The Rainshadow Orphans: Naomi Ishiguro and Anime Inspired Fantasy

We were delighted to welcome Naomi Ishiguro to the podcast to discuss the first book in her new trilogy, The Rainshadow Orphans. Her world is inspired by Japanese culture, involving three brave young people, undocumented workers in a found family, the young son of the emperor, and the outsider who has become mixed up with a terrifying gang.

Although written as an adult novel, Naomi explains how the students she once taught at high school were also very much in her mind while writing. The conversation ranges from how to create characters, plot and stylistic choices, via anime and snacks. We end with a flight on dragonback.

To order your own copy of The Rainshadow Orphans, visit:

For UK readers: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-rainshadow-orphans/naomi-ishiguro/9781398562400
For US readers: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-rainshadow-orphans-naomi-ishiguro/1148779915

(00:00) Introducing Naomi Ishiguro and The Rain Shadow Orphans
(01:14) Childhood Stories, Disney Animation, and a Love of Fantasy
(05:17) What Readers Can Expect from The Rain Shadow Orphans
(07:47) Space, Belonging, and the Politics of the Island
(11:16) Writing After the Pandemic and Finding a New Creative Direction
(13:47) Building an Anime-Inspired Fantasy World
(18:45) Eastern Dragons, Weather Magic, and Representation
(21:40) The Main Characters and the Heart of Found Family
(30:28) Discovering Plot, Structure, Drama, and Shakespearean Influence
(45:00) Snacks, Comfort, Dragon Travel, and Final Reflections

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

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Mythmakers is the podcast for fantasy fans and creatives, brought to you by the Oxford Centre for Fantasy. In each episode, we embark on an exploration of the world of fantasy—both classic and contemporary. From the stories behind your favourite series to expert tips for aspiring writers, we dive into books, films, TV shows, and the creative process behind them.

Brought to you from the heart of Oxford—home to literary greats like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Lewis Carroll—we continue the storytelling tradition in the very city where Narnia, Middle-earth, and even Wonderland took shape drawing on the city’s magical blend of ancient buildings, labyrinthine libraries, and gentle river meadows.

Ready to step into the Wardrobe with us into your next big adventure? Visit https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org/ to learn more!