Author: Philip S. Kay

Hi! I’m a British freelance writer based in Tokyo who is fascinated by journeys—journeys to the past, journeys to different countries and the journey of life. I write about history, archaeology, travel, adventure and my adopted home of Japan. My academic background is in ancient history and archaeology. Before I left the U.K., I worked for a governmental body, helping to safeguard Britain’s heritage, but I was always more interested in the ancient civilisations, cultures and natural environments of other, faraway countries, so I decided to travel and live abroad. I’ve been able to visit some of the most outstanding ancient human-built sites and striking places of natural beauty that our precious planet offers, and time and experience have taught me that, despite the hardships and challenges we may face, escaping the ordinary and embarking on an adventure opens the door to new possibilities, insight and knowledge. That belief is what inspires me and my writing.

Sources of Inspiration – Natural & Built Heritage

March 28, 2021

Heritage can be described as anything that has been left to us, whether intentionally or not, by our predecessors or by the past. It can be quite local and might only seem relevant to particular groups, cultures or communities. However, as it all represents some aspect of humanity or the planet we share, we are all the receivers of this legacy. We may even think of it as a global inheritance that encompasses a broad range of items and concepts—archaeological remains, works of art, landscapes, habitats and more. … More Sources of Inspiration – Natural & Built Heritage

Sources of Inspiration – Adventure Stories

February 28, 2021

The need for escapism has been a constant throughout all ages of recorded human history. Adventure stories cater to this by serving as vehicles that allow us to make enjoyable mental forays into the mysterious and exciting unknown. Some of the oldest myths and folk tales we are aware of have been passed down over centuries or, in some cases, millennia. One can imagine the children of ancient Egypt gazing at the stars while they listened to elders recount the myth of Osiris. … More Sources of Inspiration – Adventure Stories