The NC Japan Center was extremely honored to interview Mr. Barry Eisler! Barry is the New York Times bestselling author of the popular John Rain and Livia Lone series of thrillers and worked previously in a covert position for the CIA’s Directorate of Operations. He was also a technology lawyer and startup executive in Japan and Silicon Valley before starting his career as a critically acclaimed novelist.

In Part 1, Barry tells us about his background and how he was first introduced to Japan, as well as how the character of “John Rain” was created. Barry also talks about his time living and working in Japan, as well as his writing process and “pearls of wisdom” for aspiring writers.

In Part 2, Barry discusses American “exceptionalism,” finding perspective through living and working in Japan, and discovering and celebrating the cultural contrasts between Japan and the US.

The commentary and opinions of the interview participants are their own, and not those of North Carolina State University.

Part 1:

Part 2: