Catch this talk if you kan-ji

Ghost trains, wandering spirits and centuries-old legends arrive at Newport Public Library this Saturday, May 30, when author Natalie Jacobsen presents “Travels to Mythic Japan.”

The presentation explores the legends, superstitions and historical sites that continue to influence modern Japanese culture, from film and Manga to anime and literature. Drawing from her years living in Japan, Jacobsen will discuss the Medieval-era ghost stories and folklore that inspired her debut novel “Ghost Train,” a folk-horror story set in 1877 Kyoto.

Guests will also hear about historic locations tied to samurai, emperors and centuries-old legends that can still be visited today.

Jacobsen grew up in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and studied Japanese literature, film and history at the University of Oregon before moving to Japan, where she worked as a reporter and teacher for six years. Since 2016, she has lived in Washington, DC, where she works with an aviation-based humanitarian organization. In her spare time, she runs writing workshops, volunteers at the Japan-America Society and travels as much as she can. She is currently working to publish her second novel, set in contemporary Oregon.

Saturday’s presentation runs from 2 to 3 pm at Newport Public Library, located at 35 NW Nye Street. For more information, go to newportlibrary.org or call 541-265-2153.