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.
Issues (PDF)
Issue 104 (March 2024, Volume 19, Number 1)The first quarter of 2024 has brought to the UK an exciting array of books, films and events exploring different aspects of Japan. This new issue of The Japan Society Review covers six of them thanks to the fantastic writing our volunteer reviewers.
Books
The Light of AsiaBy Christopher Harding ‘What is real? Who says? How should we live?’ - These are the three questions that lie at the core of Christopher Harding’s eminently readable effort on Asia, expanding the scope of his previous books focused on Japan to now encompass the continent as a whole. Review by Laurence Green
Books
Japanese Fighting Heroes: Warriors, Samurai and RoninsBy Jamie Ryder This multi-layered book by the founder of Yamato magazine, is difficult to categorise but it certainly is informative and thoroughly enjoyable offering a series of reviews of personalities in their factual historical, and occasionally mythological, contexts. Review by Trevor Skingle
Theatre & Stage
On an Endless Road: Ito Noe and the Women Composers of her TimeBy Francesca Le Lohé An exploration of the female composers active in Japan during the life of Ito Noe, a feminist figure of the Meiji era whose story remains untold. Review by Cameron Bassindale
Books
The Last YakuzaBy Jake Adelstein Written with the insight of an expert on Japanese organised crime, investigative journalist Jake Adelstein presents a biography of a yakuza, through post-war desperation, to bubble-era optimism, to the present. Review by Trevor Skingle
Books
The Boy and The HeronDirected by Miyazaki Hayao Released in Japan as How Do You Live? (Kimitachi wa do ikiru ka), the film might not be Miyazaki’s final film, but it certainly feels like a swan song and an homage to his illustrious career. Review by Shehrazade Zafar-Arif
Books
The Japanese House Since 1945By Naomi Pollock The Japanese House Since 1945 is a large format 400 page book that takes us on a journey through architect-designed houses built in Japan from 1945 to the present. Review by David Tonge
Films & Series
Lonely Castle in the Mirror (film)Directed by Hara Keiichi Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a brilliant animated adaptation of Tsujimura’s Mizuki’s popular novel of the same name title. Review by Eleanor Garrett
Films & Series
Plan 75Directed by Hayakawa Chie Plan 75 focuses on the issues related to the ageing population, and the policies brought in to remedy it. What is most harrowing about the film is its feeling of imminent reality. Review by Chris Corker
Books
100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost CaféBy Julian Sedgwick A ghostly journey through Northern Japan in search of yokai monsters and the Otherworld, told equally in manga and prose. Review by Hananircia Tchinhenha