Lesley Downer
@lesleydowner.bsky.social
Writer, Japan hand, keen yoga buff. 2 handstands a day!
Reposted by Lesley Downer
@lesleydowner.bsky.social I'll be interested to hear your views on Episode 4 "Japan".
November 24, 2025 at 11:27 AM
@lesleydowner.bsky.social I'll be interested to hear your views on Episode 4 "Japan".
Reposted by Lesley Downer
@lesleydowner.bsky.social Of course I now realise you are actually in Episode 4 of "Civilisations: Rise and Fall"! Thank you, it's always good to see you on TV. (You can still comment on the rest of the programme! 😊)
November 24, 2025 at 2:28 PM
@lesleydowner.bsky.social Of course I now realise you are actually in Episode 4 of "Civilisations: Rise and Fall"! Thank you, it's always good to see you on TV. (You can still comment on the rest of the programme! 😊)
Reposted by Lesley Downer
Lesley Downer, author of The Shortest History of Japan, will be talking about her book on Tuesday 9 December at the Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution. @lesleydowner.bsky.social
In person and online tickets available here: hlsi.org.uk/whats-on/the...
In person and online tickets available here: hlsi.org.uk/whats-on/the...
The Shortest History of Japan - HLSI
Members: Free, Online or Victoria Hall Non-Members: £10, Online or Victoria Hall Please book, for online link only, by 1pm on the day of the event Court ladies, women warriors and courtesans: powerful...
hlsi.org.uk
November 25, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Lesley Downer, author of The Shortest History of Japan, will be talking about her book on Tuesday 9 December at the Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution. @lesleydowner.bsky.social
In person and online tickets available here: hlsi.org.uk/whats-on/the...
In person and online tickets available here: hlsi.org.uk/whats-on/the...
Reposted by Lesley Downer
This is a scorching article on the absolute state of The New York Times, and much of the rest of the media.
Not just the billionaire media, note, but also the billionaire-*compliant* media, which both-sides every issue with purchased junktank talking points.
lithub.com/maybe-dont-t...
Not just the billionaire media, note, but also the billionaire-*compliant* media, which both-sides every issue with purchased junktank talking points.
lithub.com/maybe-dont-t...
Maybe Don’t Talk to the New York Times About Zohran Mamdani
It’s remarkable, the people you’ll hear from. Teach for even a little while at an expensive institution—the term they tend to prefer is “elite”—and odds are that eventually someone who was a studen…
lithub.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:55 AM
This is a scorching article on the absolute state of The New York Times, and much of the rest of the media.
Not just the billionaire media, note, but also the billionaire-*compliant* media, which both-sides every issue with purchased junktank talking points.
lithub.com/maybe-dont-t...
Not just the billionaire media, note, but also the billionaire-*compliant* media, which both-sides every issue with purchased junktank talking points.
lithub.com/maybe-dont-t...
Reposted by Lesley Downer
Didn’t do it again though, did he?
October 1, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Didn’t do it again though, did he?
Reposted by Lesley Downer
We are thrilled that Lesley Downer's The Shortest History of Japan has been selected as one of Waterstone's non-fiction paperbacks of the year. @waterstones.bsky.social @lesleydowner.bsky.social www.waterstones.com/campaign/pap...
Search Books | Waterstones
Discover our full range of books, gifts, toys, stationery and audiobooks at Waterstones.com. Click & Collect within 2 hours or buy online with Free UK Delivery on Orders Over £25.
www.waterstones.com
September 24, 2025 at 1:22 PM
We are thrilled that Lesley Downer's The Shortest History of Japan has been selected as one of Waterstone's non-fiction paperbacks of the year. @waterstones.bsky.social @lesleydowner.bsky.social www.waterstones.com/campaign/pap...
Just mentioning ...
Arthur I Miller is raising funds for the rerun of SYNCHRONICITY on #Crowdfunder! A gripping piece of science theatre that delves into psychology, physics and alchemy ...
Even a tenner would help. Help the play come on in October!
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/synchronic...
Arthur I Miller is raising funds for the rerun of SYNCHRONICITY on #Crowdfunder! A gripping piece of science theatre that delves into psychology, physics and alchemy ...
Even a tenner would help. Help the play come on in October!
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/synchronic...
SYNCHRONICITY: A Play About Geniuses in Dialogue
Two great minds. One life-changing meeting. Help bring SYNCHRONICITY — the play about Jung & Pauli — back to the stage.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk
September 10, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Just mentioning ...
Arthur I Miller is raising funds for the rerun of SYNCHRONICITY on #Crowdfunder! A gripping piece of science theatre that delves into psychology, physics and alchemy ...
Even a tenner would help. Help the play come on in October!
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/synchronic...
Arthur I Miller is raising funds for the rerun of SYNCHRONICITY on #Crowdfunder! A gripping piece of science theatre that delves into psychology, physics and alchemy ...
Even a tenner would help. Help the play come on in October!
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/synchronic...
