The Japan Society Review

While preparing our final issue of 2013, it was with deep sadness that we learnt of the passing of Sir John Whitehead, distinguished former British Ambassador to Japan (1986 to 1992) and much respected former chairman of the Japan Society (2000 to 2006). We dedicate this issue to his memory.

October’s issue is themed around family and our reviewers explore recent books and films that deal with familial relationships; their joys, troubles and complications.

In this sumptuous issue we alter our trajectory a little by adding some new dimensions to our review offerings.

This issue focuses on a selection of Japanese writers in translation, from the current poster-boy of Japanese fiction, Haruki Murakami, to the rarely translated historical novelist, Shiba Ryōtarō.

In this issue we remember and mark the second anniversary of Great East Japan Earthquake (東日本大震災) which occurred on Friday 11 March 2011.

The ties between the Japanese and British archipelagoes form the heart of this issue’s reviews, with articles on new performances and retrospectives linking the history of the two island nations.

In this last issue of 2012, we look at Susan Meehan and the discussion with author Kazuo Ishiguro. Then, Tim Holm rediscovers a pilgrimmage made by the maverick Japanese photographer Daido Moriyama in the early 1970s, applying his photographic chiaroscuro to a tour of Tono in North-Eastern Japan. Another highlight of our December issue is Sir Hugh’s exploration of a famous potter’s first love in The Etchings of Bernard Leach.

This issue focuses on the young people of Japanese society through the eyes of both foreigners and the Japanese themselves.

In this issue we focus on various aspects of the Japanese movie industry with some stimulating reviews of recent books.

In this issue we focus on the Meiji era, which spanned the period September 1868 to July 1912.