Paul Stroud: An English author in Japan with a passion for Books, Football, Running and Comedy
Meet Paul Stroud: An Englishman in Japan with a Passion for Books, Football, Running and Comedy - a special Coast and Country author spotlight feature.
From the classroom to the football terraces, from running events to the comedy stage, Paul Stroud has built a fascinating life in Japan.
His books have been published by Coast and Country online magazine blog in association with Bookpublishing4u
Not every author has a story quite like Paul Stroud's. An Englishman living and teaching in Japan, Paul combines a passion for education and writing with a love of sport, family life and, more recently, stand-up comedy.
Paul is also a keen runner and football enthusiast, and his interests have provided inspiration for several of his books. His story is a reminder that writing can grow out of the things we love and the experiences we collect along the way.
Keeping fit and enjoying the challenge
Paul clearly enjoys keeping active. One of the photographs he has shared shows him taking part in a Tokyo Bay 10K running event, while another captures him at a race with members of his family.
Running is more than just a hobby for Paul. It is part of his interest in maintaining an active lifestyle and making the most of life.
*Paul Stroud (*above) keeps fit by running in some local races, and (*below) Paul recalls time spent on the terraces watching Tottenham Hotspur.
A football journey from England to America and Japan
Football has been a major part of Paul's life, and his book The Magnificent J-League takes readers on a fascinating journey through the game across different countries and generations.
The story begins in 1970s England, on the terraces of Tottenham Hotspur's White Hart Lane, where Paul recalls the sometimes frightening atmosphere and the violence that regularly accompanied football in that era.
His account also takes in the notorious clashes at Brighton's Goldstone Ground in 1983, before moving across the Atlantic to America.
There, readers discover a different chapter of football history, with legendary names such as George Best, Gordon Banks, Franz Beckenbauer and Pelé appearing during the later stages of their playing careers.
But it is Japan that provides the book's central attraction.
Paul introduces readers to the J-League and its distinctive football culture, where passionate, energetic support creates a very different atmosphere from the violence he remembers from some English grounds.
He explores what makes watching professional football in Japan such a special experience, including the best venues, memorable derbies and places worth visiting when following teams on domestic and international away trips, including the Asian Champions League.
For football supporters, anyone interested in Japanese culture, or those who simply enjoy a personal account of a lifetime spent following the beautiful game, this promises a fascinating read.
Teaching English – learning through communication
Paul's professional experience as an English-language teacher has also inspired his writing.
His book English for Daily Conversation is designed for high-beginner and intermediate learners who want to develop their confidence and ability to communicate in everyday situations.
Featuring 50 topics and more than 700 questions, the book encourages students to practise speaking through realistic conversations, taking turns to ask and answer questions using commonly used vocabulary.
But what makes Paul's approach particularly interesting is his philosophy of learning.
He believes that although grammar has an important place in language learning, students should not feel they have to master every grammatical rule before they can begin speaking confidently. Instead, fluency develops through practice, listening, participation and learning from mistakes.
Drawing on the way young children naturally acquire language, Paul encourages learners to immerse themselves in communication and become comfortable responding to the unexpected twists and turns of everyday conversation.
The lessons are self-contained, so missing a class does not mean a student has to struggle to catch up with the previous unit. The teacher acts as a guide and facilitator, helping students practise, offering corrections and making suggestions along the way.
It is a practical, encouraging approach built around a simple idea: the more opportunities people have to speak, the more confident and fluent they can become.
A new adventure on the comedy stage
There is another side to Paul that readers may find surprising.
Alongside teaching, writing, football and running, he has recently started trying his hand at stand-up comedy, performing for fellow expatriates in Tokyo.
It is a new challenge, taken on for enjoyment, and another example of Paul's willingness to try something different.
Perhaps his experiences of living between two cultures, meeting people from different backgrounds and teaching English will provide plenty of material for the comedy stage!
Family, life and inspiration
Paul has also shared a lovely photograph of himself with members of his family in Japan. It offers a glimpse of the personal side of his life and the people who share in his experiences.
*Paul is pictured with his family in Japan, and (*above right) with his wife at a J-League soccer match.
From the classroom to the running course, from the terraces of England to the football stadiums of Japan, and now to the comedy stage, Paul Stroud has plenty of interests to keep him busy.
His books reflect that variety, and his story demonstrates that an author's inspiration can come from almost anywhere.
We would like to thank Paul for sharing his photographs and giving us a glimpse into his life and work in Japan.
Find out more about Paul and his books:
You can also read our earlier feature on Paul:
Coast & Country celebrates authors, their books and the interesting stories behind them. If you have written a book and would like to be featured, get in touch.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/perryscope21/list/31WPYAW0JZ50N?tag=onamzcoasandc-21&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d
The Japanese Way – A Sense of Community
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of Paul's life in Japan is what he has discovered about the country's culture and everyday values.
When asked what has amazed him most about Japan, Paul didn't hesitate. His answer was a strong sense of communal responsibility.
He shared a wonderful example involving his son, who has managed to lose his wallet on no fewer than three occasions. On every single occasion, it was returned – with all the cash still inside!
Paul also points to the atmosphere at Japanese football matches, where, despite historic rivalries between clubs, police officers are not generally evident around the grounds in the way he remembers from football in England.
As Paul explains:
"What's always amazed me about Japan, it is the sense of communal responsibility. For example, my careless son has lost his wallet no less than 3 times. In every single case, his wallet was returned - with all his CASH!"
He believes this reflects a wider difference in social attitudes and community values, which has made his experience of living in Japan particularly interesting.
It is a fascinating personal perspective from someone who has experienced life in both England and Japan – and another reason why Paul's story is about much more than books and football.
*This was a previous and general blog post about author Paul Stroud.
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