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
Ghosts of the TsunamiBy Richard Lloyd Parry On Friday, 11 March, 2011, a massive earthquake occurred off north-east Japan, about 70 kilometres east of the city of Sendai. The book focuses on what happened that afternoon at Okawa Primary School [...] Review by Sir David Warren
Theatre & Stage
KwaidanBy Rouge 28 Theatre A music box plays in an empty room; the only furniture a dresser with television, a mirror and a box of children’s toys on the floor. Suddenly the music is interrupted by a child’s voice calling ‘Mama’. It becomes [...] Review by Heidi Potter
Books
69By Murakami Ryu Told through an extended period of analepsis, 69 introduces us to Kensuke -now in his early thirties- reflecting on his formative years in a rural town, Sasebo, consisting primarily of misunderstanding [...] Review by Beau Waycott
Theatre & Stage
RakugoPerformed by Katsura Sunshine Rakugo (meaning “fallen words”) is one of the Japanese performance traditions we are fortunate enough to experience today, as a result of an unbroken chain of teaching that stretches back at least to the 18th [...] Review by Alex Rees
Books
Two Pilgrims Meet: In search of Reconciliation between China and JapanBy Minoru Kasai and Basil Scott A fascinating book, recommended to anyone, but especially to those interested in reflecting on the complex facets of reconciliation between countries with a history of enmity in the past. The two authors [...] Review by Revd Ikuko Williams
Books
Last Stop TokyoBy James Buckler James Buckler’s debut novel follows Alex Malloy who escapes to Japan to get away from the disgrace that he feels as a result of a deeply traumatic family incident involving his outwardly respectable brother over [...] Review by Trevor Skingle
Books
ANJIN-The Life & Times of Samurai William Adams, 1564-1620By Hiromi T. Rogers In late August 1619 William Adams, now aged 55, returns to Hirado after a successful trading voyage to Indochina. This book is for the general public in Britain and Japan, as well as for experts. It is highly [...] Review by Nicolas Maclean
Films & Series
Close-knitDirected by Ogigami Naoko The movie has been well-received at a series of international festivals this year. Using a pioneering story-line, it has also done something contemporary filmmakers overlook: it flatters its audience. Review by Roger Macy
Films & Series
MukokuDirected by Kumakiri Kazuyoshi “It seems likely that Kumakiri will continue to probe the darker corners of society and experience.” The film starts with a mêlée of jump-cuts depicting a very angry man in his thirties who is seen to be drunk [...] Review by Roger Macy
Books
Hokusai Beyond The Great WaveEdited by Timothy Clark Anyone who managed to visit the Hokusai exhibition at the British Museum will find in this volume, with its wealth of colour illustrations and the scholarly essays that accompany them, a valuable reminder [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi