Events
Two Cultures United by TeaThis special event about how the UK and Japan are united by tea took place at the beautiful Banqueting House, created for James I in Whitehall [...] Review by Michael Sullivan
Films & Series
KotokoBy Shinya Tsukamoto The premise of the movie takes on a subject which is taboo in Japan, mental illness, and presents the plight of a single mother trying to raise a baby while [...] Review by Mike Sullivan
Books
The Winter Sun Shines In, A Life of Masaoka ShikiBy Professor Donald Keene This latest book describes the life and works of one of the most significant poets of the Meiji period, when Japanese literature in response to the revolutionary changes [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Books
Yamamoto Isoroku: Leadership, Strategy, ConflictBy Mark Stille This slim volume provides an introduction to the life and strategy of one of the leading Japanese naval commanders in the Pacific War: Isoroku Yamamoto. Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Events
Two Cultures United by TeaThis tea event was a highlight of the Japan400 Week, marking the delivery of official letters and presents from King James I of England and VI of Scotland to [...] Review by Susan Meehan
Films & Series
Throne of BloodDirected by Akira Kurosawa This movie is an interpretation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the story is focused around Washizu who is a general for the lord of spider web castle. The movie brings together [...] Review by Mike Sullivan
Films & Series
From up on Poppy HillDirected by Goro Miyazaki This production follows a common theme in Studio Ghibli movies of innocent romance and the coming of age of teenagers, this time set in 1960s Yokohama. Review by Mike Sullivan
Books
SchoolgirlBy Osamu Dazai Schoolgirl was the first of Dazai’s published works, and gained him national acclaim. The novella is set in Tokyo during the Second World War, a time of [...] Review by Chris Corker
Films & Series
Kiki’s Delivery ServiceDirected by Hayao Miyazaki The story is based on a Japanese children’s book written in 1985 by Eiko Kadono and was adapted by the master of animation Hayao Miyazaki in 1989. The English release [...] Review by Lucy Searles
Books
Across A Bridge of DreamsBy Lesley Downer This book centres on the story of Saigo Takamori, one of the most romanticised and pivotall samurai of the 19th century, who also provided a model for [...] Review by Christopher Searle