The Japan Society Review

By Rossella Menegazzo A complex jigsaw of Japanese culture, colour and design, this book explores Japanese design as seen through the lens of traditional colour spectrum. Review by David Tonge

Celebrate the 100th issue of the Japan Society Review in this special publication with contributions from former editors, dedicated reviewers and trustees.

By Sadao Yasumoro and Joseph Cali I was introduced to Sadao Yasumoro in Tokyo a few months ago, when he gave me this book. On that day, he was directing work at the site of a new garden project in Naka-Meguro, before taking a group of us to visit some of his completed garden projects (two of which are featured in this book). Review by Katie Croft

The June issue of The Japan Society Review reaches you more eclectic than ever, featuring reviews of books on Japanese design and mythology, literary fiction, and contemporary dance.

Coreographed by Teshigawara Saburo In Teshigawara Saburo’s reimagination of Wagner’s 'Tristan and Isolde', our lovers are never quite touching. The story behind the duet between KARAS dancers is of two lovers who should not be together, but who fall recklessly in love after imbibing a love potion. Review by Alice Baldock

By Oyamada Hiroko 'The Hole' further develops Oyamada's trademark bizarreness, combining the precision and mundanity of daily life with the fantastical and incomprehensible to a suitably confusing effect. Review by Alex Russell

By Joshua Frydman This book is a wonderful guide to an enduring fascination with stories and the supernatural in Japan. Frydman’s explanations prove mythology acts as a compass to guide past, present and future generations. Review by Renae Lucas-Hall

By Sarah Teasley Designing Modern Japan is jargon free, easy to read and a thoroughly researched book, packed full of great illustrations that take us on a journey from the middle of the 19th century to present day. Review by David Tonge

By Kawakami Mieko On the whole, All the Lovers in the Night is a novel which will draw you in with its poetry and prose, and make you dissect it line by line in much the same way as its protagonist does in her work. Review by Cameron Bassindale

Welcome to the April issue of The Japan Society Review! We are very pleased to present reviews of four books and one Netflix series showcasing different aspects and stories from and about Japan.