The Japan Society
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The Japan Society Review

The Japan Society Review is published on a quartely basis, both online and printed (members are entitled to receive a copy by post). Since the starting of the publication in 2006, each issue covers a selection of Japan-related books and films, as well as theatre and stage productions, tv series and exhibitions. Its purpose is to inform, entertain and encourage readers to explore the works for themselves.

The Japan Society Review is possible thanks to the work of volunteers who dedicated their time and expertise to help us to promote the learning and understanding of Japanese culture and society.

Flower Petals Fall, but the Flower Endures: The Japanese Philosophy of Transience

Books

Flower Petals Fall, but the Flower Endures: The Japanese Philosophy of Transience

By Seiichi Takeuchi The Japanese philosophy of impermanence is the subtitle and the core of the book, but I felt the meat of the content only spoke to one aspect of impermanence, the vicissitudes of life buffeting our self-determinations. Review by Chris Arning

Tokachi Millennium Forest: Pioneering a New Way of Gardening with Nature

Books

Tokachi Millennium Forest: Pioneering a New Way of Gardening with Nature

By Dan Pearson with Midori Shintani This book charts the design, creation and evolution of the Tokachi Millennium Forest, which the author has been involved with for the last 20 years. Review by Katie Croft

Revolution Goes East: Imperial Japan and Soviet Communism

Books

Revolution Goes East: Imperial Japan and Soviet Communism

By Tatiana Linkhoeva 'Revolution Goes East' is a remarkable study that aims to deepen our understanding of both Japanese modern history and the global history of the Russian Revolution. Review by Francesco Cioffo

The Power of Chowa

Books

The Power of Chowa

By Tanaka Akemi 'The Power of Chowa' manages to share something functional yet provocative, centring the importance of the concept of chowa as a key notion to find balance and harmony in our lives, relationships, and society. Review by Yuka Harada-Parr

Issue 89 (October 2020, Volume 15, Number 5)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 89 (October 2020, Volume 15, Number 5)

The aim of The Japan Society Review is to inform, entertain and encourage readers to explore the Japan-related works reviewed in its pages. With many events in the UK being held online, or postponed due to the current pandemic, this October issue concentrates on books, but nevertheless the scope of our publication is once again as diverse as always.

No Sushi

Books

No Sushi

By Andrew Kojima This is an interesting and enjoyable book, following one man’s journey to becoming a successful chef and restaurateur, now sharing his Japanese food heritage with his customers. Review by Ann Morrison

The Call of Japan: A Continuing Story - 1950 to the Present Day

Books

The Call of Japan: A Continuing Story - 1950 to the Present Day

By Hans Brinckmann Part personal memoir, part professional flashback, part socio-cultural commentary, The Call of Japan chronicles the author’s experiences during his 40 years of living in Japan, from 1950 to 1974 as a ‘reluctant banker’, and from 2003 to the present as a writer. Review by Roger Buckley

One Love Chigusa

Books

One Love Chigusa

By Shimada Soji A kind of MTV-esque ‘greatest hits’ melange of science-fiction tropes rendered into a bullet-like, postmodernist package; taken as a whole it makes a riveting statement as a Frankenstein for our After-Corona age. Electrifying stuff. Review by Laurence Green

Issue 88 (August 2020, Volume 15, Number 4)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 88 (August 2020, Volume 15, Number 4)

Welcome to a new issue of The Japan Society Review. We present here a small selection of thoughtful reviews and reading suggestions to accompany readers into the autumn season.

Flight Paths

Theatre & Stage

Flight Paths

Extant, the leading performing arts company and charity in the UK managed for and by visually impaired professional arts practitioners, has recently launched an online digital production of Flight Paths, an interactive reworking of the 2019 theatre production. Review by Susan Meehan