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The Japan Society Review

The Japan Society Review is an digital publication covering Japan-related books and films, as well as theatre and stage productions, tv series and exhibitions. Published since 2006, it is released now on a quarterly basis and is available online on our website and printed for members. 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.

To become a reviewer, please fill the form here and let us know a little about you, your professional or academic background, your interest, passion or expertise regarding Japan and the type of works you would like to review.

If you have any questions, please contact reviews@japansociety.org.uk.

Issue 12 (December 2007, Volume 2, Number 6)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 12 (December 2007, Volume 2, Number 6)

In our final issue of 2007, we have some excellent reviews and previews of the latest Japan-related books hot off the printing press. Our first article looks at a major new work by Sir Max Hastings on the dramatic final year that lead to Japan's wartime defeat. We also feature three recently published Japanese language books which offer insights into the Koizumi years and the US-Japan relationship.

Issue 11 (October 2007, Volume 2, Number 5)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 11 (October 2007, Volume 2, Number 5)

Along with our usual great selection of new book reviews in this issue we offer our first proper film review of the award-winning and highly popular movie Hula Girls. We now hope to start regular reviews of major Japanese films and DVD releases to complement our book line-up.

Issue 10 (August 2007, Volume 2, Number 4)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 10 (August 2007, Volume 2, Number 4)

This issue marks an important milestone in the development of the Reviews project as we launch our new regular reviews of Japanese language books, publish our first fictional book reviews and introduce our new readers' comments section.

Issue 9 (June 2007, Volume 2, Number 3)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 9 (June 2007, Volume 2, Number 3)

June was an exciting month for us with the publication of two much anticipated Japan Society supported books, "Japanese Envoys in Britain, 1862-1964: A Century of Diplomatic Exchange" and "Britain and Japan: Biographical Portraits, Volume VI. The main theme of this issue is new publications on recent Japanese history.

Issue 8 (April 2007, Volume 2, Number 2)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 8 (April 2007, Volume 2, Number 2)

In this colourful spring issue our main theme is photographic books about Japan and we review an excellent selection of new books on the topic. We can only present a very limited number of photographs from these books in the following pages, but if you visit our website you will find a host visual gems.

Issue 7 (February 2007, Volume 2, Number 1)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 7 (February 2007, Volume 2, Number 1)

Our first issue of 2007 features a major new Japanese book on the Second World War, "Who Was Responsible?" which has generated considerable international debate. We also review other books on the topic which examine different aspects of Japan's wartime past.

Issue 6 (December 2006, Volume 1, Number 6)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 6 (December 2006, Volume 1, Number 6)

Our last issue of 2006 reviews an exciting selection of new books ideal for the rapidly approaching holiday season. We also launch our new Arts Review feature with a look at two recently published works, both offered at specially discounted prices for our readers.

Issue 5 (September 2006, Volume 1, Number 5)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 5 (September 2006, Volume 1, Number 5)

September 2006 will be remembered as a historic month for Japan with the birth of the first male heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne in 41 years and the election of a new prime minister to replace the flamboyant Junichiro Koizumi. The focus of this issue of Japan Book Review also has a strong historic flavour with an excellent selection of new reviews.

Issue 4 (July 2006, Volume 1, Number 4)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 4 (July 2006, Volume 1, Number 4)

In this sizzling July issue, we aim to lift your spirits a little after Japan's World Cup disappointment. We have a fine selection of new reviews including two gripping tales of romance, a pair of stimulating biographies, a groundbreaking historical analysis and much more.

Issue 3 (May 2006, Volume 1, Number 3)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 3 (May 2006, Volume 1, Number 3)

This issue provides you with another great selection of stimulating reviews, this time covering everything form the Chrysanthemum Throne (Enigma of the Emperors) to the Chrysanthemum itself (Garden Plants of Japan). We also have two griping books (Flyboys and To the Kwai and Back) for the regular memoirs section.