About

Fudoki (風土記) are ancient reports on provincial culture, geography, and oral tradition presented to the reigning monarchs of Japan, also known as local gazetteers. They contain agricultural, geographical, and historical records as well as mythology and folklore.

— https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fudoki

Fudoki captured stories that were passed down the generations and ensured they wouldn’t be lost. In doing so, they created a cultural zeitgeist.

In more modern times, our oral traditions are falling by the wayside: we no longer sit round the fire together, swapping tales. Working patterns prevent parents from having the time to tell their children the same stories they were told as youngsters.

And these stories are needed. They are our compass in times of angst or peril. They entertain and amuse us. They warn us and they warm us. We find comfort in their familiar motifs and apply these patterns to our own lives.

These stories are part of our cultural heritage and, as with fudoki, we need to record and capture them before they’re lost to history.

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About Emma

Emma Kalson (she/they) is a UK-based writer, creative geek, editor and devourer of words, images and ideas. She is the founder of Fudoki Magazine and Escaped Ink Press and loves publishing new writers. As a published author, she writes speculative fiction as Emma K. Leadley and is on Twitter @autoerraticism.

About Florence

Florence McGrath (she/her) is an artist and a long term reader and writer of fantasy and science fiction. She’s a NaNoWriMo winner with her first SF novel, which she’s now editing. With a sharp eye for detail and a witty turn of phrase she enjoys encouraging others with their creative projects. You can find her on Twitter @_flothulhu.