06/05/2026ONLINE EVENT - The Japan Society Film Club: Seven Samurai directed by Akira Kurosawa
Join us for our May Film Club to explore Akira Kurosawa’s ground-breaking samurai epic, Seven Samurai, a powerful reflection on honour, survival, and community in medieval Japan.
08/05/2026Inside the World of Shogi: An Evening with Japanese Chess Masters
To celebrate the first London edition of the Inter City Shogi Cup 2026, we are delighted to invite members and friends to an evening of in-conversation and reception hosted by Warwick Business School (WBS) at their London base in the iconic Shard building.
09/05/2026Inter City Shogi Cup 2026 - London
The Japan Society is pleased to co-host the Inter City Shogi Cup 2026 London, bringing the second edition of this unique European competition to London. Following the success of our Discover the World of Shogi – Japanese Chess workshops in 2025, we are delighted to continue nurturing interest in shogi and supporting its growing community in the UK.
10/05/2026Shogi - Japanese Chess Workshop for Beginners
To coincide with the Inter City Shogi Cup 2026 in London, The Japan Society is delighted to co‑host a beginner‑friendly workshop led by Yasushi Ishikawa, a certified Teaching Professional 4dan. Taking place within the main tournament venue, the workshop will run alongside matches played by other participants, offering attendees the opportunity to experience the lively and friendly atmosphere of the event.
11/05/2026Japanese Tattooing: From Edo‑Period Traditions to Working-class Pride
In this richly illustrated talk, author and journalist Manami Okazaki will explore the world of Japanese tattooing—one of the most striking, symbolically layered, and misunderstood art traditions.
16/05/2026Writing the Seasons: Japanese Calligraphy on an Uchiwa Fan
As the days grow longer and the warmer months approach, join our hands‑on workshop to create your own Japanese fan (uchiwa – 扇) adorned with calligraphy, led by London‑based calligrapher Yoko Takenami.
10/08/2026IN-PERSON EVENT - The Japan Society Book Club: Grave of the Fireflies by Akiyuki Nosaka
Grave of the Fireflies is a stark and devastating account of two siblings struggling to survive in Japan during the final months of the Second World War.
14/12/2026IN-PERSON EVENT - The Japan Society Book Club: Troubled Waters by Ichiyo Higuchi
Troubled Waters is a collection of five stories depicting everyday lives on the margins of Meiji‑era Tokyo with lyrical restraint.