We are delighted to announce the launch of the IJA Japanese Book Club! Our purpose is to create a vibrant community of book lovers who share a passion for Japanese literature, culture, philosophy, business, history, and more.
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We are dedicated to exploring a diverse range of books each month, engaging in thoughtful discussions, expanding our knowledge, and fostering friendships among members. What’s more, we won’t limit ourselves to just Japanese authors; we’ll also delve into the works of Irish authors with connections to Japan.
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With our official launch scheduled for September, we have conducted two trial runs with a small group of participants during the summer break. It was truly fascinating to see how different perspectives and insights emerge, even when reading the same book. We believe that sharing our reading experiences with others can deepen our understanding and appreciation of literature.
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Wouldn’t you like to be a part of this exciting literary journey with us? Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just starting to explore the world of books, our book club welcomes everyone. Together, we’ll embark on a fascinating exploration of Japanese literature and beyond.
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HOW TO REGISTER
Please let us know if you are interested in joining our book club and send us an email to: info@ija.ie. We look forward to having you as a fellow book enthusiast and a valued member of our growing community. Open to the IJA members only.
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Meetings take place once every quarter and the date, time and Zoom link is shared with registered club members via email. The meetings are conducted in English, and all selected books can be read in either Japanese or English.
FEBRUARY 2026
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We are delighted to announce that the next meeting of the IJA Japanese Book Club will take place on Thursday, 12th February, and warmly invite you to join us online.
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February 2026 Japanese Book Club Meeting
Date: Thursday, 12th February 2026
Time: 8 – 9 PM
Format: Online Talk & Discussion – Zoom link will be shared with all registered participants closer to the date)
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Book of the Month | ‘Hikikomori – Journey from Darkness’ by Luke Darracott
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About the Book
This Japan-based novel tells the story of a young man called Natsuo. He is an hikikomori, a social recluse, who has spent over a decade in self-imposed isolation on the southern island of Shikoku. During an intense summer of near-constant typhoons he will finally find a reason to leave his house, undertaking an adventure that will see him journey to hell and back through the depths of Japanese folklore and legend. The world teeters in the balance as the reality that Natsuo knows starts to crumble.
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About Luke Darracott
Luke Darracott is a writer, translator, presenter, and wine expert based in Madrid. A passionate traveler, photographer, and lover of both Japanese and Spanish culture, he is rarely without a notebook or camera, whether climbing a mountain or enjoying a quiet corner of a Spanish bar. Originally from Berkshire, UK, Luke was raised in a family shaped by science, travel, and international roots.
After studying Spanish and Russian at the University of Bath, he lived in Madrid and Moscow, immersing himself in local culture and developing his craft as a storyteller. He published his first book, The Sun Struck Upwards, in 2010, followed by El Camino in 2015. His latest novel, Hikikomori: Journey From Darkness, continues his exploration of cultural connection and narrative adventure.
In addition to his writing, Luke co-owns Madrid & Darracott, a wine shop and tasting space in Madrid. A WSET Level 3 wine expert and certified Kikisake-shi sake specialist, he is dedicated to sharing the joy of wine, sake, and spirits through engaging and accessible education.
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