The Japan Society Review
The Japan Society Review is published on a bimonthly 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
London's Cherry Blossom. Beauty and History, Joy at Your FingertipsBy Annegret Schopp-O'Dwyer Celebrating cherry trees in London this book achieves its aim of making you see 'joy at your fingertips' with wonderful photos and light-hearted socio-historical text. Review by Carole Tongue
Issues (PDF)
Issue 95 (October 2021, Volume 16, Number 5)Welcome to another exciting issue of The Japan Society Review bringing you five reviews of books, stage productions and films about Japan. This October issue is more eclectic than ever and we are thankful to our reviewers for their time and expertise.
Theatre & Stage
Heaven by Mieko Kawakami: LiveStaged by Jack McNamara An immersive reading performance of Mieko Kawakami's new novel, "Heaven", a work about bullying, what it means to bully, and to be bullied. Review by Laurence Green
Films & Series
Queer JapanDirected by Graham Kolbeins Queer Japan, directed by Graham Kolbeins in 2019, is a documentary which explores the LGBTQ+ community in Japan offering an illustrative view of the queer culture in the country. Review by Jenni Schofield
Books
The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Japan’s Sacred TrailBy John Lander The Shikoku Pilgrimage is one of the most important pilgrimage routes in Japan. Connected by eighty-eight temples across the four prefectures of Shikoku, this 1,200 km trail is associated with Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. Review by Jess Cope
Films & Series
37 SecondsWritten and directed by Hikari 37 Seconds explores the coming-of-age story of Yuma, a woman with cerebral palsy, and her quest to become more independent from her overbearing mother. Review by Jenni Schofield
Books
monk: Light and Shadow on the Philosopher's PathBy Imai Yoshihiro This book is a chef monograph, where, through food writing – a blend of personal essays and photographs revolving around food and nature, concluding with a number of recipes – Imai Yoshihiro tells the story of his fourteen-seated wood-fire pizza restaurant. Review by Riyoko Shibe
Books
Monkey ManBy Ichikawa Takuji In 'Monkey Man', Ichikawa Takuji, one of Japan’s most imaginative, bestselling and unusual authors, pointedly challenges readers to consider how we can change the inevitable course of history and save the human race from itself. Review by Laurence Green
Books
Plum Blossom & Green Willow: Japanese surimono prints from the Ashmolean MuseumBy Hanaoka Kiyoko and Clare Pollard This book introduces over forty surimono in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford and provides readers with an insight into the refined and cultivated Japanese literati culture of the early nineteenth century. Review by Fiona Collins
Books
British Extraterritoriality in Korea, 1884-1910: A comparison with JapanBy Christopher Roberts Filling an important gap in extraterritoriality studies and in the history of Anglo-Korean relations, this benchmark study examines Britain's exercise of extraterritorial rights in Korea from 1884 until Korea's formal annexation by Japan in 1910. Review by Kimura Genki