The Japan Society Review
The Japan Society Review is published on a quartely basis, both online and printed (members are entitled to receive a copy by post). Since the starting of the publication in 2006, each issue covers a selection of Japan-related books and films, as well as theatre and stage productions, tv series and exhibitions. Its purpose is to inform, entertain and encourage readers to explore the works for themselves.
The Japan Society Review is possible thanks to the work of volunteers who dedicated their time and expertise to help us to promote the learning and understanding of Japanese culture and society.
Books
Japan StoriesBy Jayne Joso This collection of short stories, some of them illustrated by Japanese Manga artist NAMIKO, revolves around the main characters’ loneliness taking many shapes and forms. Review by Eleonora Faina
Books
London's Cherry Blossom. Beauty and History, Joy at Your FingertipsBy Annegret Schopp-O'Dwyer Celebrating cherry trees in London this book achieves its aim of making you see 'joy at your fingertips' with wonderful photos and light-hearted socio-historical text. Review by Carole Tongue
Books
The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Japan’s Sacred TrailBy John Lander The Shikoku Pilgrimage is one of the most important pilgrimage routes in Japan. Connected by eighty-eight temples across the four prefectures of Shikoku, this 1,200 km trail is associated with Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. Review by Jess Cope
Books
monk: Light and Shadow on the Philosopher's PathBy Imai Yoshihiro This book is a chef monograph, where, through food writing – a blend of personal essays and photographs revolving around food and nature, concluding with a number of recipes – Imai Yoshihiro tells the story of his fourteen-seated wood-fire pizza restaurant. Review by Riyoko Shibe
Books
Monkey ManBy Ichikawa Takuji In 'Monkey Man', Ichikawa Takuji, one of Japan’s most imaginative, bestselling and unusual authors, pointedly challenges readers to consider how we can change the inevitable course of history and save the human race from itself. Review by Laurence Green
Books
Plum Blossom & Green Willow: Japanese surimono prints from the Ashmolean MuseumBy Hanaoka Kiyoko and Clare Pollard This book introduces over forty surimono in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford and provides readers with an insight into the refined and cultivated Japanese literati culture of the early nineteenth century. Review by Fiona Collins
Books
British Extraterritoriality in Korea, 1884-1910: A comparison with JapanBy Christopher Roberts Filling an important gap in extraterritoriality studies and in the history of Anglo-Korean relations, this benchmark study examines Britain's exercise of extraterritorial rights in Korea from 1884 until Korea's formal annexation by Japan in 1910. Review by Kimura Genki
Books
HeavenBy Kawakami Mieko In 'Heaven' graphic and extreme teenage bullying takes centre stage which makes for uncomfortable reading at times. The novel is also an exploration of friendship and its limits, victimisation, morals, religion and ethics. It is undoubtedly a thought-provoking book, which I continue to digest months after having read it. Review by Susan Meehan
Books
Lonely Castle in the Mirror (novel)By Tsujimura Mizuki Kagami no Koji, an innovative and tender blend of social commentary and magical realism, is a prizewinning novel by Tsujimura Mizuki published in 2017, with the English translation by Philip Gabriel, titled Lonely Castle in the Mirror, published in 2021. Review by Riyoko Shibe
Books
US-Japan Human Rights Diplomacy Post 1945: Trafficking, Debates, Outcomes and DocumentsBy Roger Buckley Comprising two volumes, this pioneering study examines how the United States has deployed public diplomacy with Japan to confront Japanese sexual and labour trafficking, while also charting the successes and failures of the US's own record on anti-trafficking practices at home and abroad. Review by Ian Neary