Writers in Kyoto was started in 2015, since which time the group has expanded from seven to seventy. Membership is open to all with a special connection to Kyoto, regardless of location. You may not be physically in Kyoto, but your heart should be.

The WiK year, like the school and business year in Japan, starts and ends in spring. Normally our deadline is the end of April, after which we draw up a list of paid-up members which is operative for the coming year.

To become a Writers in Kyoto member, please make a payment and notify our treasurer, Paul Carty. The renewal period of the ¥3300 annual membership fee runs from April to March each year; it is also possible to join during the year for a reduced fee (please contact us). Benefits include the following:

  • Featured writer spot on the website’s top page, on a rotation basis according to membership numbers
  • Books advertised on the website
  • Book extracts carried in the Featured Writing category
  • Eligibility for inclusion in the WiK annual Anthology
  • Participation in a closed Facebook discussion group with access to archival material
  • Free or discounted entry for WiK-sponsored events
  • Participation in WiK social activities, such as get-togethers and literary dinners
  • Eligible to assist with WiK activities, such as the annual Competition or Book reviews.
  • WiK backing for book launches
  • Eligibility for WiK public readings

Please see: How to pay the membership fee.

Current committee members (alphabetically):

Paul Carty — Treasurer

Tina deBellegarde — Membership Secretary

John Dougill — WiK Founder, Website, and Facebook

Rick Elizaga — Technical Advisor

Mike Freiling – Monthly Digest

Mayumi Kawaharada — Japanese Liaison

Kirsty Kawano — Events (Words and Music, etc.)

Rebecca Otowa — Reviews Editor

Lisa Twaronite Sone — X, formerly Twitter

Karen Lee Tawarayama — Competition, Website, Facebook

Fernando Torres — Instagram

Lisa Wilcut — Zoom Manager

Jann Williams — Anthology Supervisor