Event Type: Branch

Takes Place: 30th January 2026

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Lecture theatre, Reading School, Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LW (cars enter through Erleigh Rd entrance - contact Chris Sexton for the gate code)

Description: This paper will look at why the relationship between Britain and Japan that had developed during the years of the alliance (1902-1922) began to unravel during the 1920s and 1930s. It will do this through looking at the evolution of the interactions between the British and Japanese government and peoples in the political, economic and cultural spheres. It will thus demonstrate that these years witnessed a growing divide, in which alienation took place over a whole range of activities.

How to book: Branch suppers precede each lecture from 6pm (cost £20 per person) and are held in the school’s refectory.

Price: HA members, students and school pupils free. Non-members visitors £3. Associate branch membership £10 per annum.

Tel: 01344 779321 or 07957 184342

Email: sexton44@gmail.com

Organiser: Chris Sexton

Lecturer: Professor Anthony Best (London School of Economics and Political Science)

Region: South-East England

Branch: Reading