Today Prince Hisahito was recognised as heir to the imperial throne. By the post war constitution only males can be emperor. But in the past there were empresses ... Curious? Come to my talk Monday at @DaiwaFoundation! #Japan #history @oldstpublishing
dajf.org.uk/event/the-im...
dajf.org.uk/event/the-im...
The Impact of Women on Japanese History
Japanese history is not all shoguns and samurai: women played a prominent role. In the early centuries Chinese envoys called the part of Japan they knew ‘Queen Country’ because there were so many fema...
dajf.org.uk
September 6, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Today Prince Hisahito was recognised as heir to the imperial throne. By the post war constitution only males can be emperor. But in the past there were empresses ... Curious? Come to my talk Monday at @DaiwaFoundation! #Japan #history @oldstpublishing
dajf.org.uk/event/the-im...
dajf.org.uk/event/the-im...
Reposted by Lesley Downer
My review of On the Narrow Road to the Deep North: Journey into a Lost Japan by @lesleydowner.bsky.social, published by Eland Books, is on my website to read now:
tomasstanger.com/on-the-narro...
#Booksky #writingcommunity #bookreviews #travel #TravelBlogShare
tomasstanger.com/on-the-narro...
#Booksky #writingcommunity #bookreviews #travel #TravelBlogShare
On the Narrow Road to the Deep North: Journey into a lost Japan by Lesley Chan Downer
Along with many other people, I've always been fascinated by Japanese culture; it still remains a country which can seem mysterious to many,
tomasstanger.com
July 30, 2025 at 5:41 PM
My review of On the Narrow Road to the Deep North: Journey into a Lost Japan by @lesleydowner.bsky.social, published by Eland Books, is on my website to read now:
tomasstanger.com/on-the-narro...
#Booksky #writingcommunity #bookreviews #travel #TravelBlogShare
tomasstanger.com/on-the-narro...
#Booksky #writingcommunity #bookreviews #travel #TravelBlogShare
Reposted by Lesley Downer
Letter of the day (in the Times)
August 11, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Letter of the day (in the Times)
Packing your bags for the trip of a lifetime - to #Japan? Don't forget to pack The Shortest History of Japan. Will (hopefully) make everything you see make sense!
www.amazon.co.uk/Shortest-His...
www.amazon.co.uk/Shortest-His...
August 1, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Packing your bags for the trip of a lifetime - to #Japan? Don't forget to pack The Shortest History of Japan. Will (hopefully) make everything you see make sense!
www.amazon.co.uk/Shortest-His...
www.amazon.co.uk/Shortest-His...
Spotted - in Book Culture near Columbia, New York! Thanks, Margaret!
July 24, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Spotted - in Book Culture near Columbia, New York! Thanks, Margaret!
Thrilled to feature on @drchrisharding's brilliant substack - on all things #Japan, history and much besides. If you're interested in #women, power or #Japanesehistory - or all three - do listen in!
@ConnollyKieron
Women and Power in Japanese History open.substack.com/pub/illumina...
@ConnollyKieron
Women and Power in Japanese History open.substack.com/pub/illumina...
Women and Power in Japanese History
An Interview with Novelist and Historian Lesley Downer
open.substack.com
July 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Thrilled to feature on @drchrisharding's brilliant substack - on all things #Japan, history and much besides. If you're interested in #women, power or #Japanesehistory - or all three - do listen in!
@ConnollyKieron
Women and Power in Japanese History open.substack.com/pub/illumina...
@ConnollyKieron
Women and Power in Japanese History open.substack.com/pub/illumina...
Just in time for summer holiday reading or a trip to #Japan! The #ShortestHistoryofJapan, out in paperback June 3. Everything you need to know in one small package, from the world's first potters to shaman queens, geisha & manga.
www.amazon.co.uk/Shortest-His...
@kieronconnolly.bsky.social
www.amazon.co.uk/Shortest-His...
@kieronconnolly.bsky.social
The Shortest History of Japan: 15 (Shortest Histories): Amazon.co.uk: Downer, Lesley: 9781913083922: Books
Buy The Shortest History of Japan: 15 (Shortest Histories) by Downer, Lesley (ISBN: 9781913083922) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.
www.amazon.co.uk
May 26, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Just in time for summer holiday reading or a trip to #Japan! The #ShortestHistoryofJapan, out in paperback June 3. Everything you need to know in one small package, from the world's first potters to shaman queens, geisha & manga.
www.amazon.co.uk/Shortest-His...
@kieronconnolly.bsky.social
www.amazon.co.uk/Shortest-His...
@kieronconnolly.bsky.social
To brighten up your day - my @history_girls piece on #Japan's #JazzAge. All about Japanese #flappers and #feminists! @Japan_Australia @GBSasakawa @japansociety
the-history-girls.blogspot.com
the-history-girls.blogspot.com
April 4, 2025 at 10:26 AM
To brighten up your day - my @history_girls piece on #Japan's #JazzAge. All about Japanese #flappers and #feminists! @Japan_Australia @GBSasakawa @japansociety
the-history-girls.blogspot.com
the-history-girls.blogspot.com
Thank you Tina!
