The Japan Society Review

By Paula S. Harrell In this interesting study of five Japanese personalities of the Meiji era, who were closely involved with Chinese modernisation, Dr Harrell shows that the relationship between Japan and China was [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi

The Man Booker at Birkbeck, 7 November 2012 The evening’s talk was mainly about Never Let Me Go but touched other aspects of Ishiguro’s style of writing. Review by Susan Meehan

By Patrick Galbraith Otaku Spaces is a book that attempts to dispel some misconceptions by allowing these people who are considered to have otaku interests, to discuss their hobbies and the rationale behind them. Review by Lucy Searles

By Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere The book is a scholarly study based on Professor Rousmaniere’s experiences in Japan working with Japanese scholars of ceramics. It will be a valuable source for all interested in Japanese ceramics. Review Sir Hugh Cortazzi

Directed by Cristian Jimenez Bonsái is a youthful and whimsical film inspired by literature – Proust looms large; though not a Japanese film, the title, of course, is. It won the Films in Progress 19 Award in Toulouse in 2011. Review by Susan Meehan

By Simon Alexander Collier What would have happened if the serious British diplomat, Ernest Satow, had gone to Japan with a rather less studious colleague, whose main interests were women and wine? The answer is [...] Review by Sir Graham Fry

Directed by Stu Levy The Japan Society organised a special charity screening for the European premiere of Stu Levy’s documentary film, Pray for Japan, at the British Academy for Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) on 14 March 2012 […] Review by Susan Meehan

Directed by Yuya Ishii Mitsuko Delivers: the title made me think of the very funny film by the same director with a similar title, Sawako Decides and it did dispense the same style good humour and feel good factor. The screening at the ICA […] Review by Susan Meehan

Exhibition at Somerset House. On the first day of spring 2012 a new exhibition opened up at Somerset House, although it is easy to get side tracked by Somerset House’s terrace which is always popular on warm spring days and by the spectacular sight […] Review by Michael Sullivan

Talk by Professor Jun Morikawa. Professor Jun Morikawa, author of Japan and Africa: Big Business and Diplomacy (1997), spoke to the Japan Discussion Group at Chatham House on Japan-Africa relations. His basic thesis appeared to be that Japan’s Ministry of […] Review by Jason James