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.

Issue 73 (February 2018, Volume 13, Number 1)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 73 (February 2018, Volume 13, Number 1)

In this issue, we include reviews of two academic books, an anthology of short stories by writers based in Kyoto, a book which received the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation Award and a Japanese film from The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2018.

Issue 72 (December 2017, Volume 12, Number 6)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 72 (December 2017, Volume 12, Number 6)

The December issue of The Japan Society Review closes a wonderful year of publications, films, performances and events which have brought Japanese culture, arts and history to a UK audience. This issue is especially dedicated to our reviewers, with our most sincere gratitude.

Issue 71 (October 2017, Volume 12, Number 5)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 71 (October 2017, Volume 12, Number 5)

In this issue, The Japan Society Review focuses on four non-fiction publications which explore from different perspectives a series of key events and persons in Japanese history, politics and art.

Issue 70 (August 2017, Volume 12, Number 4)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 70 (August 2017, Volume 12, Number 4)

The August issue of The Japan Society Review opens with reviews of two books, both dealing with the modern history of Japan from a political-diplomatic perspective. This issue’s historical approach also extends to literary fiction.

Issue 69 (June 2017, Volume 12, Number 3)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 69 (June 2017, Volume 12, Number 3)

Looking at the titles of Japanese books recently released in the UK, it is evident that the landscape of Japanese literature translated into English is becoming more and more rich and diverse. The June issue of The Japan Society Review illustrates this trend by reviewing two different collections of short stories.

Issue 68 (April 2017, Volume 12, Number 2)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 68 (April 2017, Volume 12, Number 2)

Jim E Hoare reviews the book Carmen Blacker - Scholar of Japanese Religion, Myth and Folklore: Writings and Reflections. Like the pioneer work of Carmen Blacker, the books and films reviewed in this issue continue to examine a wide-range of topics in Japanese culture and history.

Issue 67 (February 2017, Volume 12, Number 1)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 67 (February 2017, Volume 12, Number 1)

This first issue of The Japan Society Review in 2017 covers a wide range of topics and media, from history to humour and origami, from academic books to popular films, aiming to bring you some of the latest Japan-related publications and events in the UK.

Issue 66 (December 2016, Volume 11, Number 6)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 66 (December 2016, Volume 11, Number 6)

Looking back on the books, films, artists and performances featured in this publication throughout 2016 does give an impression of the healthy level of interest in Japan in Britain. This issue is no different with reviews of new historical fiction, theatre, biography and music.

Issue 65 (October 2016, Volume 11, Number 5)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 65 (October 2016, Volume 11, Number 5)

In June we celebrated the launch of Britain and Japan: Biographical Portraits, Volume X, the latest addition to a 25-year project documenting the lives of those involved in the development of the UK-Japan relationship. Volume X is dedicated to all those who have contributed to the series.

Issue 64 (August 2016, Volume 11, Number 4)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 64 (August 2016, Volume 11, Number 4)

In this edition of the Japan Society Review we feature three superstars of contemporary Japanese literature, Furukawa Hideo, Tawara Machi and Wataya Risa, all of whom have achieved both critical and popular acclaim.