Creative Projects & Writing

I’ve been working as a technical editor in Tokyo for over 15 years, and while I thrive in the corporate and academic spheres by day, it’s after the moon peeps out that my creative side shines.

Here’s some of the poetic and literary adventures I’ve been getting up to.

Two books by Joy Waller titled 'Pause :: Heartbeat' and 'Cosmic Nervosa' are placed on a surface with a decorative border of floral patterns. The first book displays a white sketch of a heartbeat or soundwave, and the second has a cover with a galaxy or space-themed design.

Books

My first poetry collection, Pause :: Heartbeat, is best summed up with nouns: techno, rain, love hotels, angels, moon, chakras, Tokyo, pop songs, sushi, incense, coffee, and record players.

My second collection, Cosmic Nervosa, expands on those to include cyberpunk love songs and galactic internal glitches.

Poetry honestly keeps me sane in an increasingly erratic world, and I hope that people who read my poems can feel like they’re a little less alone.

Purchase Pause :: Heartbeat here
Purchase Cosmic Nervosa here

Drunk Poets See God

Close-up of a microphone with a piano keyboard visible in the background, set in a dark environment.

I’m the co-host of Drunk Poets See God, a poetry open-mic night with some of the most diverse and talented performers in Tokyo!

Drunk Poets is held on the third Friday of every month at Bar Gari Gari in Ikenoue, and it would be awesome to see you there in person—either as a performer or a spectator!

Follow us on Instagram: @drunk_poets_tokyo
Follow us on Facebook: Drunk Poets Tokyo

Moon Hotel Press

Two people sitting at a table displaying books, zines, and postcards at a bookstore. The person on the left has pink hair and sunglasses, while the person on the right has dark, curly hair and is smiling. Both extend their hands towards the camera.

My husband and I started Moon Hotel Press in 2024 as a way to bring the scribblings of punks, misfits, and dreamers to a broader audience.

You can follow us on Instagram (@moon_hotel_press) and take a look at the books we’ve published over at moonhotelpress.com.

Follow us on Instagram: @moon_hotel_press
Web site: www.moonhotelpress.com

Tokyo Poetry Journal

A dimly lit room with a candle on a table casting shadows, a poetry journal titled "Maladies, Calamities & Misfortunes" standing upright, and silhouettes of people sitting and walking in the background reflecting in a mirror.

Tokyo Poetry Journal is one of the leading publications of English poetry (original and translated) in Japan, and it’s an honor to serve on the editorial board.

Plus we throw amazing launch parties and host fun poetry events and workshops throughout the year.

Instagram: @tokyopoetry
Web site: www.topojo.com

Group Writing Challenges

A group of fourteen diverse people posing for a selfie on a rooftop with the Shinjuku, Tokyo skyline in the background, black and white photo.

Nothing makes my heart sing quite so brightly as building up little micro-communities.

A few times a year, I facilitate online writing projects that range from daily poetry challenges to season-long collective diaries. Hit me up if you’d be interested in more details or maybe joining one of the projects in the future!

Message me on Instagram: @joyous.waller