Lovesic in Kyoto

Seen through the lens of Buddhist wisdom, Lovesic in Kyoto is a journey through spirit, language, musicianship, and the beauty and contradictions of modern-day Japan. From racing through New York City subways to riding his bicycle past white-faced, kimono-clad maiko in Kyoto, author/expatriate Jay Crystall shares the colorful, twisting life path that led him to Japan. Told with wit and candor and backlit by myriad lessons, hilarious faux pas, and the slippery slope of self-discovery, he begins to unfold a lifelong dream of impacting culture.

"Living and traveling in other countries has enriched my life in ways I could not have possibly imagined. In Lovesic in Kyoto, author Jay Crystall and co-author Catherine Lenox give the reader a personalized look inside modern-day Kyoto. It's an honest, often hilarious, sometimes poignant recounting of Crystall's struggle to live as an expatriate in Japan. Throughout his story, Jay shares the many reasons he has chosen to make it his permanent home. Travelers, expatriates, and anyone interested in learning more about today's Kyoto will enjoy reading this book."- Larry J Snyder, Author Ten Years in Tuscany

"Lovesic in Kyoto is an adventure. A finding of reason. It is just great! " - Joanie Jamieson, writer/actress

"Jay's music is immediately "smack in your face cool," solidly rooted in Kyoto and psychedelic rock. I'm happy he is sharing his observations in this book. He hasn't been in Japan that long, so he sees and tells about it with fresh eyes." - Robert Yellin, Japanese ceramic journalist/author

"I love Jay's use of local color and detail. I feel I've met these people." - Wendy Gittleson - writer, The Word Strategist

"The Japanese have a different meaning for the word "soul mate" than Westerners. It's not meant to be romantic but instead describes the feeling between two people who "get" each other. Jay and I only met once in an art gallery in Kyoto but we "get" each other. We're both inspired by Japan and the Japanese people and understand why shedding light on today's Kyoto is important. Co-authoring Lovesic in Kyoto virtually for two years over two different time zones and nearly 5,000 miles has been challenging but also rewarding. Jay's story is compelling. We're thrilled to share it with readers." - Catherine Lenox, Write Contact, co-author Lovesic in Kyoto