Issue 107 (December 2024, Volume 19, Number 4)

The December issue of The Japan Society Review concludes 2024 with a compelling selection of reviews that explore Japan’s artistic, theatrical, and literary traditions, offering insight into both historical legacies and contemporary interpretations.

We begin with Salon Culture in Japan: Making Art 1750-1900, edited by Yano Akiko, which examines the dynamic artistic exchanges that flourished in early modern Japan. Through a close study of salons, ateliers, and intellectual gatherings, this volume sheds light on the networks that shaped Japanese visual and literary culture.

Noh and Kyogen Masks: Tradition and Modernity in the Art of Kitazawa Hideta by Jannette Cheong and Richard Emmert delves into the craftsmanship and evolving aesthetics of Noh and Kyogen masks, highlighting Kitazawa’s work as a bridge between classical techniques and modern sensibilities.

Turning to literature, Tsujimura Mizuki’s Lost Souls Meet Under a Full Moon offers an atmospheric narrative where the boundaries between the living and the dead blur. With a blend of mystery and psychological depth, Tsujimura crafts a haunting exploration of memory, grief, and connection.

In the realm of theatre, One Small Step, written and directed by Kato Takuya, presents a near-future narrative where a married couple, Takashi and Narumi, work on a lunar colonization project. As they confront unexpected personal challenges, the play delves into themes of ambition, ethical dilemmas, and the complexities of human relationships in the context of space exploration.

Finally, we consider U-BU-SU-NA, a dance work choreographed by Kujirai Kentaro. Drawing from butoh influences and contemporary movement, Kujirai’s piece embodies themes of origin, transformation, and corporeal expression, offering a striking visual and emotional experience.

As the year comes to an end, we would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to our dedicated volunteer reviewers, whose thoughtful contributions make this publication possible.