Our name reflects firstly our physical base, the city of Kyoto: a place of deep spiritual and cultural heritage that has been the measure of such things for more than a millennium. And a journal is primarily an ongoing means of looking afresh at the world, and one's place in it, to explore both the familiar and the unknown, to look beyond stereotypes, and to recognize this as vital to the evolution of self and society.

Through the generous and long-standing support of our publisher, Harada Shokei, and Heian Bunka Center, KJ is not confined to a particular marketing niche. This gives us remarkable freedom. We also print a very high proportion of unsolicited submissions. KJ editors work closely with contributors to develop content, and seek connections and resonances between selections to help each issue find its own unique identity.

KJ is a community that transcends place. We especially thank all our contributors, throughout Asia and beyond, and the all-volunteer staff who give so generously of their time and energy to make KJ what it is.

Who Are We?

For more of the KJ community, see our KJ FACES page, and 50th issue celebration, and KJ Meetings.

For comprehensive background on KJ, see the Dec. 2005 SWET (Society of Writers, Editors & Translators) Newsletter #110 lead article: Kyoto Journal Inspired