Issue 4 (July 2006, Volume 1, Number 4)

In this sizzling July issue, we aim to lift your spirits a little after Japan's World Cup disappointment. We have a fine selection of new reviews including two gripping tales of romance, a pair of stimulating biographies, a groundbreaking historical analysis and much more. We also feature our very first theatre review as part of our efforts to expand the review project. By sheer coincidence, Yukio Ninagawa's brilliant new inter- pretation of Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus mirrors Japan's performance against Brazil: a hopeful beginning followed by a brutal massacre a hope- ful beginning followed by a brutal massacre (fortunately Shakespeare's homeland fared a little better).

On the website and in print we will soon be featuring plays, films and other events. Visit the website regularly to keep up to date with the latest developments and a huge array of web-only reviews (while you are there, please participate in our members survey and win a fabulous night out). The review-related Japanese Perspectives project is still being developed, but we hope to launch it soon, so stay tuned.

Wishing you all a good summer.