Lafcadio Hearn

Date of Birth: June 27, 1850

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: September 26, 1904

Biography

Lafcadio Hearn, also known by his Japanese name Koizumi Yakumo, was a renowned writer, translator, and teacher, best known for his books on Japanese culture and ghost stories. Born on June 27, 1850, in Lefkada, Greece, Hearn led an eclectic life that took him across multiple continents. He was the son of an Irish military surgeon and a Greek mother. After his parents separated, Hearn was sent to Ireland to live with his great-aunt. In his early twenties, he moved to the United States, where he worked as a journalist in Cincinnati and New Orleans. Hearn’s writing captured the vibrant cultures of these cities, and he gained a reputation for his evocative and often haunting prose. In 1890, Hearn moved to Japan, where he would spend the rest of his life. There, he married Setsu Koizumi and became a Japanese citizen, taking the name Koizumi Yakumo. Hearn’s work in Japan included teaching English and writing extensively about Japanese culture, folklore, and ghost stories. His books, such as “Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things,” are still celebrated for their vivid storytelling and deep respect for Japanese traditions. Hearn’s unique perspective as an outsider gave him a distinct voice, allowing him to bridge Eastern and Western cultures through his writing.

5 Interesting Facts about Lafcadio Hearn

1. Lafcadio Hearn was partially blind in one eye due to a school accident.

2. He was one of the first Westerners to gain Japanese citizenship and fully integrate into Japanese society.

3. Hearn’s wife, Setsu Koizumi, played a significant role in helping him understand and document Japanese culture.

4. Despite his profound impact on Japanese literature, Hearn never learned to speak Japanese fluently.

5. His book “Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan” remains a pivotal work for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lafcadio Hearn

1. “The Western mind, in the presence of the East, is like a fish out of water.”

2. “The great principle of Western civilization is energy; the great principle of Eastern civilization is repose.”

3. “Dreams are realities in themselves.”

4. “In the world of the spirits there is no time nor space.”

5. “There is one thing in the world more wicked than the desire to command, and this is the will to obey.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Lafcadio Hearn’s net worth was modest by contemporary standards, primarily derived from his writing and teaching. While exact figures are not available, his contributions to literature and his works’ continued influence suggest a legacy far richer than material wealth.

Children

Lafcadio Hearn had four children with his wife, Setsu Koizumi. Their names were Kazuo, Iwao, Kiyoshi, and Suzuko. His descendants have continued to preserve his legacy, with some of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren actively involved in literary and cultural activities.