The Japan Society Review

By Richard Irving This revised edition of the story of William Adams, the English samurai, is now made available in two hardback volumes, with an updated text and the addition of several new illustrations. Review by Nicolas Maclean

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

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

By Jannette Cheong and Richard Emmert Featuring breathtaking photographs of masks created by a renowned twenty-first-century craftsman, this book provides a unique perspective into Noh and Kyogen, two of the oldest surviving forms of theater in the world. Review by Margaret Coldiron

By Tsujimura Mizuki From the Japanese bestselling author of Lonely Castle in the Mirror, this book explores our relationship with the memories of deceased loved ones and what gives our lives meaning. Review by Laurence Green