Tree

A whimsical masterpiece of acute observations … a gem * Literary Review *
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 being – Hiromi Kawakami, author of Under the Eye of the Big Bird
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’s writing is full of gentle yet piercing perspectives. 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 Perfect Days
Aya Koda essays make me glad for every tree she visited— it’s a privilege to train our gaze on these specimen, alongside her, with the wisdom of a life lived, of years accumulated. To feel the strength of the roots that do not meet our eyes, the aliveness of the wood and its scent, the sorrow of a doomed forest. With Koda, we travel to landscapes where ash falls like light rain, where cherry blossoms bloom in abundance, where cedars stand sentinel in crumbling slopes. This book is pure arboreal pleasure, and will make you want to go outside and meet, truly meet, a tree – Aube Rey Lescure, author of River East, River West
Tantalising, inquisitive and personal. Tree transported me to fascinating Japanese landscapes: wild forests, remote islands, rugged mountains, and in each I was enchanted by the trees – Paul Wood, author of Tree Hunting

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, and Tree, which was published posthumously, featured prominently in the recent Oscar-nominated film Perfect Days. 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.

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