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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.

U-BU-SU-NA

Theatre & Stage

U-BU-SU-NA

Choreographed by Kujirai Kentaro Snowstorms, isolation, and the icy bite of winter permeate the world of U-BU-SU-NA, a very old word meaning ‘the mystical divine power that protects the land and those who live there’, and the title of this piece presented by butoh dancer and choreographer Kujirai Kentaro. Review by Alice Baldock

One Small Step

Theatre & Stage

One Small Step

Written and directed by Kato Takuya A sci-fi work set in near-future Japan exploring the ethics and gender politics of human colonisation in space. Review by Michael Tsang

Spirited Away (Play)

Theatre & Stage

Spirited Away (Play)

Adapted by John Caird Studio Ghibli’s Oscar-winning Spirited Away is imagined for the stage by Olivier and Tony award-winning director of Les Misérables, John Caird. Review by Michael Tsang

On an Endless Road: Ito Noe and the Women Composers of her Time

Theatre & Stage

On an Endless Road: Ito Noe and the Women Composers of her Time

By Francesca Le Lohé An exploration of the female composers active in Japan during the life of Ito Noe, a feminist figure of the Meiji era whose story remains untold. Review by Cameron Bassindale

Sputnik Sweetheart (Play)

Theatre & Stage

Sputnik Sweetheart (Play)

Directed by Melly Still The latest stage adaptation of Murakami Haruki’s novel Sputnik Sweetheart demonstrates the malleable power of the theatre as a storytelling medium. Review by Michael Tsang

The Garden of Words

Theatre & Stage

The Garden of Words

Whole Hog Theatre in association with Park Theatre Based on the stereotype-defying anime and novel from world-renowned filmmaker Shinkai Makoto, The Garden of Words presents a refreshing and original take on the story of the serendipitous encounter between two social misfits. Review by Laurence Green

Yoshioka Nao at The Jazz Cafe

Theatre & Stage

Yoshioka Nao at The Jazz Cafe

Yoshioka Nao’s latest performance at The Jazz Cafe was active and embodied and coupled with her powerful vocals, brought the music to life and left a lasting impact on the audience. Review by Jasmin Lau

Tristan and Isolde

Theatre & Stage

Tristan and Isolde

Coreographed by Teshigawara Saburo In Teshigawara Saburo’s reimagination of Wagner’s 'Tristan and Isolde', our lovers are never quite touching. The story behind the duet between KARAS dancers is of two lovers who should not be together, but who fall recklessly in love after imbibing a love potion. Review by Alice Baldock

Heaven by Mieko Kawakami: Live

Theatre & Stage

Heaven by Mieko Kawakami: Live

Staged by Jack McNamara An immersive reading performance of Mieko Kawakami's new novel, "Heaven", a work about bullying, what it means to bully, and to be bullied. Review by Laurence Green

Yosuga

Theatre & Stage

Yosuga

By Kaneko Ayano Yosuga is the 6th full-length album from Kaneko Ayano, one of Japan’s best kept musical secrets. Since 2014, Kaneko has released a body of work which charts her considerable progress as a musician. Review by Cameron Bassindale