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.

Holme, Ringer & Company, The Rise and Fall of a British Enterprise in Japan 1868-1940

Books

Holme, Ringer & Company, The Rise and Fall of a British Enterprise in Japan 1868-1940

By Brian Burke-Gaffney The dominant British firm in Nagasaki in the Meiji period was Holme, Ringer & Company which was controlled by Frederick Ringer (1838-1907). Burke-Gaffney in this book tells the story of [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi

Celebrating 50 years of Japanese Studies at the University of Sheffield

Events

Celebrating 50 years of Japanese Studies at the University of Sheffield

To celebrate half a century of achievement, former staff and students were invited to two special golden jubilee events hosted in collaboration with the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation at Daiwa House in London on Thursday 3 October 2013. Review by Sean Curtin

Hard Times in the Hometown, A History of Community Survival in Modern Japan

Books

Hard Times in the Hometown, A History of Community Survival in Modern Japan

By Martin Dusinberre Martin Dusinberre first went to Kaminoseki as an English language teacher. He found the town of great interest and returned there to undertake sociological research. In this well researched book he traces the [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi

‘Haiku Prelude – Haiku Kami’ 2013 Exhibition

Events

‘Haiku Prelude – Haiku Kami’ 2013 Exhibition

By Carolina Khouri Haiku Prelude – Haiku Kami project is dedicated to the victims of the Great Eastern Tohoku Earthquake, 11 March 2011. An exhibition of the project in POSK Gallery in 2013 will mark a [...]

Memoires of Japan, 1946 (A People Bowed But Not Broken)

Books

Memoires of Japan, 1946 (A People Bowed But Not Broken)

By Bernard T. Smith Bernard Smith describes in this memoir his life as an RAF officer on the staff of the British Commonwealth Air Force (BCAIR) Headquarters at Iwakuni in 1946. Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi

Japoniæ insulæ, The mapping of Japan: Historical Introduction and Cartobibliograhy of European Maps

Books

Japoniæ insulæ, The mapping of Japan: Historical Introduction and Cartobibliograhy of European Maps

By Jason C. Hubbard Jason Hubbard has identified 125 main maps of Japan and includes illustrations of every one. He also lists their subsequent issues and notes any alterations made. Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi

King James, the Shogun and Now: Celebrating 400 years of Japan-British Relations, 1613-2013

Events

King James, the Shogun and Now: Celebrating 400 years of Japan-British Relations, 1613-2013

Saturday 12 January 2013 marked four hundred years since a British ship sailed for Japanese waters to establish the first contact and start a mutually-beneficial relationship which prospers to this day. Japan400 Press Lunch is an occasion to celebrate Japan-British relations. Review by David Watts with photos by Sean Curtin

50th Anniversary of East Asian Studies at Leeds University

Events

50th Anniversary of East Asian Studies at Leeds University

September 2013 marked fifty years of the department of Chinese studies, now morphed into the East Asian Studies (EAS) Department. To properly celebrate its Golden Jubilee, the department set up a series of lectures, talks and activities. Review by Sean Curtin

All the Emperor’s Men

Books

All the Emperor’s Men

By Hiroshi Tasogawa During the two years of Kurosawa’s involvement in Tora Tora Tora Tasogawa worked as an interpreter for Kurosawa. In this book he details the events of those years and attempts to [...] Review by Michael Sullivan

Matsumoto Shigeharu: Bearing Witness

Books

Matsumoto Shigeharu: Bearing Witness

By Kaimai Jun Matsumoto came to prominence in 1936 as the journalist who broke the news of Chiang Kai-shek’s detention. Japan as it grapples with globalization and ‘diversity’ has much to learn from Shigeharu Matsumoto. Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi