Issue 105 (June 2024, Volume 19, Number 2)

The second quarter of 2024 has continued to enrich the UK's cultural landscape with an impressive variety of books, exhibitions, and events that delve into different facets of Japan. The latest issue of The Japan Society Review presents five reviews, each crafted by our dedicated volunteer reviewers, providing insightful reflections on these engaging works.

We begin with Christopher Harding's The Light of Asia, a profound exploration of the cultural and intellectual exchanges between Japan and the broader Asian context. Harding's work illuminates the historical and spiritual connections that have shaped modern Japan.

Next, Catherine Butler's British Children’s Literature in Japanese Culture: Wonderlands and Looking-Glasses offers a fascinating examination of how British children’s literature has influenced and been reinterpreted within Japanese culture. Butler’s scholarly approach provides a unique perspective on the cross-cultural dialogue between the two literary traditions.

In Mongrel, debut novelist Hanako Footman presents a powerful narrative that confronts issues of identity, belonging, and cultural hybridity. Footman's evocative storytelling captures the complexities of living between worlds and the search for self amidst cultural intersections.

The Meiji Guillotine Murders by Yamada Futaro transports readers to the dark and gripping world of Meiji-era Japan. This historical detective novel intricately weaves mystery and history, shedding light on the sociopolitical turbulence of the time through the lens of a chilling murder investigation.

Lastly, we explore the visual arts with the exhibition Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Printmaking. This exhibition at the Dulwich Picture Gallery showcases the remarkable artistic legacy of the Yoshida family, highlighting their contributions to the evolution of Japanese printmaking across three generations.