The Japan Society
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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.

Maritime Strategy and National Security in Japan and Britain, From the First Alliance to Post -9/11

Books

Maritime Strategy and National Security in Japan and Britain, From the First Alliance to Post -9/11

Edited 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

Contemporary Japan: History, Politics and Social Change Since the 1980s

Books

Contemporary Japan: History, Politics and Social Change Since the 1980s

By 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

A History of Japanese Political Thought, 1600-1901

Books

A History of Japanese Political Thought, 1600-1901

By 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

Tales of Tono

Books

Tales of Tono

By 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

Aesthetic Strategies of the Floating World

Books

Aesthetic Strategies of the Floating World

By 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

Sozai Cooking’S Cool Open Day

Events

Sozai Cooking’S Cool Open Day

This 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

The East India Company, Japan and the Globalising World – Derek Massarella

Events

The East India Company, Japan and the Globalising World – Derek Massarella

Lecture 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

Zero Focus

Films & Series

Zero Focus

Directed 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

World Film Locations: Tokyo

Books

World Film Locations: Tokyo

Edited 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

Anjin: The Shogun and The English Samurai

Theatre & Stage

Anjin: The Shogun and The English Samurai

By 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