Phantom Howl: In Search of Japan’s Lost Wolves

"A marvel of a book. Part detective caper, part natural history thriller, part meditation on our longing for vanished worlds. Martin—a gifted storyteller and tenacious reporter—leads us through the strange hidden world of obsessive wolf-seekers with a sense of wonder and a big-heartedness that are impossible to resist. A joy to read, full of mystery and humanity." —Will Hunt, author of Underground: A Human History of the Worlds Beneath Our Feet "Phantom Wolves of Japan poses a simple question: Has the Japanese wolf managed to survive in the forests of Japan despite being declared extinct more than 100 years ago? The complex answer weaves together a rich tapestry of ancient folklore and contemporary science set in the context of a nation that has industrialized at pace over the past century. It reflects both how Japan saw itself back then as well as where it sees itself right now — an ever-evolving modern society that refuses to let go of its past." —Elliott Samuels, Executive Editor, Asia, RNZ, and former managing editor of The Japan Times "Mixing folklore, science and adventure, Alex K.T. Martin skillfully sucks us into the search for the lost Japanese wolf. It is a mystery thriller of the highest order—full of rich characters and cinema, and a journey that is equal parts exhilarating and meditative. At the end of it all, we are left to reflect on how humans have treated our natural world…and what might remain." —Cristal Duhaime co-creator of CBC's Love Me podcast