This was a page opened in 2001 by a person under a nickname, and it intends to be an easily comprehensive guide introducing Shakespeare’s all 37 plays to the people who have heard about the author but that have preconceived ideas about his plays that have stopped them to make the step. In the main page we find a welcome message that starts with the catchy phrase “don’t you think that Shakespeare is difficult and boring?” And it goes on reminding us that Shakespeare’s plays are all displaying universal topics close to us, such us friendship, love, treason, sadness, humor and the like. It has a humorous touch inviting you to read “Romeo and Juliet” if you are looking for answers in your love live or to read “Hamlet” if you are lost and do not know which should be your next step. The image of the forest is a symbol of the playwright world, a place where the reader should dare to get lost and discover all the different characters and stories of Shakespeare.
As for the structure of the website, there are 6 links at the top of the page that are, from left to right: PLAYS INTRO (all plays quotations are based on one of the official translators of the playwright into Japanese: Yushi Odashima) , BULLETIN BOARD (a web log), RECOMMENDED EDITIONS, RECOMMENDED MOVIES, RANKING and LINKS (a web ring). Interestingly, to confirms the impression of Shakespeare’s image overseas, it might be interesting to note that on the ranking link (where any visitor can make his/her vote), the most voted play is “Hamlet”, followed by “Romeo and Juliet” and then by “Midsummer Night’s Dream”.
This page seems to have been elaborated by a single author, and not by a professional or official organization. The impression we get is that of a person who has studied Shakespeare for years and who is making a great effort to convey the British author’s greatness to as many new and potential readers as possible, so that people who have never had the chance to read him can use the opportunity to awake their interest. Within the plays introduction section there is an easy to understand summary plot of each of one。The structure of this website is also very transparent and logic, making the surfing an easy task for the internet beginners too.