The Japan Society Review
The Japan Society Review is an digital publication covering Japan-related books and films, as well as theatre and stage productions, tv series and exhibitions. Published since 2006, it is released now on a quarterly basis and is available online on our website and printed for members. 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.
To become a reviewer, please fill the form here and let us know a little about you, your professional or academic background, your interest, passion or expertise regarding Japan and the type of works you would like to review.
If you have any questions, please contact reviews@japansociety.org.uk.
Issues (PDF)
Issue 108 (March 2025, Volume 20, Number 1)The March issue of The Japan Society Review presents a diverse selection of reviews that explore Japan’s civil society, urban history, postwar literature, and contemporary cinema, offering new insights into both past and present.
Books
Tokyo Before TokyoBy Timon Screech This illustrated book presents important sites and features from the rich history of Edo, the former name of the city of Tokyo, drawn from contemporary sources such as diaries, guidebooks and woodblock prints. Review by Trevor Skingle
Books
Sumi-e: The Mindful Art of Japanese Ink PaintingBy Akemi Lucas In this illustrated step-by-step guide, master calligraphic artist Akemi Lucas describes the equipment, brush positioning, ink-mixing techniques and mindset needed to excel at this art form. Review by Renae Lucas-Hall
Films & Series
Black Box DiariesDirected by Ito Shiori The Oscar-nominated documentary in which Japanese journalist and filmmaker Ito Shiori seeks to expose the truth about the sexual assault she suffered in 2015. Review by Mayumi Donovan
Books
So We Look to the SkyBy Kubo Misumi A compelling collection of interconnected short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships, societal dislocation, and personal struggles within contemporary Japanese society. Review by Alex Russell
Books
The Coincidental MurdersBy Sakaguchi Ango Aiming at an audience for classic Japanese mystery fiction, The Coincidental Murders is a mix of quirky characters and mind-boggling intrigue. Review by Laurence Green
Books
Handbook of Civil Society in JapanEdited by Simon Avenell and Akihiro Ogawa This Handbook volume examines civil society (shimin shakai) as seen in the activities of NPOs (Nonprofit Organizations), anti-nuclear groups, the media, gender critics, territorial disputes and influential right-wing advocates. Review by Roger Buckley
Books
Point ZeroBy Matsumoto Seicho Point Zero is a gripping mystery novel set in post-war Japan, where a newlywed woman embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her husband's sudden disappearance. Review by Laurence Green
Books
The Vendetta of the 47 Rōnin in Modern Kabuki: A Translation of Mayama Seika’s Genroku ChūshinguraEdited by Paul Griffith and Rachel Payne The revenge of the 47 ronin is the most famous vendetta in Japanese history and it continues to inspire the popular imagination today. Written between 1934 and 1941, Mayama Seika's ten-play cycle Genroku Chūshingura is a unique retelling of the incident. Review by Trevor Skingle
Issues (PDF)
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.