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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 33 (June 2011, Volume 6, Number 3)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 33 (June 2011, Volume 6, Number 3)

In this issue we focus on Japanese religious thought, philosophy and ideology, covering Japan’s two main religions (Buddhism and Shinto) as well as Christianity and some lesser known ideologies. Sir Hugh Cortazzi examines the ideology surrounding the tea ceremony which is explored by Tim Cross in a thought-provoking new study. Ben-Ami Shillony [...]

Issue 32 (April 2011, Volume 6, Number 2)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 32 (April 2011, Volume 6, Number 2)

In this issue we focus on contemporary themes with books exploring whaling, Japanese houses and the 11 March 2011 earthquake, Tsunami and nuclear accident. Our first review looks at the conundrum of Japanese whaling, a topic often in the international media. Sir Hugh Cortazzi looks at Inge Daniels visually stunning and excellently [...]

Issue 31 (February 2011, Volume 6, Number 1)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 31 (February 2011, Volume 6, Number 1)

In our first issue of 2011 we focus on various aspects of Japanese militarism in the past century with some really stimulating articles. Our first review, The Japanese in War and Peace 1942-48, provides some fascinating insights into some of the most turbulent years in the country’s history. We next look at Japanese militarism through the [...]

Issue 30 (December 2010, Volume 5, Number 6)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 30 (December 2010, Volume 5, Number 6)

In this issue we focus on contemporary Japanese themes with reviews examining the current state of gender equality, politics, social issues, foreign policy and modern architecture. We also have a retrospective report on the exhibition of prehistoric Japanese miniature clay figurines held at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts in Norwich during the [...]

Issue 29 (October 2010, Volume 5, Number 5)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 29 (October 2010, Volume 5, Number 5)

The theme of this issue is biographies and memoirs, offering a fest of fascinating new books looking at a host of extraordinary Japan-related lives. Our first review is of Britain and Japan: Biographical Portraits VII which is another superb volume in the acclaimed Biographical Portraits series that profiles people who have contributed to enhancing Anglo- Japanese relations.Our second book, Private Yokoi’s War and Life on Guam [...]

Issue 28 (August 2010, Volume 5, Number 4)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 28 (August 2010, Volume 5, Number 4)

As life in both Japan and the UK takes on a more relaxing summer tempo, we offer you a simulating selection of books to enjoy during the warm August nights. Elizabeth Ingrams explores Lesley Downer’s gripping new historical novel The Courtesan and the Samurai. Staying in the same period, Sir Hugh Cortazzi guides us through the Art of Edo Japan, the Artist and [...]

Issue 27 (June 2010, Volume 5, Number 3)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 27 (June 2010, Volume 5, Number 3)

Since the last issue both Japan and the UK have new Prime Ministers, although some might argue that each country’s fortunes in the World Cup had a bigger impact on the national psyche. We reviewed several Japanese language books on now former PM Yukio Hatoyama in issue 22 and hope to soon bring you a review of one of the recently published books on Naoto Kan (菅直人の原点を探る). This issue’s feature reviews focus on the war and its aftermath [...]

Issue 26 (April 2010, Volume 5, Number 2)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 26 (April 2010, Volume 5, Number 2)

As spring finally bursts forth and election fever grips the British media, we present another issue brimming with illuminating reviews on the latest Japan-related books and movies. Sir Hugh Cortazzi looks at a fascinating book on the Mongol invasion of Japan. Our next review examines the complex issues surrounding Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, [...]

Issue 25 (February 2010, Volume 5, Number 1)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 25 (February 2010, Volume 5, Number 1)

We kick off our first issue of 2010 reviewing a fascinating new book by George Olcott, “Conflict and Change: Foreign Ownership and the Japanese Firm”. Moving further afield, “Japan’s Silk Road Diplomacy” is a new work on Tokyo’s foreign policy toward the still relatively little known Central Asian states.Fumiko Halloran explores the new and immensely popular four volume tale by Toyoko Yamazaki [...]

Issue 24 (December 2009, Volume 4, Number 6)

Issues (PDF)

Issue 24 (December 2009, Volume 4, Number 6)

Professor Ian Nish kicks off our last issue of 2009 with an article on Roger Dingman’s fascinating new book on how the US Navy & Marine Corps trained its interpreters and translators during the Second World War. Staying in the immediate postwar years, Sir Hugh Cortazzi reviews a book on British and American policy towards China,Korea and Japan in the period up to the outbreak of the Korean War. [...]