I’m delighted to announce the publication of my newest book, The Blue Diamond Coast: From Wakasa, Japan’s Land of Ume, to the World, now available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook editions!
After more than two decades serving as a U.S. diplomat across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, I’ve come to appreciate that some of the most meaningful international connections begin not in national capitals, but in small communities with extraordinary stories to tell.
One such place is Wakasa Town in Japan’s Fukui Prefecture.
Nestled between the mountains and the Sea of Japan, Wakasa is a hidden gem of breathtaking lakes, pristine coastlines, ancient temples, distinctive cuisine, and traditions stretching back thousands of years.
In The Blue Diamond Coast, I take readers on a journey through this remarkable region—from the magnificent Mikata Five Lakes and the 70,000-year geological record preserved beneath Lake Suigetsu to the legacy of Jōmon civilization and Wakasa’s historic role in supplying food to Japan’s imperial court.
But this is more than a travel book.
Drawing on my personal experiences and longstanding friendship with Wakasa’s mayor, I explore the power of friendship, cultural exchange, and international cooperation to connect rural communities with the wider world.
My hope is that this book will inspire readers to discover a different side of Japan while appreciating the opportunities and challenges facing its rural communities.
📚 Available Now on Amazon!
The Blue Diamond Coast: From Wakasa, Japan’s Land of Ume, to the World
Available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook editions.
👉 Explore My New Book on Amazon
🇯🇵 Japanese Edition Coming Soon!
I’m also excited to announce that a Japanese-language edition, 『若狭 ― 梅の里から、世界へ』, is being prepared for publication.
I look forward to sharing Wakasa’s story with readers throughout Japan and beyond.
Thank you to everyone who has supported my writing journey. I hope you’ll join me in discovering one of Japan’s most remarkable hidden treasures.
🌸 From Wakasa to the World!
