Kokoro: Hints and Echoes of Japanese Inner Life
Author: first_name: Lafcadio
last_name: Hearn
Language: English
Year: 1895

In an introductory paragraph, Lafcadio Hearn declares his intention:  "The papers composing this volume treat of the inner rather than of the outer life of Japan, for which reason they have been grouped under the title Kokoro (heart). Written with the above character, this word signifies also mind, in the emotional sense; spirit; courage; resolve; sentiment; affection; and inner meaning, just as we say in English, "the heart of things.""  The result is a highly eclectic collection of stories, di