Issue 19 (March 2009, Volume 4, Number 1)
We kick off our first issue of 2009 with a look at a fascinating new historical book, Kyushu, Gateway to Japan. Too often our view of Japan is distorted by a Tokyo-centric bias which neglects other regions and downgrades their importance in the national narrative. Andrew Cobbing’s excellently researched new work is the perfect antidote to this tendency, reminding us of the significant role Japan’s mighty south island has played in the country’s history. As the title suggests Kyushu was the historical gateway to Japan as well as the cradle of its early civilization.
As usual, we also offer a selection of some of the best new Japanese film and DVD releases.
Fumiko Halloran examines a gripping new Taiwanese- Japanese production which explores Japan’s colonial rule of Taiwan from a modern day setting. It’s a moving and uplifting tale, offering a different and more human perspective on Japan’s colonial past.
Simon Cotterill looks at the new DVD release of Turtles are Surprisingly Fast Swimmers; a very funny and entertaining Japanese movie. Its somewhat unusual narrative style and clever humour make it compelling viewing.
You will also find Manabu Matsunaka’s in-depth appraisal of a new Japanese language book on corporate law, William Farr’s thoughts on a popular Japanese martial arts book and Sir Hugh Cortazzi’s review of Peter Davies’ substantial new work on Frederick Cornes.
Contents
- Kyushu, Gateway to Japan: A Concise History
- Turtles are Surprisingly Fast Swimmers
- Cape No. 7
- Angry White Pyjamas
- The Business, Life and Letters of Frederick Cornes
- Kigyō Ketsugou Housei no Shōraizou
- Japanese for Everyone
Contributors
Editor
Sean Curtin
Managing Editor
John Toppon
Reviewers
Sir Hugh Cortazzi, Simon Cotterill, Fumiko Halloran, William Farr, Manabu Matsunaka, Roberta Ignirri