The Japan Society
Publications Books & Journals

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.

China’s War With Japan, 1937-1945: The Struggle for Survival

Books

China’s War With Japan, 1937-1945: The Struggle for Survival

By Rana Mitter As the title implies Mitter looks at the conflict from a Chinese perspective and his main focus is understandably on China and the impact of events elsewhere on China. He has put together a [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage

Books

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage

By Haruki Murakami The book reads more like a fleshed-out short story than a true novel. This is giving the work a refreshing simplicity and leanness that Murakami hasn’t adopted since his early works such as [...] Review by Chris Corker

Tales from a Mountain Cave

Books

Tales from a Mountain Cave

By Inoue Hisashi The structure of the book involves a tale within a tale, a jigsaw compilation of the mysterious story-teller’s persona, an old man living in the mountain cave of the title, and that of his avid listener the narrator. Review by Jack Cooke

Interview with Yuriri Naka

Events

Interview with Yuriri Naka

Mike Sullivan interviews actress Yuriri Naka, one of the stars in the movie 'All That Remains'. Interview by Mike Sullivan

Shady

Films & Series

Shady

Directed by Ryohei Watanabe The movie has a narrative by the main character Misa Kumada. From the beginning it is clear that the main story follows her past experiences at high school while infrequently we see her as an adult in [...] Review by Mike Sullivan

Granta 127: Japan

Books

Granta 127: Japan

Edited by Yuka Igarashi Granta Literary Magazine has released an edition focusing exclusively on Japan and its culture. Combining fiction and photo exhibitions, this volume offers something exciting and unfamiliar for those [...] Review by Chris Corker

Interview with Violinist Midori Komachi

Events

Interview with Violinist Midori Komachi

Mike sullivan interviews violinist Midori Komachi following the release of her debut album. Interview by Mike Sullivan

Terracotta Far East Asian Film Festival Press Event

Events

Terracotta Far East Asian Film Festival Press Event

This is the fifth year of the Terracotta Far East Film Festival and it gets bigger and better each time. This year’s press event allowed us to get a preview of the line up of movies as well as see their trailers. Review by Mike Sullivan

The Early Cases of Akechi Kogoro

Books

The Early Cases of Akechi Kogoro

By Edogawa Rampo The detective, Akechi Kogorō is very much moulded in the image of Sherlock Holmes, on the one hand quick and ingenious, on the other eccentric and haughty. When taken to an extreme, Kogorō’s lack of humility [...] Review by Chris Corker

The Return of Japan’s Long Lost Telescope

Events

The Return of Japan’s Long Lost Telescope

Four centuries ago King James I gave Japan its very first telescope. Sadly, the original telescope has been lost to the mists of time, but as part of the Japan400 celebrations in 2013 to mark four centuries since the first official encounter, a new telescope was constructed using traditional methods. Article by Sean Curtin