Books
Out of Silence: A Pianist’s YearbookBy Susan Tomes Out of Silence traces a year in the life of a classical pianist in the form of a blog. Each entry develops a theme that has inspired the author's interpretation of [...] Review by Lisa Ueda
Films & Series
The Woodsman and the RainDirected and written by Shuichi Okita In The Woodsman and the Rain the interaction of a film crew and the inhabitants of a small village are shown through the eyes of a widowed lumberjack and a young director. Review by Mike Sullivan
Books
My Father in his Suitcase, In search of E.J.H.Corner the Relentless BotanistBy John K.Corner Professor Corner was ‘one of the most colourful and productive biologists and mycologists of the 20th century.’ In 1929 he became assistant director of [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Events
An Interview with Taro Hakase about his new album JAPONISMMike Sullivan catches up with Taro Hakase on his world tour and discusses his dual love of London and Japan. Interview by Mike Sullivan
Events
Like Father Like SonDirected by Hirokazu Koreeda When six year old Keita Nonomiya starts taking all sorts of exams to enter primary school, a blood test reveals that he is not actually Ryota and Midori’s son. The news that they have [...] Review by Susan Meehan
Books
Across the Three Pagodas Pass: The Story of the Thai-Burma RailwayBy Yoshihiko Futamatsu Primarily the book provides an account of his wartime experiences, a personal story of hardship, illness and disappointment over failed attempts at repatriation. The author is [...] Review by Ian Nish
Events
Two Cultures United by TeaThis special event about how the UK and Japan are united by tea took place at the beautiful Banqueting House, created for James I in Whitehall [...] Review by Michael Sullivan
Films & Series
KotokoBy Shinya Tsukamoto The premise of the movie takes on a subject which is taboo in Japan, mental illness, and presents the plight of a single mother trying to raise a baby while [...] Review by Mike Sullivan
Books
The Winter Sun Shines In, A Life of Masaoka ShikiBy Professor Donald Keene This latest book describes the life and works of one of the most significant poets of the Meiji period, when Japanese literature in response to the revolutionary changes [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Books
Yamamoto Isoroku: Leadership, Strategy, ConflictBy Mark Stille This slim volume provides an introduction to the life and strategy of one of the leading Japanese naval commanders in the Pacific War: Isoroku Yamamoto. Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi