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.
Theatre & Stage
Usagi YojimboDirected by Amy Draper Usagi Yojimbo, presents an adventurous rabbit samurai and teaches us of war, responsibility and honour in Edo period Japan – austere subjects made delightfully light with the addition of rabbit ears. Review by Annabelle Sami
Films & Series
UnforgivenDirected by Lee Sang-Il The most surprising thing about this remake, directed by Korean Lee Sang-Il, is how closely it sticks to the source material, and how successfully it does so considering the wildly different settings. Review by Chris Corker
Books
Japan’s Modern History, 1857-1937: A new political narrativeBy Junji Banno The book assumes that the reader has a fair grasp of the history of modern Japan. It is thus intended primarily for historians as it is not an introduction to Japanese political history for the newcomer to [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Books
Across the Three Pagodas Pass: The Story of the Thai-Burma RailwayBy Yoshihiko Futamasu The sufferings of allied prisoners of war forced by the Japanese military to work on the have been recounted in many books. This book is the first publication in English of an account by a Japanese railway engineer. Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Books
Glorious Misadventures: Nikolai Rezanov and the Dream of a Russian AmericaBy Owen Matthews This well researched and well written book traces the career of Nikolai Rezanov who sought to establish and develop Russian settlements in North America from Alaska to modern day California. It covers his [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Films & Series
The Lust of AngelsDirected by Nagisa Isogai The Lust of Angels stands out from the many other Japanese films being shown in London at the moment for the fact that it was written and directed by a woman and the short movie’s main cast are all girls. Review by Mike Sullivan
Films & Series
The Wind RisesDirected by Hayao Miyazaki Jiro Horikoshi was a designer of Japanese fighter planes during World War II and The Wind Rises follows him as he struggles to build his aircraft and grapples with life in pre-war Japan. There are elements [...] Review by David Knox
Books
Ways of Forgetting, Ways of Remembering: Japan in the Modern WorldBy John W. Dower The book is a penetrating analysis of Japan in the immediate post-war years. In this collection of essays Professor Dower concentrates on perceptions in Japan and the United States of the war and its aftermath. Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Books
Japan and the Shackles of the PastBy R. Taggart Murphy In the book, Professor Richard Taggart Murphy brings to bear a customarily wide-ranging and charismatic argument to the conundrum of modern Japanese History. The chronology traverses from before [...] Review by Richard Coxford
Events
VISUALISE! At Swiss Church LondonVISUALISE! work on bringing classical musicians together with visual and performance artists, creating a new medium in which the audience can enjoy both music and live art. On the 14th of August they [...] Review by Mike Sullivan