Tree: My Encounters with Trees

“An intimate invitation to glimpse the essence of life through dialogues with trees across Japan. In a rich collage of words, this English edition captures the emotional depth of this Japanese classic.” – Azumi Uchitani, author of Yoshuku

“Tantalizing, inquisitive and personal. Tree transported me to fascinating Japanese landscapes: wild forests, remote islands, rugged mountains, and in each I was enchanted by trees.” – Paul Wood, author of Tree Hunting

“A wonderful book that was ahead of its time and is now timeless.” – Tristan Gooley, author of How to Read a Tree

“Despite being born over a century ago, Aya Koda’s prose remains remarkably fresh today. I believe this is because she never ceased to observe keenly, listen attentively, and think for herself: surely the most vital qualities for a writer and for any human.” – Hiromi Kawakami, author of Strange Weather in Tokyo

“I will never be able to look at the bare branches, buds, flowers, and leaves of trees in their varying stages of life in the same way after reading Aya Koda’s book, Tree, as she takes us around Japan, the only country I know of that has designated an ancient cherry blossom tree as a national monument. It’s an excursion not only into a many-specied botanical wonderland, but also a journey into Koda’s mind and heart in relation to nature’s varied expressions through trees. It’s a voyage well worth taking.” – Parvati Markus, co-author of There Is No Other (with Ram Dass) and Whisper in the Heart

Aya Koda’s writing is filled with a gentle yet piercing perspective. To love trees, I believe, is to live well. This book gave me an opportunity to look at the world anew.

– Takuma Takasaki, co-writer and producer of film Perfect Days

Translated into English for the first time after a hugely successful 2022 reissue in Japan, this classic text, which features prominently in Wim Wenders’ film Perfect Days, takes us on a “beautiful, pensive” journey through trees in Japan.

– Caroline Sanderson, The Bookseller

In a simple yet refined style, Kōda’s prose packs imaginative depth into everyday language….We gradually see Kōda’s life through the trees she visits…we, too, as readers are floating with Kōda…as she guides us on this journey through life and death.

– The Buddhist Review

Wise, frank and often funny, Koda’s written stewardship of Japan’s trees is utterly beguiling. Spruce, Cedar, Cherry, Cypress and more, all shimmer through the pages like leaves in rain. A book to return to, as Koda recommends we do with trees, in all seasons.

– Elizabeth-Jane Burnett, author of The Grassling

Aya Koda (1904-1990) was an esteemed Japanese author and essayist of the twentieth century. The second daughter of Rohan Koda (1867-1947), a famous literary figure in Japan, she began writing after his death and became a prolific writer of novels, essays and short stories. Her novels Nagareru and Ototo were adapted into successful films. She was the recipient of numerous awards for her writing, including the Yomiuri Prize, the Japan Art Academy Prize, and the Order of the Sacred Treasure.

Charlotte Goff is an Edinburgh-based Japanese-English literary translator. Her translations include Nao-Cola Yamazaki’s Beautiful Distance and Aya Koda’sTree.