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.
Books
Maritime Strategy and National Security in Japan and Britain, From the First Alliance to Post -9/11Edited by Alessio Patalano This book arises from a conference held in London in 2009 organized by the Department of War Studies at King’s College, London and the Japanese Embassy. ‘This project represents [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Books
Contemporary Japan: History, Politics and Social Change Since the 1980sBy Jeff Kingston In this book Professor Kingston looks at the risks and challenges facing Japan in the twenty-first century. He draws particular attention to Japan’s “demographic time bomb” and [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Books
A History of Japanese Political Thought, 1600-1901By Watanabe Hiroshi Students of Japanese history, philosophy and politics will find this book of outstanding value. It is clear, well-constructed and informative. Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Books
Tales of TonoBy Daido Moriyama Published to coincide with a joint Daido Moriyama + William Klein photo retrospective at the Tate Modern art gallery in London, this is the first time Tales of Tono has [...] Review by Timothy Holm
Books
Aesthetic Strategies of the Floating WorldBy Alfred Haft Alfred Haft works at the British Museum as a project curator. This book is based on his Ph.D thesis and inevitably is more likely to be of interest to the specialist art historian than [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Events
Sozai Cooking’S Cool Open DayThis month saw the opening of a Japanese cookery school. The open day was well attended by many interested people as we were able to sample sushi and drinks while being entertained by traditional Japanese music. Review by Michael Sullivan with photos by Ali Muskett
Events
The East India Company, Japan and the Globalising World – Derek MassarellaLecture by Professor Derek Massarella Professor Derek Massarella of Chuo University spoke on the theme of globalising trade in the seventeenth century, using a wealth of period texts and citations. He detailed the [...] Review by Timon Screech
Films & Series
Zero FocusDirected by Isshin Inudo Zero Focus, set for the most part in photogenic Kanazawa is a slick and classy film made by Isshin Inudo. It is based on the best-selling crime novel of [...] Review by Susan Meehan
Books
World Film Locations: TokyoEdited by Chris MaGee For any fan of Japanese cinema, and with time to spare in Tokyo, this book is a must as it charts a journey of eighty years of movies being filmed in [...] Review by Michael Sullivan
Theatre & Stage
Anjin: The Shogun and The English SamuraiBy Mike Poulton with Sho Kawai This inspiring play brings his story to life in a production written by Mike Poulton and Shoichiro Kawai, and directed by Gregory Doran (Royal Shakespeare Company’s Artistic Director). An international supporting cast includes [...] Review by Michael Sullivan