Book Launch and Talk by Dorothy Britton

To mark the publication of Dorothy Britton’s Rhythms, Rites and Rituals: my life in Japan in two-step and waltz time, the Japan Society is holding a special book launch with a talk by the author. Sir David Warren, the Japan Society Chairman, will chair the event and will also speak about Dorothy’s life, achievements and her contributions to Anglo-Japanese understanding.

Having survived the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, when she was 16 months old, Dorothy Britton went on to lead a life of extraordinary variety, working as a composer, musician, writer, poet, radio and television presenter, postal censor and translator. Bilingual from birth, she found the immense joy of blending in with people of different cultures, and this is the remarkable and remarkably frank story of a life lived to the full by the doyenne of British residents in Japan.

Amusing episodes and stories of fascinating people and relationships abound in the book, as do valuable insights into topics such as the post-war Occupation and its impact on everyday life, the role of women, learning Japanese, marriage customs, food and many other aspects of Japanese culture and society. Dorothy was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2010 for her highly regarded contributions to bridging two cultures, and this long awaited memoir will be widely welcomed.

Rhythms, Rites and Rituals: my life in Japan in two-step and waltz-time is published by Renaissance Books, and will be available for £10 on the night – a nearly 40% discount on its retail price of £16.50. You can read Sir Hugh Cortazzi’s review of Rhythms, Rites and Rituals here.

Please note that Oriental Club rules require gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie

To reserve your place, please call the Japan Society office on 020 3075 1996 or email events@japansociety.org.uk or submit the online booking form.