The Japan Society Review

By 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

Directed 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

Memories 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.

By Norio Tsuchiya Norio Tsuchiya explains the history of netsuke and describes the different materials used to make them including ivory and various kinds of wood. She also gives some account of artists and carvers involved [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi

By Thomas L. Wilborn Twenty years ago Thomas Wilborn completed one of his final papers on the strategic triangle between China, Japan and the USA. Reading it today provides an intriguing insight into recent developments in Japan. Review by Michael Sullivan

By Robert Jay Lifton In this informative and chilling book, Psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton takes a look at the structure and appeal of Aum, as well as the influences that brought it into existence. Through interviews with former members [...] Review by Chris Corker

By Hiromi Kawakami Strange Weather in Tokyo is an understated, poetic, gentle, profound, thoughtful, poignant, beautiful story centring on the friendship between Tsukiko Omachi and Harutsuna Matsumoto. They both frequent [...] Review by Susan Meehan

By Yasushi Inoue The three stories collected in Life of a Counterfeiter take place shortly after the war; defeat is still an open wound, and the future a grim prospect, although the war rarely appears as more than an [...] Review by Chris Corker

By Akiyuki Nosaka Don’t let the title fool you – this collection of short stories contain poignant, melancholic and tragic tales set on the day of Japanese surrender, 15 August 1945. Review by Annabelle Sami

By Sophie Richard Sophie Richard’s book is a seductive and accessible introduction to Japanese art, from its ancient beginnings to its current shape, and the spaces in which it is displayed. Review by Jenny White