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
The Book of Tokyo: A City in Short FictionEdited by Michael Emmerich, Jim Hinks and Masashi Matsuie The likely audience for this book will surely be expecting to be able to ‘discover’ Tokyo through this selection of short stories by ten different authors. Its emphatic title and stylish front cover highly resemble a [...] Review by Annabelle Sami
Books
Pinball/WindBy Haruki Murakami These two novellas, available for the first time in English outside of Japan, were Haruki Murakami’s first works. They form the first two parts of the informally named Trilogy of The Rat. Review by Chris Corker
Books
Rhythms, Rites and Rituals: my life in Japan in two-step and waltz-timeBy Dorothy Britton Dorothy’s memoir, apart from being a frank record of her peripatetic life bridging the three cultures of Britain, America and Japan, has much to tell the reader about her contributions to cultural interchange [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Books
Sage Handbook of Modern Japanese Studies ed. by James D. BabbEdited by James D. Babb The book does exactly what its title and tastefully illustrated cover would suggest, providing an immense examination of the history, trends and possible future of innumerable aspects to the study of Japan. Review by Richard Coxford
Books
The Growing Power of Japan, 1967-1972: analysis and assessments from John PilcherCompiled and edited by Sir Hugh Cortazzi In reading these detailed and sometimes learned essays, it is interesting to reflect on how, while some themes are timeless, so much in the geo-political context has changed. Pilcher was reporting at a time when [...] Review by Sir David Warren
Events
An interview with actor Junichi KajiokaMike Sullivan interviews prolific actor Junichi Kajioka, currently working on his own film project, IMPHAL 1944, a movie about a war veteran who comes to London for reconciliation between the British and Japanese who fought in Imphal in 1944. Interview by Mike Sullivan
Books
‘Endo’s Faith – Religious Persecution and Kiku’s Prayer’By Shusaku Endo Endo insightfully depicts the characters in different situations amidst the persecution of the Christians in Urakami, a suburb of Nagasaki, during the turbulent years of the latter half of the nineteenth century. Review by Suki Maw
Books
RevengeBy Yoko Ogawa The tales that comprise Revenge have a broader significance to one another, generating a sense of co-dependence that gives birth to a narrative greater than the sum of its parts. Review by Chris Corker
Films & Series
Fuku-chan of FukuFuku FlatsDirected by Yosuke Fujita The movie is a comedy; Fuku-chan is introduced via his interactions with his friends. His friend tries to set him on the road to meeting the right woman, but Fuku-chan suffers from acute shyness, and comedy ensues. Review by Mike Sullivan
Events
The Asia Pacific War and Its Legacy: A Historical DebateMemories of the Second World War might be fading, but the legacy of the conflict lives on and is constantly at the centre of domestic and regional debates in East Asia. The event was chaired by Alessio Patalano, Senior Lecturer in War Studies at King’s College London.