The Japan Society Review

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.

By 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

By 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

Directed 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

By 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

By 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

Edited 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

By 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

Edited 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

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.