6 December 2013
Dr Sharon Kinsella of the University of Manchester launches her new book ‘Schoolgirls, Money and Rebellion in Japan’ at Daiwa Foundation Japan House. Weaving through topics such as compensated dating (enjo kōsai), street fashion and nineteenth century black and white minstrelsy, Dr Kinsella analyses the cult of schoolgirls in contemporary Japan.
More info13 September 2013
Dr David McNeill, one of the authors of ‘Strong in the Rain’ (co-authored with ‘Time’ magazine’s Tokyo correspondent Lucy Birmingham), spoke at the Daiwa Foundation about his book. The book tells the story of the March 11 2011 triple disaster and its aftermath through the eyes of six people Their stories illustrate the extraordinary bravery and heroism of ordinary Japanese people during the nation’s worst post-war disaster, but also some of Japan’s deep-rooted structural problems. Despite the enormous problems facing the country’s northeast, however, the book is ultimately positive and hopeful that the 2011 tragedy offers a new way forward.
More info25 September 2013
Economist Andrew Smithers launched his new book ‘The Road to Recovery – How and Why Economic Policy Must Change’ at the Daiwa Foundation, giving a talk followed by Q and A and a book signing. His book addresses the issue of the world economy which still underperforms despite massive attempts at stimulus. Governments and central banks have the wrong policies because they do not understand today’s problems. Those who advocate stimulus, whether fiscal or monetary, assume that the problems are cyclical and thus temporary. But recovery in Japan, the UK and the US is inhibited by structural problems, which will not be solved by trying to boost demand.
More info19 March 2013
‘Washi: The Art of Japanese Paper’ celebrates both the rich history of washi and the stunning variety that exists within the washi universe. The book features images and descriptions of over one hundred pieces from two collections: the portion of the nineteenth century Parkes Collection held in the Economic Botany Collection at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the twenty-first century Washi: The Soul of Japan collection.
More info26 March 2013
With Japan’s working population greying and dwindling, supplementing the labour shortage with non-Japanese workers has been proposed as one solution to this demographic crisis. It is crucial, however, that foreign nationals not only be “imported,” but also that Japanese and non-Japanese can coexist comfortably and thrive together. Interviewees reveal the extent that they feel accepted within Japanese society as well as what can be done by both Japanese and non-Japanese to strengthen the inclusion of foreign nationals.
More info5 March 2013
In ‘Painting Nature for the Nation: Taki Katei and the Transformation of Sinophile Culture in Meiji Japan’, Dr Rosina Buckland offers an account of the painter Taki Katei (1830–1901). Despite becoming one of the most successful painters of his generation, a founding member of the prominent Japan Art Association and recipient of the title Imperial Household Artist, Katei has been relatively neglected, due to political and art historical biases of the post-WW2 era.
More info5 February 2013
In her book, ‘Factional Politics: How Dominant Parties Implode or Stabilize’ a survey of the British Conservative Party, the Liberal Party of Canada, the Christian Democratic Party of Italy and the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, Dr Françoise Boucek explores the paradox of and the potential dangers of factional politics for dominant political parties. She intoduced her book and discussed its themes with Professor Kensuke Takayasu(discussant).
More info13 December 2012
The editor will introduce this book, which is account of the 1582 Japanese Embassy to Europe. This book is an account of the travels of these four Japanese pioneers, their long journeys and their 20 months in Europe being received by popes and kings.The present edition is the first complete version of this rich, complex and impressive work to appear in English
More info29 November 2012
After becoming President of Olympus, Michael Woodford became aware of some large unexplained payments the company had made in relation to overseas acquisitions. He kicked up a fuss, only to be dismissed by the company’s board. He had stumbled on one of Japan’s largest loss-hiding schemes. This scandal led to the arrest of seven Olympus executives. Woodford introduced his new book, giving us the inside story.
More info16 November 2012
Professor Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere discussed her book ‘Vessels of Influence,’ which examines in depth the role of Chinese ceramics in Japan, also delveing into the meaning, motivation for, and rapid development of Japanese porcelain from many angles, including archaeology, heirloom and documentary evidence.
More info
