A strange story that could not have been written by anyone else other than Mishima. A group of five teenagers raised in solidly middle class families form a gang joined by a sense of nihilistic discontent […]
BOOK & FILMS
The Sound of Waves by Yukio Mishima
A simple love story between two virginal souls on an island not touched by the corrupting influences of modern life and ideas. Their experience of love is not written over and overladen with ideas of […]
In Praise of Shadows by Junichiro Tanizaki
After reading Snow Country by Yasunari Kawabata, I wanted to learn more about Japanese aesthetics and the inspiration for Kawabata’s writing technique. In Praise of Shadows by renownede Japanese writer Junichiro Tanizaki elaborates on Japanese […]
Five Films for Winter that are not “Frozen”
The Mars rover confirmed that parts of Canada are colder than mars right now. Don’t believe me? Checkout this link:(https://www.mtlblog.com/news/weather/parts-of-canada-are-colder-than-mars-right-now/). In films, however, winter is more fun, even beautiful. One of the most romantic stories […]
Eating, a ritual—‘Bao’ by Domee Shi, wins Best Animated Short at Oscars
I love food. Dim sum, sushi, shawarma…the list goes on. There is something personal yet inclusive about enjoying of good food. The act of eating creates a sense of connection, and that aspect of food […]
Masturbating in a Box as Metaphor: Thoughts on The Box Man by Kōbō Abe
Like the setting of Beckett plays, Kōbō Abe sets his entire novel in an unknown town. A nameless character in a box narrates the whole book–a “Box Man”, who shed his identity in society and […]
The Samurai by Shusaku Endo: Japanese Literature Book Review
The novel is set in the 17th century and follows a four-year journey made by a group of low-ranking samurai (and retainers) sent on a diplomatic mission by a faction of the Japanese government to […]
The Temple of the Golden Pavilion by Yukio Mishima : Japanese Literature Book Review
An infinitely interesting investigation into the great question beauty. This first time around, I could not recognize if Mishima enounciated a coherent theory of aesthetics or if what was written was a confused collection of […]
Snow Country by Yasunari Kawabata
Snow Country starts (and ends) with Yoko, a girl with “such a beautiful voice that it struck one as sad.” Shimamura is only permitted an indirect apprehension of her through Kawabata’s window-mirror (there is an […]
Japanese Literature Book Review
TORJA’s weekly book review column seeks to present readers with ways to read Japanese literature. From contemporary works to classics, TORJA’s book reviewers, will provide readers with analyses, overviews, as well as pinpoint what one […]
Ranking
Recent
Sakura Bloomed A Little Earlier Than at High Park －Sakura Pudding from Onigiri Bar Suzume
An Interesting Okinawan Culture：Picnic at a Family Tomb
MOFU Japanese Bakery in J-Town
Who Wants to Try Sweet and Savoy Inari Sushi from Sushimi Toronto?
Sake – Steamed Leek Recipe
-Support Local! East Van Jam-
A Café You Can Have Japanese Dorayaki and Quality Coffee ｜ Ninetails Coffee Bar
Local’s favourite Vietnamese Restaurant on Commercial Dr -Lunch Lady –
A Japanese girl gets thrilled with Japanese Cosmetics and Everyday Items at Reiwatakiya 東京生活館
A Hidden Gem French Café in Vancouver -Le Marché St. George-
Japanese Style Jucy Pork Cutlet｜Mr. Tonkatsu
Authentic French Creperie Opened in Vancouver -Ça Marche Crêperie-
Where To Get Trending Drinks in Vancouver! -Yogurt Edition-
What is ‘Ddungcaron’ and why it’s popular in Japan?
One of the Best Malaysian Foods I Ever Had! – John 316 Malaysian Delight –
A Ramen Freak Tried Instant ‘Restaurant Style’ Ramen That Is Sold at FreshCo
Donut Shop in New Westminster you need to try! -Donuteria-
Art of Japan’s Plastic Fake Food Display
Outstanding French Cuisine that you need to check out in downtown Vancouver! -Tableau Bar Bistro-
Super Authentic Japanese Bento Place in Vancouver! -Manpuku Bento-