The Shortest History of Japan by @lesleydowner.bsky.social
www.tripfiction.com/an-overview-...
"..written with authority and style..."
www.tripfiction.com/an-overview-...
"..written with authority and style..."
An overview of the history of JAPAN - TripFiction
The Shortest History of Japan by Lesley Downer, an overview of the history of JAPAN. What a charming way to absorb a panoramic and short history of the
www.tripfiction.com
March 21, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Thank you Tina!
Reposted by Lesley Downer
The Shortest History of Japan by @lesleydowner.bsky.social
www.tripfiction.com/an-overview-...
"..written with authority and style..."
www.tripfiction.com/an-overview-...
"..written with authority and style..."
An overview of the history of JAPAN - TripFiction
The Shortest History of Japan by Lesley Downer, an overview of the history of JAPAN. What a charming way to absorb a panoramic and short history of the
www.tripfiction.com
March 21, 2025 at 2:50 PM
The Shortest History of Japan by @lesleydowner.bsky.social
www.tripfiction.com/an-overview-...
"..written with authority and style..."
www.tripfiction.com/an-overview-...
"..written with authority and style..."
‘the weak body of a useless woman’ - the story of Matsuo Takeko, an Edo period peasant woman who was a poetess and led a very adventurous and independent life.
@lesleydowner.bsky.social Hi Lesley, in the newest episode of #EchoesofHistory that you recorded with @mattlewishistory.bsky.social, you mentioned a book that was written about a peasant woman who was a poetess. But I don't remember if you mentioned the book, could I ask what the title was?
March 15, 2025 at 10:05 PM
‘the weak body of a useless woman’ - the story of Matsuo Takeko, an Edo period peasant woman who was a poetess and led a very adventurous and independent life.
Thank you! That’s very kind! I wonder which novel you have still to read - and was there one that you preferred? Thank you for your kind post!
Just finished reading The Samurai's Daughter by @lesleydowner.bsky.social and I have to ask: will you ever bless us with another novel? 🥹 The Shogun's Quartet has a special something that no other historical novels have and I'm so sad that I have just one left to read 😭
February 11, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Thank you! That’s very kind! I wonder which novel you have still to read - and was there one that you preferred? Thank you for your kind post!
Reposted by Lesley Downer
6 clubs on the Island are running #BookClubs during #AlderneyLitFest. Interested in Japan? Then join @lesleydowner.bsky.social for coffee, cake, and a discussion of her book on Friday, 28 March on the lovely Channel Island of #Alderney.
www.alderneyliterarytrust.com/lesley-downer
www.alderneyliterarytrust.com/lesley-downer
January 22, 2025 at 8:23 PM
6 clubs on the Island are running #BookClubs during #AlderneyLitFest. Interested in Japan? Then join @lesleydowner.bsky.social for coffee, cake, and a discussion of her book on Friday, 28 March on the lovely Channel Island of #Alderney.
www.alderneyliterarytrust.com/lesley-downer
www.alderneyliterarytrust.com/lesley-downer
Happy New Year of the Snake, everybody! Crossing fingers this will be a good year ...
January 1, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Happy New Year of the Snake, everybody! Crossing fingers this will be a good year ...
Big news! #Sumo in London next year ... First time since 1991.
"The most important part is to bring #Japanese tradition and Japanese culture to the British public," says Nobuyoshi Hakkaku (Hokutoumi, who won 1991 tourney).
www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/...
"The most important part is to bring #Japanese tradition and Japanese culture to the British public," says Nobuyoshi Hakkaku (Hokutoumi, who won 1991 tourney).
www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/...
Japan Sumo Association to hold tourney in London next year in rare overseas event
The announcement means the world's top professional sumo wrestlers will be competing in London for the first time since 1991.
www.japantimes.co.jp
December 5, 2024 at 12:21 PM
Big news! #Sumo in London next year ... First time since 1991.
"The most important part is to bring #Japanese tradition and Japanese culture to the British public," says Nobuyoshi Hakkaku (Hokutoumi, who won 1991 tourney).
www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/...
"The most important part is to bring #Japanese tradition and Japanese culture to the British public," says Nobuyoshi Hakkaku (Hokutoumi, who won 1991 tourney).
www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/...
My review of the sweeping #SilkRoads exhibition
@britishmuseum. Ends Feb 23rd. Worth catching.
@britishmuseum. Ends Feb 23rd. Worth catching.
@lesleydowner.bsky.social reviews the Silk Roads exhibition at the British Museum, which aims to recreate the "irresistibly romantic" allure of the ancient trading route's history.
Read what she thought of it in Historia at historiamag.com/review-silk-roads-exhibition@lesleydowner.bsky.social
Read what she thought of it in Historia at historiamag.com/review-silk-roads-exhibition@lesleydowner.bsky.social
November 29, 2024 at 4:33 PM
My review of the sweeping #SilkRoads exhibition
@britishmuseum. Ends Feb 23rd. Worth catching.
@britishmuseum. Ends Feb 23rd. Worth catching.