Blue Bamboo
By Dazai Osamu This collection of short stories, released recently through the still relatively young Kurodhahan Press, can be seen as a quaint but pleasant divergence from the narrative and themes that fans of Dazai will [...] Review by Chris Corker
See You Tomorrow, Everyone
Directed by Yoshihiro Nakamura The movie begins with a newsreel about the ‘Projects,’ a housing estate where people can live, work, shop and go to school without ever leaving the local area. Happy families and housewives are shown living and [...] Review by Mike Sullivan
YoKOYA Launch Party
On Monday 7 October 2013, YoKOYA restaurant staged a launch party to announce to London that a new kind of Japanese restaurant had arrived. It is located near Camden and Mornington Crescent tube [...] Review by Mike Sullivan
Haruka Abe – Interview with an Actress
Mike Sullivan interviews Haruka Abe on her life and work Interview by Mike Sullivan
Japan Matsuri 2013
The 2013 Japan Matsuri was held in Trafalgar Square, its second year at the world famous venue. The annual event brings the Japanese community and Londoners together to enjoy [...] Review by Sean Curtin
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
The Woodsman and the Rain
Directed and written by Shuichi Okita In The Woodsman and the Rain the interaction of a film crew and the inhabitants of a small village are shown through the eyes of a widowed lumberjack and a young director. Review by Mike Sullivan
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
An Interview with Taro Hakase about his new album JAPONISM
Mike Sullivan catches up with Taro Hakase on his world tour and discusses his dual love of London and Japan. Interview by Mike Sullivan