Category Archives: Uncategorized

It’s been a while since I last posted here, mainly because there’s been nothing to say. This area of Japan was in a state of emergency for a while (a state of emergency is like a lockdown but enforced by peer pressure rather than punishments) so like most people around the world we’ve gone nowhere,Continue reading “Pessimism of the Intellect, Optimism of the Will”

Sorry for the radio silence in the last few weeks but a combination of being back teaching full-time, suffering Zoom-related back pain and the world going to hell less in a handcart and more in one of those massive modified trucks complete with superfluous guitar player they have in Mad Max has left me withContinue reading “Black Voices Matter”

Hi folks, I hope you’re all doing well and coping with the various stresses the plague times have brought us. Out here in the countryside life is much the same except they’ve closed the mountains, so that’s my main source of exercise gone. Ho hum. Anyway, a few updates if you’re looking for ways ofContinue reading “Zooming On”

How are you all doing? It’s not great out there and, to be honest, after four weeks at home it’s not great in here either. Still, I’ve painted the kitchen and dining room. It’s amazing what boredom and procrastination will lead to. I have a few updates to report on in case you missed themContinue reading “Vote Remain (Indoors)”

Hi folks, I’m into the third day of self-isolation (nothing wrong with me, just being on the safe side after hitting five countries and taking 14 flights in the last 7 weeks). I’ve caught up with Better Call Saul and Picard, and decided not to bother with The Witcher (though I might come back toContinue reading “Passing the Time”

I gave it a bloody good go but sadly the realities of Covid19 mean that the rest of my events have been cancelled and I’m at the airport hoping I can get back to Japan before borders close, flights stop or a fever starts. Thanks to everyone who came to St Andrews, Glasgow and EdinburghContinue reading “Cancellations”

This is it, the big week. The book is officially out everywhere (US? No idea) and there are events in St Andrews (Tues), Edinburgh (Wed), Glasgow (Thurs), as well as a couple of podcast recordings (info as and when). So to celebrate, here’s a wee film I made with mate and director Stephen McQueen (NotContinue reading “A Film by Stephen McQueen (not that one, no, not that one either).”

And we’re off! I’m in Scotland, and the first bit of press about the book has hit the newsstands, a lovely interview Kris Kosaka did with me for the Japan Times.

It’s the last day of February, the quarter day catch up, and that means I leave Japan tomorrow for the UK to launch The Only Gaijin in the Village. The dates are above and on the side bar. The Edinburgh Central Library event has sold out but there are still tickets for Glasgow on MarchContinue reading “Launch Month!”

They are out in the wild! Pre-orders are being delivered as we speak and Readings St Kilda has signed stock out on the shelves. I’m gearing up now for the Sydney launch in Better Read Than Dead bookstore on Sunday Feb 23rd at 3pm. It looks like there’s going to be a good crowd soContinue reading “SYDNEY!”