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.
Books
A Tokyo RomanceBy Ian Buruma A Tokyo Romance serves to explain the beginning of a life-long love and fascination with Japanese culture (be it low or high) and, more importantly, how this culture is manifested through art and design. Review by Beau Waycott
Books
The Bear and the Paving StoneBy Horie Toshiyuki The Bear and the Paving Stone (translated by Geraint Howells) is a collection of three works by award-winning author Horie Toshiyuki. The titular story, winner of the Akutagawa Prize in 2000, consumes most [...] Review by Harry Martin
Books
The Quick Guide to Traditional Japanese Arts and HandicraftsBy Kameda Naoki, Sangu Yuko and Catherine Nakamichi A book which should be considered a living national treasure for its importance in the preservation of Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Here each craft, shrine, and custom is explained in both Japanese and English. Review by Holly Helt
Books
Van Gogh & JapanThe scholarly essays in this catalogue include ‘The beginnings of the “Japanese Dream”: Van Gogh’s acquaintance with Japan’, ‘In the light of Japan: Van Gogh’s quest for happiness and a modern identity’, [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Books
Return from Siberia. A Japanese Life in War and Peace, 1925-2015By Oguma Eiji This is the story of a Japanese man who has no particular claim to fame. He had a tough time before, during and after the war. Its interest lies primarily in the light it throws on how ordinary Japanese coped in war. Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Books
Convenience Store WomanBy Murata Sayaka Convenience Store Woman is a book of deftly crafted paradoxes that hold a haunting mirror up to both Japanese and Western societies. The protagonist, Furukura Keiko, is a numb character depicted in bare [...] Review by Beau Waycott
Books
Lansdowne: The Last Great WhigBy Simon Kerry For those interested in Japan the 5th Marquess of Lansdowne is best known as the Foreign Secretary who negotiated for Britain in talks that led to the Anglo-Japanese alliance. In this volume Simon Kerry has [...] Review by Antony Best
Books
Good Night Papa: Short Stories from Japan and ElsewhereBy Simon Rowe As the name would suggest, this is an eclectic anthology of works written by the Japan-based writer Simon Rowe, covering diverse topics and exotic geographies including Japan, Australia, Indonesia [...] Review by Harry Martin
Books
The Tokyo ExpressBy Una Rose The Tokyo Express is the self-published debut novel of Anglo-Irish writer Una Rose. Taking inspiration from her time in Japan and her Irish heritage, Una has encased her story within these distant cultures [...] Review by Harry Martin
Books
Fukushima DreamsBy Zelda Rhiando Irish writer Zelda Rhiando follows up her self-published debut book Caposcripti with this deeply unsettling novel, set in the aftermath of the 2011 disaster. The book came into being after crowdfunding [...] Review by Poppy Cosyns