From the moment she moved to Japan more than twenty-five years ago Catrien Ross time and again found herself drawn into hidden aspects of Japanese lore and culture.

After her first book was published by Tuttle she moved deep into the mountains where, remaking her early Edo period kominka, she had many more strange encounters. This inspired her to establish Energy Doorways, her creative and spiritual center at the foot of Mount Fuji and the indie publisher of her new books in Japanese and English.

Then, as her interest in timeless things and stories widened, she was accepted into the secretive world of Japanese antique dealers. The most mysterious phenomenon so far has been her experience of sudden genius - an abrupt onset of paintings and music which continues to erupt today.