Ian Buruma

Ian Buruma is a highly respected author, historian, and editor, known for his work on Asian culture and history, particularly 20th-century Japan and China. He was born in the Netherlands on December 25, 1951, and spent his formative years in The Hague. His multicultural background, with a Dutch father and a British mother, has greatly influenced his perspective and writing. Buruma pursued higher education in the Netherlands and Japan, studying Chinese history and literature at Leiden University and Japanese film at Nihon University.

During his time in Japan, Buruma fell in love with and married a Japanese historian, Hotta Eri. He resided in Japan for six years, from 1975 to 1981, further deepening his understanding and appreciation of the country's culture. This period in Japan was a significant influence on his writing, with many of his books, such as "God's Dust," "A Japanese Mirror," and "Behind the Mask," drawing from his experiences and observations during this time. Buruma's work is not limited to Asia, as he has also written about various topics, including Orientalism, Occidentalism, and Anglomania.

In addition to his work as an author, Buruma has held prestigious positions such as the editor of the New York Review of Books and the Paul W. Williams Journalism and Human Rights Professor at Bard College. He has also been a fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C. His contributions to literature and academia have been widely recognized, making him a prominent figure in both fields.