Slurp! A Social and Culinary History of Ramen – Japan’s Favorite Noodle Soup
By Barak Kushner In delving into the history of ramen Kushner throws light on many interesting aspects of Japanese social and political history as well as on Japan’s lengthy and complex relationship with China. Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Out of Silence: A Pianist’s Yearbook
By Susan Tomes Out of Silence traces a year in the life of a classical pianist in the form of a blog. Each entry develops a theme that has inspired the author's interpretation of [...] Review by Lisa Ueda
My Father in his Suitcase, In search of E.J.H.Corner the Relentless Botanist
By John K.Corner Professor Corner was ‘one of the most colourful and productive biologists and mycologists of the 20th century.’ In 1929 he became assistant director of [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Across the Three Pagodas Pass: The Story of the Thai-Burma Railway
By Yoshihiko Futamatsu Primarily the book provides an account of his wartime experiences, a personal story of hardship, illness and disappointment over failed attempts at repatriation. The author is [...] Review by Ian Nish
The Winter Sun Shines In, A Life of Masaoka Shiki
By Professor Donald Keene This latest book describes the life and works of one of the most significant poets of the Meiji period, when Japanese literature in response to the revolutionary changes [...] Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Yamamoto Isoroku: Leadership, Strategy, Conflict
By Mark Stille This slim volume provides an introduction to the life and strategy of one of the leading Japanese naval commanders in the Pacific War: Isoroku Yamamoto. Review by Sir Hugh Cortazzi
Schoolgirl
By Osamu Dazai Schoolgirl was the first of Dazai’s published works, and gained him national acclaim. The novella is set in Tokyo during the Second World War, a time of [...] Review by Chris Corker
Across A Bridge of Dreams
By Lesley Downer This book centres on the story of Saigo Takamori, one of the most romanticised and pivotall samurai of the 19th century, who also provided a model for [...] Review by Christopher Searle
Clouds above the Hill
By Shiba Ryōtarō This book, considered to be the author's most popular work, centres on the lives of two brothers, Akiyama Yoshifuru and Akiyama Saneyuki, and their friend, the poet [...] Review by Mark Headley
1Q84
By Haruki Murakami On her way to kill a man in a Shibuya hotel, Aomame is forced to take a shortcut from the bridge, climbing down a ladder. After the man is dead, Aomame begins to notice subtle differences [...] Review by Chris Corker