Past Events

The Japan Society is delighted to invite members to a guided tour of Hiroshi Sugimoto at Hayward Gallery, the largest survey to date of the internationally renowned artist.

Based on her book Ravens & Red Lipstick: Japanese Photography since 1945, Dr Lena Fritsch surveys modern Japanese photography, looking at the work of Moriyama, Sugimoto, and other major figures.

With access to antique books as well as original Ukiyoe prints on the theme of Chiyoda Palace Inner Quarters, a small group of Japan Society members are guided by curators, David Wertheim and Wojtek Doria, to the exhibition that is articulated around a set of magnificent triptychs by Chikanobu Toyohara (1838-1912) depicting life in the ancient women's quarters of the shogunal castle.

While prints of the Edo period (c. 1615–1868) are known for their depictions of floating world beauties, this does not capture the full diversity of women depicted in Japan’s graphic arts. Prompted by a puzzling set of luxury prints by artist Yashima Gakutei (1786–1868), this talk takes up the subject of retsujo, exemplary women.

The Japan Society is pleased to present Japanese woodblock printing workshop led by a London-based artist Hiroko Imada

On Wednesday 15 November we are delighted to welcome Tomohiko Taniguchi, former Special Advisor to the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, to discuss the position and future of Japan in the world with The Japan Society Chair, Bill Emmott.

Life for Sale opens with the protagonist, Hanio Yamada, putting his life up for sale in a Tokyo newspaper with a bleak, irresolute attitude after having failed to go through with suicide. Through doing so, he exposes himself to the corrupt, hidden underbelly of Tokyo.

The Japanese Conversation Group provides a friendly and informal atmosphere for Japanese speakers of all nationalities to come together and speak Japanese. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month.

The Japan Society, in association with Ritsumeikan (UK) and SOAS, University of London, is pleased to once again welcome sixth form students back to the annual Sixth Form Japan Day event. This event offers students the chance to experience hands on workshops with experts and listen to live speakers.

For our Film Club in November we invite you to watch and engage in a discussion about the intrincate anime film Perfect Blue directed by Satoshi Kon.