Thursday, 11th March 2010, 7.00pm
NEW VENUE:
**Please note this event has moved to The Feathers (beside St James’s Park Underground Station)
18-20, Broadway
Westminster
London, SW1H 0BH

Free for Japan Society members
Please email the office if you plan to attend

The book for discussion at this meeting is In praise of shadows by Junichiro Tanizaki. First published in 1933, this essay on the Japanese aesthetic was one of two publications which Simon McBurney drew on for the Complicité / Setagaya Public Theatre production of Shun-Kin.  Tanizaki selects for his study architecture, lacquerware under candlelight, food, rain dripping from eaves, and even toilets. Has the world Tanizaki portrays now long disappeared? Does it have a relevance in today’s modern Japan?  For those who have seen Shun-Kin (or are thinking of doing so – it is rumoured to be returning to London this autumn) reading the text will provide insights into the production.

The book club is held on the second Thursday of the month. There is no restriction on the nationality of the authors read, but books should be available in translation in both Japanese and English. The discussion is conducted mainly in English, but you can choose the language in which you read the book. The intention is simple; to explore the themes of the book, express personal opinions on the style and content, discuss how the book has changed (or not) in translation and to have  a relaxed discussion with others who have similar interests.

The book club is informal and any member is welcome to attend. However, so that we can look out for you, please us know if you plan to come by email to events@japansociety.org.uk or tel: 020 7828 6330.

The next bookclub is on 8th April, when we will discuss Azar Nafisi’s Reading Lolita in Tehran