*This episode originally aired in February 2023
In this episode, we welcome back Professor Steve McCarty for a deep dive into Kūkai the Universal, a historical novel by Ryōtarō Shiba, translated by Akiko Takemoto. Together, we explore the life, vision, and spiritual legacy of Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi), one of Japan’s most influential Buddhist figures.
In this episode, we welcome back Professor Steve McCarty for a deep dive into Kūkai the Universal, a historical novel by Ryōtarō Shiba, translated by Akiko Takemoto. Together, we explore the life, vision, and spiritual legacy of Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi), one of Japan’s most influential Buddhist figures.
Steve McCarty, originally from Boston, holds a master’s degree in Asian religions from the University of Hawaiʻi and has spent 40 years living and teaching in Japan. A full professor for more than two decades, he currently lectures at Osaka Jogakuin University and JICA, where he educates international officials about Japanese society and culture. He writes extensively on Japanese religion, bilingualism, and intercultural education.
🔗 Explore his work: Japanned – Steve McCarty’s site
🎧 Outro: “Over the Mountain” by Buddhist hip-hop artist and former guest Gomyo Kevin Seperic. Support Gomyo’s family at GoFundMe – Kaori’s Treatment, and make sure to buy the album.
Enjoying the show? Please consider supporting us—every little bit helps keep the podcast going. And be sure to join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @DeepinJapanPod and Facebook. For all inquiries, you can reach us at deep.in.japan.podcast@gmail.com.
Enjoying the show? Please consider supporting us—every little bit helps keep the podcast going. And be sure to join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @DeepinJapanPod and Facebook. For all inquiries, you can reach us at deep.in.japan.podcast@gmail.com.
Thanks for listening—and for being part of the Deep in Japan community!