The Japan Society Review

By Terry Bennett Photography in Japan 1853-1912 is a fascinating visual record of Japanese culture during its metamorphosis from a feudal society to a modern, industrial nation at a time when the art of photography was still in its infancy. The 350 rare and antique photos in this book, most of them published here for the first time, chronicle the introduction of photography in Japan and early Japanese photography. Reviews by Sir Hugh Cortazzi

By David Bell David Bell explains that his study concentrates on how Hokusai employed "pictorial conventions in the organization of pictorial space" or in other words how he set about making pictures. Bell is concerned not with who Hokusai was or what he did but rather with "why his works appear the way they do." Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi

By L.M. Cullen Offering a distinctive overview of the pressures responsible for the emergence of modern Japan, Louis Cullen rejects the traditional boundaries of Japanese historiography and combines economic, social, and political approaches to create a powerful analysis. Cullen reviews the Japanese experience of expansion, social transition, industrial growth, economic crisis and war, to present an island nation that is a growing industrial power with little perception of its worldwide context. Review by Ben-Ami Shillony

By Herbert Plutschow This new study challenges the conventional view that the key figures involved in the opening of Japan were the US Navy's Commodore Perry, and the diplomats Harris (US) and Alcock (UK). A close examination of new sources suggests otherwise and puts Von Siebold's agenda to 'save' Japan from being overtaken by the colonial and commercial ambitions of the West's great maritime nations in a new light. Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi

Edited by Ruth Taplin Innovation studies and partnering/collaborative alliances are rapidly growing areas of interest. Originally combining the two areas, this book examines the role of business partnering as a pathway to innovation for small and medium enterprises – SMEs. This text outlines global and regional trends, focusing in particular on the role of Poland and Eastern Europe as an emerging region for new innovative ideas, how innovation is promoted in the United States, and how it is facilitated in Japan. Review by J. Sean Curtin

By Sadako Ogata Sadako Ogata was United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) between 1991 and 2000. Her book should be read by all politicians and officials involved with issues of international peace. It is a searing account of a series of humanitarian disasters which sadly show that man's inhumanity to man has not altered despite the tragedies and slaughter of two World Wars. Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi

By Dr. Ruth Taplin (Ed) As over half the assets of many major companies are now intangible assets, there is an increasing need to assess more accurately the value of intellectual property (IP) from a wider interdisciplinary perspective. Written by the foremost authorities in the field from Britain, Japan and the US, this book considers the latest developments and puts forward much new thinking. The book includes thorough coverage of developments in Japan, which is reviewing the value of IP at a much quicker pace than any other country and is registering ever-increasing numbers of patents in the course of inventing its way out of economic inertia. Review by Sean Curtin

By Hans Brinckmann Part personal memoir, part professional flashback, part socio-cultural commentary, this title chronicles the author's experiences during his twenty-four years (1950-74) of living in Japan as a reluctant banker. It also touches on some of the significant changes that have taken place in Japanese society since the mid-Seventies. Review by Hazuki Saisho

Edited by Dorothy Britton (Lady Bouchier) This interesting book can be looked at from many different perspectives. Basically, it is the autobiography of a serviceman, Cecil 'Boy' Bouchier (1895-1979) who, despite setbacks and disappointments, worked his way through the ranks to positions of power and prestige in the Royal Air Force. At another level, it is a history of the RAF as a fighting force in the UK and the British Empire. It is therefore a commentary on the military history of Britain in the first half of the twentieth century. Review by Ian Nish

Annotated and introduced by Timon Screech Isaac Titsingh was intermittently head of the Japan factory (trading station) of the Dutch East India Company 1780-94. After many years in Java, India and China, he came to London, and then settled in Paris where he devoted himself to compiling translations of prime Japanese texts. It is one of the most exciting anthologies of the period and reveals the almost unknown world of eighteenth-century Japan, discussing politics, history, poetry and rituals. Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi