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.

Exhibition - The Kimono in Print: 300 Years of Japanese Design

Events

Exhibition - The Kimono in Print: 300 Years of Japanese Design

This exhibition focuses primarily on how kimonos reflected major socio-economic shifts in the Edo period (1603-1868), a time which witnessed a rapidly changing consumerist culture in Japan. Review by Fiona Collins

Exhibition - Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk

Events

Exhibition - Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk

A major new exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum celebrates the kimono’s elegant history. It also displays its dynamic renaissance, through works by modern designers, such Alexander McQueen, John Gallianio and Rei Kawakubo. Review by Duncan Bartlett

The Citi Exhibition Manga マンガ

Events

The Citi Exhibition Manga マンガ

At the British Museum Manga is a visual narrative art form that has become a multimedia global phenomenon, telling stories with themes from gender to adventure, in real or imagined worlds. Review by Malene Wagner

An Interview with filmmaker and writer Kawamura Genki

Events

An Interview with filmmaker and writer Kawamura Genki

Morgane Chinal-Dargent interviews Kawamura Genki, the talented writer behind If Cats Disappeared From The World and Japan’s leading producer behind Your Name on being a storyteller and seeking your own story. Interview by Morgane Chinal-Dargent

Shapeshifter

Events

Shapeshifter

By Yamashiro Chikako The forced cohabitation with American forces, very unwelcomed by the Okinawans, is the main preoccupation of Yamashiro Chikako’s work, on show under the title of Shapeshifter at White Rainbow’s non-profit [...] Review by Silvia Caso

Japanese Taiko

Events

Japanese Taiko

Performed by Joji Hirota & The London Taiko Drummers Going by the music displayed here, the years of discipline have definitely paid off. Hirota and his team capture a real depth of sound that, for all its natural percussiveness, never feels like it’s pounding its way [...] Review by Laurence Green

Kero Kero Bonito: Lily Allen Meets J-Pop

Events

Kero Kero Bonito: Lily Allen Meets J-Pop

Kero Kero Bonito are a quirky three piece from London producing exciting alternative dance music. What immediately sets this group apart is the heavy influence of kawaii J-Pop in their otherwise avowedly [...] Review by Annabelle Sami

Hamlet and Japan

Events

Hamlet and Japan

Hamlet and Japan was an ambitious attempt to cover aspects of Shakespeare’s extensive history in Japan through talks, music and performances all in the space of a few hours. Review by Susan Meehan

Cosmic Birds at IDFB 2016

Events

Cosmic Birds at IDFB 2016

By Ito Shun Cosmic Birds comprised twenty mechanical assemblages dancing in the ghostly offices and spaces of the old Municipal Bank located in the very heart of Birmingham. The site of the show contributed to the [...] Review by Dominika Mackiewicz

The Brick Lane Japan Film Festival: Kamikaze Girls

Events

The Brick Lane Japan Film Festival: Kamikaze Girls

Directed by Tetsuya Nakashima This film festival of independent Japanese cinema, run from a small gallery space on Brick Lane, is a great example of how a group of friends can get together and produce a vibrant, successful cultural event. Review by Annabelle Sami