In mid-2002, a group of language professionals living in Japan began to discuss the need for a new kind of publisher—one that could serve readers in English and Japanese, with titles meant for both general and specialist markets. Reflecting the skills and interests of its founding directors, Kurodahan Press first offered books relating to Japan, but has since expanded the range of titles to include China, Korea, and beyond.

Our line-up includes new translations and reprints of classic texts, in affordable editions available to readers and scholars around the world. Our books are printed at sites in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. Kurodahan Press uses a combination of print on demand (POD) and conventional printing technology, and markets titles through multiple sales channels, with worldwide distribution.

Kurodahan Press is active in both general and specialist publishing. Our books are of interest to scholars and students, and to readers in general. Our goal as a specialist publisher is to preserve and circulate contemporary and historical observations of Asia. Our goal as a general publisher is to produce informative and entertaining translations. In all our activities, we aim to encourage creative thinking about Asia—both in Asia and elsewhere in the world.