The Folio Society officially announced a stunning collectible hardback edition of Japanese Ghost Stories. Launching exclusively on October 13, 2026, the volume arrives just in time for Halloween. The book compiles twenty haunting tales translated by 19th-century writer Lafcadio Hearn. The deluxe release also features breathtaking artwork by award-winning artist Yuko Shimizu and a new introduction by novelist Yoko Ogawa.
Transportive Folklore and Classic Japanese Horror
The compiled collection captures the haunted world of ancient Japan through classic supernatural folklore. Readers will encounter vengeful phantoms, flesh-devouring priests, and iconic creatures like flying heads and faceless stalkers. Specifically, notable stories include The Story of Aoyagi, Oshidori, The Dream of Akinosuké, and Rokuro-Kubi. As a result, the volume is an ideal read for folklore aficionados, J-horror fans, and classic cinema lovers alike.
Preserving the Visionary Legacy of Lafcadio Hearn
Born in Greece, Hearn emigrated to Japan in 1890, where he became a naturalized citizen named Koizumi Yakumo. Dedicated to recording regional beliefs, he produced groundbreaking anthologies that introduced Western readers to Japanese supernatural culture. His famous 19th-century collections remain widely celebrated across Japan today. This new edition honors Hearn’s legacy by preserving his original, timeless translations for modern audiences.
Masterful Traditional Artwork Meets 21st Century Style.
Artist Yuko Shimizu designed five double-page spreads, a frontispiece, endpapers, and a custom slipcase for the release. Inspired by traditional Edo-period picture books, Shimizu blended historical aesthetic touches with modern digital sensibilities. Additionally, Japanese calligrapher Ai Tatebayashi created custom character lettering for the page margins.
Award-Winning Book Illustrations
Yuko Shimizu has illustrated several acclaimed books, including Caldecott Honor winners The Cat Man of Aleppo and Up, Up, Ever Up!. Her portfolio also includes Barbed Wire Baseball, Michael Cunningham’s A Wild Swan, and Godzilla: The Official Pop-Up Book.
Major Literary Collaborations
This release marks Shimizu’s third book with the Folio Society, following Japanese Tales and The Great Gatsby. Furthermore, she created cover and interior artwork for Haruki Murakami’s Abandoning a Cat.
Get Your Copy Now
The 200-page hardcover edition is available exclusively through the Folio Society website.
