Alex Kerr is an American writer, antiques collector and Japanologist. Lost Japan is his most famous work. He was the first foreigner to be awarded the Shincho Gakugei Literature Prize for the best work of non-fiction published in Japan.

Kathy Arlyn Sokol is a non-fiction author, interviewer and Emmy award-winning narrator who has spent over 30 years in Kyoto. Her book RasTa Time on Bob Marley's life & legacy will soon be released in English.