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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 63 (June 2016, Volume 11, Number 3)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 63 (June 2016, Volume 11, Number 3)

For two days in May Japan was the focus of the world’s media as it played host to the 42nd G7 summit. The summit was largely eclipsed by President Obama, who gave a speech including the theme of the hibakusha. But the hibakusha have by no means always been at the centre of the nuclear narrative, and in Nagasaki: Life After Nuclear War Susan Southard presents the life stories of five hibakusha.

Issue 62 (April 2016, Volume 11, Number 2)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 62 (April 2016, Volume 11, Number 2)

February’s Review dealt heavily with the aftermath of the Second World War in East Asia. In this issue, Annabelle Sami reviews a production that brings such issues closer to home.

Issue 61 (February 2016, Volume 11, Number 1)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 61 (February 2016, Volume 11, Number 1)

Throughout 2015 many people took part in events marking the 70th anniversary of World War II. In this issue we focus on this anniversary.

Issue 60 (December 2015, Volume 10, Number 6)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 60 (December 2015, Volume 10, Number 6)

For the last 18 months there has been a pause in production of The Japan Society Review, although reviews have continued to be published online. We are now delighted to be able to resume print production of this bimonthly publication.

Issue 59 (October 2015, Volume 10, Number 5)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 59 (October 2015, Volume 10, Number 5)

Issue 59 includes a look at Japanese Netsuke, an interview with Junichi Kajioka regarding his movie project IMPHAL 1944 and a review of Endō Shūsaku's Kiku's Prayer. We conclude the issue with Chris Corker's review of the book Revenge.

Issue 58 (August 2015, Volume 10, Number 4)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 58 (August 2015, Volume 10, Number 4)

In this issue we concentrate on paintings and porcelain, while also reviewing the play Throne of Blood. At the end, we offer our readers an interview with Yuriri Naka, star of the movie All That Remains.

Issue 57 (June 2015, Volume 10, Number 3)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 57 (June 2015, Volume 10, Number 3)

In the issue of June 2015, we look at the realities of post-war Japan with three book reviews. We also review two films involving comedy and one book on Japanese art museums.

Issue 56 (April 2015, Volume 10, Number 2)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 56 (April 2015, Volume 10, Number 2)

This issue of the Japan Society Review centres on Japanese modern history, politics, national security and international relations. On a lighter note, we also include two book reviews dealing with friendship and poetry.

Issue 55 (February 2015, Volume 10, Number 1)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 55 (February 2015, Volume 10, Number 1)

In this issue we engage with various Japanese forms of art, including music, paintings, objects and dance.

Issue 54 (December 2014, Volume 9, Number 6)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 54 (December 2014, Volume 9, Number 6)

In this issue of The Japan Society Review we cross genres, reviewing a film, two books, a performance and conducting an interview with a violinist.