ROKURO-KUBI

Patrick Lafcadio Hearn (27 June 1850 – 26 September 1904) better known by the Japanese name Koizumi Yakumo (小泉 八雲) is are international writer. Hearn was born in and named for the island of Lefkada, one of the Greek Ionian Islands. He became widely known because of his books about Japan, especially the collection of myths and legends of Japanese culture. In the USA, it is also known for his work about the New Orleans, based on his ten-year stay in that city. During his life, he wrote many works that remain popular today.

This legend tells story samurai, named Isogai Heidazaemon Taketsura, in the service of the Lord Kikuji, of Kyushu. This Isogai had inherited, from many warlike ancestors, a natural aptitude for military exercises, and extraordinary strength. But when the house of Kikuji came to ruin, Isogai found himself without a master. So he cut off his hair, and became a traveling priest,—taking the Buddhist name of Kwairyo. If you like the small but fascinating stories, this book will be very interesting to you.