The Japan Society Review
The Japan Society Review is published on a bimonthly 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.
Events
Exhibition - The Kimono in Print: 300 Years of Japanese DesignThis exhibition focuses primarily on how kimonos reflected major socio-economic shifts in the Edo period (1603-1868), a time which witnessed a rapidly changing consumerist culture in Japan. Review by Fiona Collins
Events
Exhibition - Kimono: Kyoto to CatwalkA major new exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum celebrates the kimono’s elegant history. It also displays its dynamic renaissance, through works by modern designers, such Alexander McQueen, John Gallianio and Rei Kawakubo. Review by Duncan Bartlett
Events
The Citi Exhibition Manga マンガAt the British Museum Manga is a visual narrative art form that has become a multimedia global phenomenon, telling stories with themes from gender to adventure, in real or imagined worlds. Review by Malene Wagner
Events
An Interview with filmmaker and writer Kawamura GenkiMorgane Chinal-Dargent interviews Kawamura Genki, the talented writer behind If Cats Disappeared From The World and Japan’s leading producer behind Your Name on being a storyteller and seeking your own story. Interview by Morgane Chinal-Dargent
Events
ShapeshifterBy Yamashiro Chikako The forced cohabitation with American forces, very unwelcomed by the Okinawans, is the main preoccupation of Yamashiro Chikako’s work, on show under the title of Shapeshifter at White Rainbow’s non-profit [...] Review by Silvia Caso
Events
Japanese TaikoPerformed by Joji Hirota & The London Taiko Drummers Going by the music displayed here, the years of discipline have definitely paid off. Hirota and his team capture a real depth of sound that, for all its natural percussiveness, never feels like it’s pounding its way [...] Review by Laurence Green
Events
Kero Kero Bonito: Lily Allen Meets J-PopKero Kero Bonito are a quirky three piece from London producing exciting alternative dance music. What immediately sets this group apart is the heavy influence of kawaii J-Pop in their otherwise avowedly [...] Review by Annabelle Sami
Events
Hamlet and JapanHamlet and Japan was an ambitious attempt to cover aspects of Shakespeare’s extensive history in Japan through talks, music and performances all in the space of a few hours. Review by Susan Meehan
Events
Cosmic Birds at IDFB 2016By Ito Shun Cosmic Birds comprised twenty mechanical assemblages dancing in the ghostly offices and spaces of the old Municipal Bank located in the very heart of Birmingham. The site of the show contributed to the [...] Review by Dominika Mackiewicz
Events
The Brick Lane Japan Film Festival: Kamikaze GirlsDirected by Tetsuya Nakashima This film festival of independent Japanese cinema, run from a small gallery space on Brick Lane, is a great example of how a group of friends can get together and produce a vibrant, successful cultural event. Review by Annabelle Sami