The Japan Society Review

Edited by Simon Avenell and Akihiro Ogawa Point Zero is a gripping mystery novel set in post-war Japan, where a newlywed woman embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her husband's sudden disappearance. Review by Roger Buckley

By Matsumoto Seicho Point Zero is a gripping mystery novel set in post-war Japan, where a newlywed woman embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her husband's sudden disappearance. Review by Laurence Green

Edited by Paul Griffith and Rachel Payne The revenge of the 47 ronin is the most famous vendetta in Japanese history and it continues to inspire the popular imagination today. Written between 1934 and 1941, Mayama Seika's ten-play cycle Genroku Chūshingura is a unique retelling of the incident. Review by Trevor Skingle

The December issue of The Japan Society Review concludes 2024 with a compelling selection of reviews that explore Japan’s artistic, theatrical, and literary traditions, offering insight into both historical legacies and contemporary interpretations.

By Jannette Cheong and Richard Emmert Featuring breathtaking photographs of masks created by a renowned twenty-first-century craftsman, this book provides a unique perspective into Noh and Kyogen, two of the oldest surviving forms of theater in the world. Review by Margaret Coldiron

By Tsujimura Mizuki From the Japanese bestselling author of Lonely Castle in the Mirror, this book explores our relationship with the memories of deceased loved ones and what gives our lives meaning. Review by Laurence Green

By Yagisawa Satoshi Days at the Morisaki Bookshop and its sequel, More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, are combined in this publication creating a richer, more profound appreciation of its characters and plot. Review by Renae Lucas-Hall

Edited by Yano Akiko This book was published in summer 2024 to accompany the special display of a selection of works from the British Museum’s collection of Japanese art, Review by Arichi Meri

Choreographed by Kujirai Kentaro Snowstorms, isolation, and the icy bite of winter permeate the world of U-BU-SU-NA, a very old word meaning ‘the mystical divine power that protects the land and those who live there’, and the title of this piece presented by butoh dancer and choreographer Kujirai Kentaro. Review by Alice Baldock

Written and directed by Kato Takuya A sci-fi work set in near-future Japan exploring the ethics and gender politics of human colonisation in space. Review by Michael Tsang