The Twilight War (19 page)

waraji
Pronounced
‘wah-rah-jee'

Traditional Japanese sandals, made from rice-straw rope and once the most common footwear in Japan. Ninja could fit
ashiko
over them to assist climbing.

Yameru
Pronounced
‘yah-meh-roo'

A Japanese word for ‘stop', and the fictitious name of one of Fuma Kotaro's brothers.

The
Moonshadow
stories are fantasy tales set in a romanticised historical Japan. Though they reflect certain key events of the early Tokugawa era, and include many facts and details about the sword art of Iaido and Japanese warrior culture in general, they remain adventure yarns, not histories. Despite the many liberties I have taken, I hope these stories inspire readers of all ages to investigate the saga and customs of fascinating Old Japan, a world which still has so much to teach us.

Simon Higgins's employment history reads like a novel. He's worked as a disc jockey, laboratory assistant, marketing manager and even as a monster on a ghost train. He also spent a decade in law enforcement; as a police officer, state prosecutor and as a licensed private investigator.

Simon is proudly a student of Eishin-Ryu Iaido, a 470-year-old style of swordsmanship which prizes traditional techniques and medieval samurai etiquette and courtesy. He has trained in Japan and participated in Taikai (contests) before His Imperial Highness Prince Munenori Kaya. Simon placed fifth in the 2008 Iaido World Titles and in 2009 he was awarded a black belt by masters from the All Japan Iaido Federation.

As well as conducting professional development sessions for educators, Simon runs writing workshops for kids and adults, in Australia and overseas.

 

To read more about Simon and
Moonshadow
, go to:
www.simonhiggins.net

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