The Japan Society Review

By Haruki Murakami These two novellas, available for the first time in English outside of Japan, were Haruki Murakami’s first works. They form the first two parts of the informally named Trilogy of The Rat. Review by Chris Corker

By Dorothy Britton Dorothy’s memoir, apart from being a frank record of her peripatetic life bridging the three cultures of Britain, America and Japan, has much to tell the reader about her contributions to cultural interchange [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi

Edited by James D. Babb The book does exactly what its title and tastefully illustrated cover would suggest, providing an immense examination of the history, trends and possible future of innumerable aspects to the study of Japan. Review by Richard Coxford

Compiled and edited by Sir Hugh Cortazzi In reading these detailed and sometimes learned essays, it is interesting to reflect on how, while some themes are timeless, so much in the geo-political context has changed. Pilcher was reporting at a time when [...] Review by Sir David Warren

Mike Sullivan interviews prolific actor Junichi Kajioka, currently working on his own film project, IMPHAL 1944, a movie about a war veteran who comes to London for reconciliation between the British and Japanese who fought in Imphal in 1944. Interview by Mike Sullivan

By Shusaku Endo Endo insightfully depicts the characters in different situations amidst the persecution of the Christians in Urakami, a suburb of Nagasaki, during the turbulent years of the latter half of the nineteenth century. Review by Suki Maw

By Yoko Ogawa The tales that comprise Revenge have a broader significance to one another, generating a sense of co-dependence that gives birth to a narrative greater than the sum of its parts. Review by Chris Corker

Directed by Yosuke Fujita The movie is a comedy; Fuku-chan is introduced via his interactions with his friends. His friend tries to set him on the road to meeting the right woman, but Fuku-chan suffers from acute shyness, and comedy ensues. Review by Mike Sullivan

Memories of the Second World War might be fading, but the legacy of the conflict lives on and is constantly at the centre of domestic and regional debates in East Asia. The event was chaired by Alessio Patalano, Senior Lecturer in War Studies at King’s College London.

By Norio Tsuchiya Norio Tsuchiya explains the history of netsuke and describes the different materials used to make them including ivory and various kinds of wood. She also gives some account of artists and carvers involved [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi