Jessica Esa

Originally from Wales, UK, Jessica has lived all around East Asia and is currently based in Tokyo. She runs the Asian literature and travel website Books and Bao. When she isn't writing, Jessica is looking for new bookshops, playing video games, and trying not to adopt too many cats.

Articles By Jessica

Got game?

The Best Japanese Video Games With Strong Female Characters

November 22, 2025 | Art & Culture, Lifestyle, Trending

Women Making Strides Through Anime

10 Anime With Compelling Female Characters to Enjoy

October 19, 2024 | Art & Culture, Lifestyle

These Books Will Change Your Perspective And Boost Your Optimism

5 Japanese Books for 2021

January 1, 2021 | Art & Culture

Unique Approaches To Love And Sex

3 Japanese Woman Writers Exploring Unconventional Romances

August 31, 2020 | Art & Culture

Fill Up That Japan Travel Bucket List

7 Japan Travel Books To Inspire Future Trips

April 24, 2020 | Lifestyle, Art & Culture

Get lost in a world of shrines, shopping, and street food

Asakusa: A Guide to Tokyo’s Traditional and Spiritual Downtown

December 13, 2019 | Lifestyle

Hibernate Under The Kotatsu With These Comforting Reads

8 Heartwarming Japanese Books To Read This Winter

November 25, 2019 | Art & Culture, In Season

Women take the spotlight for some of the best films at this year's festival

The Women of Tokyo International Film Festival 2019

October 23, 2019 | Art & Culture, Events

Immerse yourself in laid-back urban bliss

Nakameguro: A Guide to Tokyo’s Artsy and Chic Neighborhood

September 24, 2019 | Lifestyle

From romance to sci-fi to Tokyo-based travel, there’s a good read to dive into for everyone this summer

6 Japanese Books to Enjoy This Summer

June 18, 2019 | Art & Culture, In Season

How this Manchester lass went from teaching to Texas to translation

Being a Translator in Japan: An Interview with Louise Heal Kawai

June 7, 2019 | Art & Culture, Careers