This book relates the experiences of a range of Western writers who went to Japan as teachers and lecturers, covering a period of over 100 years. It discusses East-West cultural differences; Western 'individualism' encountering Japanese 'formal' society; and draws on the author's interviews with many of the writers featured. It includes some hitherto unpublished correspondence, as well as comments on their published works. The author hopes her book will encourage a deeper understanding between East and West.