The Japan Society Review

By Robert Jay Lifton In this informative and chilling book, Psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton takes a look at the structure and appeal of Aum, as well as the influences that brought it into existence. Through interviews with former members [...] Review by Chris Corker

By Hiromi Kawakami Strange Weather in Tokyo is an understated, poetic, gentle, profound, thoughtful, poignant, beautiful story centring on the friendship between Tsukiko Omachi and Harutsuna Matsumoto. They both frequent [...] Review by Susan Meehan

By Yasushi Inoue The three stories collected in Life of a Counterfeiter take place shortly after the war; defeat is still an open wound, and the future a grim prospect, although the war rarely appears as more than an [...] Review by Chris Corker

By Akiyuki Nosaka Don’t let the title fool you – this collection of short stories contain poignant, melancholic and tragic tales set on the day of Japanese surrender, 15 August 1945. Review by Annabelle Sami

By Sophie Richard Sophie Richard’s book is a seductive and accessible introduction to Japanese art, from its ancient beginnings to its current shape, and the spaces in which it is displayed. Review by Jenny White

By Yasushi Inoue During the aftermath of the Second World War, Tsugami, the editor-in-chief of a newspaper agrees to arrange a bullfighting contest. Over the months that follow he becomes consumed with the event and [...] Review by Chris Corker

By Yasushi Inoue The book focuses on a husband (Misugi), his wife, his lover, and his lover’s daughter. Letters written by each of the women to Misugi offer three different perspectives on his affair, each (mis)interpreting events. Review by Lucy Kikuchi

By Barak Kushner In this book, the author's focus is on Class B and C war crimes and the way in which trials were held in China/Taiwan. Moreover, he stresses that war responsibility and war crimes are ‘two different species.’ Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi

By Takashi Hiraide The prose in The Guest Cat bare and clinical. The pace of the book is lethargic, leaving the narrative to meander a little too often.The book is part of The New York Times and The Sunday Times best seller lists. Review by Chris Corker

By John T. Carpenter This catalogue was published with the exhibition ‘Designing Nature: The Rinpa Aesthetic in Japanese Art’. It introduces some of the most colourful paintings and artefacts of Edo Japan. Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi