As an interpreter of Japan for the West, Lafcadio Hearn has no peer. His books are still read with fascination by foreigners and Japanese alike--a tribute to his keen powers of observation and the vividness of his prose. Kokoro is Hearn's love letter to Japan--his exploration of the genius of Japanese civilization and the wonder he felt at encountering these islands and their inhabitants.
The 15 extraordinary stories in this book include:

"Kimiko"-- A beautiful geisha hatches a desperate plan to save her mother from poverty but then must make a heartbreaking choice.

"A Conservative"-- A samurai's son embraces the West and travels to Europe but finds his new home to be a shallow and faithless land.

"A Street Singer"-- A woman captivates crowds with the beauty of her voice, but her life story goes much deeper than her musical talents.


ラフカディオ・ハーン（小泉八雲）による、日本人の心の営みに着目したエッセイ集。「停車場にて」「ある保守主義者」など全１５話を収録。日本人の心、感情、精神、勇気、愛情など、ハーンが日本での生活を通して体験した、日本人の内面的豊かさを深い共感をこめて描いた作品。