best to help you, although Japanese history is very, very long and deep and I am still learning things everyday. Please contact me through my email, 8.4history@gmail.com.
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