The History of Japan in a Nutshell

The History of Japan in a Nutshell

Author: Willowby H Huxley

Publisher: Independently Published

Published: 2021-06-07

Total Pages: 50

ISBN-13:

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Without Japan, you probably wouldn't have your car... but how much do you really know about this fascinating country's rich and colorful history? For a country that's brought us household names as diverse as Nintendo, Toyota, and Sony, shockingly little is known about Japan's rich and complex history. Like many westerners, you may have a love of Japanese culture and cuisine. Perhaps you wait longingly for the latest tech developments to flood out of the country... but how much do you really know about how Japan got to be where it is today? Perhaps you learned a little about Japan in high school, but the chances are, you didn't get much further back than World War II -- have you ever wondered how it fought its way back to become the powerful country it is today? Japan is a hugely resilient country, and much of that can be attributed to its people -- which is perhaps why we're so fascinated by its pop culture, drawn to the martial arts, and captivated by the anime and manga that makes its way to the West. But behind every element of the culture we're drawn to today, there's a little piece of history... think about ninja and martial arts -- clearly these are skills with deep historic roots. And if you know anything about the Samurai, you already have a tiny piece of the puzzle. But that puzzle is much more complex that you probably realize, and to understand Japan, you need to understand its history -- starting right back at the paleolithic period. In The History of Japan in a Nutshell, you'll be guided through the most important timelines in Japan's history -- from 35,000 BC right through to the present day. You'll discover: The complete story of the emergence of one of the world's most resilient nations A deeper understanding of the Samurai and their place within the class structure The wars that shaped Japan How Buddhism arrived in Japan (and how it spread after a shaky start) A closer look at feudal Japan The most influential families in Japanese history The real story behind the ninja (the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles may be fictional, but they draw on legends based on real medieval traditions) Japan's heroic struggle free from the power of the West A comprehensive look at how Japan rose to economic power in Asia The devastating effects of World War II -- and how Japan clawed its way back to strength The fascinating story behind Japan's popular name, 'The Land of the Rising Sun' The dark history behind the famous 'Rabbit Island' Fun facts about Japan -- from earthquakes to fake food, and everything in between Key cultural details you'll definitely want to know if you plan to visit Japan (including the one innocent thing that might have connotations with a criminal underworld) And much more. Whether you're a self-confessed Japanophile, or you simply want to enrich your knowledge, The History of Japan in a Nutshell will open your eyes to one of the most complex national histories in the world. Everything we love about Japan was born out of a rich and nuanced past -- and it's all here, just waiting to be soaked up. If you're ready to broaden your horizons and truly see The Land of The Rising Sun, then scroll up and click "Add to Cart" right now.


Book Synopsis The History of Japan in a Nutshell by : Willowby H Huxley

Download or read book The History of Japan in a Nutshell written by Willowby H Huxley and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2021-06-07 with total page 50 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Without Japan, you probably wouldn't have your car... but how much do you really know about this fascinating country's rich and colorful history? For a country that's brought us household names as diverse as Nintendo, Toyota, and Sony, shockingly little is known about Japan's rich and complex history. Like many westerners, you may have a love of Japanese culture and cuisine. Perhaps you wait longingly for the latest tech developments to flood out of the country... but how much do you really know about how Japan got to be where it is today? Perhaps you learned a little about Japan in high school, but the chances are, you didn't get much further back than World War II -- have you ever wondered how it fought its way back to become the powerful country it is today? Japan is a hugely resilient country, and much of that can be attributed to its people -- which is perhaps why we're so fascinated by its pop culture, drawn to the martial arts, and captivated by the anime and manga that makes its way to the West. But behind every element of the culture we're drawn to today, there's a little piece of history... think about ninja and martial arts -- clearly these are skills with deep historic roots. And if you know anything about the Samurai, you already have a tiny piece of the puzzle. But that puzzle is much more complex that you probably realize, and to understand Japan, you need to understand its history -- starting right back at the paleolithic period. In The History of Japan in a Nutshell, you'll be guided through the most important timelines in Japan's history -- from 35,000 BC right through to the present day. You'll discover: The complete story of the emergence of one of the world's most resilient nations A deeper understanding of the Samurai and their place within the class structure The wars that shaped Japan How Buddhism arrived in Japan (and how it spread after a shaky start) A closer look at feudal Japan The most influential families in Japanese history The real story behind the ninja (the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles may be fictional, but they draw on legends based on real medieval traditions) Japan's heroic struggle free from the power of the West A comprehensive look at how Japan rose to economic power in Asia The devastating effects of World War II -- and how Japan clawed its way back to strength The fascinating story behind Japan's popular name, 'The Land of the Rising Sun' The dark history behind the famous 'Rabbit Island' Fun facts about Japan -- from earthquakes to fake food, and everything in between Key cultural details you'll definitely want to know if you plan to visit Japan (including the one innocent thing that might have connotations with a criminal underworld) And much more. Whether you're a self-confessed Japanophile, or you simply want to enrich your knowledge, The History of Japan in a Nutshell will open your eyes to one of the most complex national histories in the world. Everything we love about Japan was born out of a rich and nuanced past -- and it's all here, just waiting to be soaked up. If you're ready to broaden your horizons and truly see The Land of The Rising Sun, then scroll up and click "Add to Cart" right now.

The History of Japan in a Nutshell: From the Prehistoric Period to Modern Day

The History of Japan in a Nutshell: From the Prehistoric Period to Modern Day

Author: Willowby Huxley

Publisher:

Published: 2021-06-07

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781778173028

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Without Japan, you probably wouldn't have your car... but how much do you really know about this fascinating country's rich and colorful history? For a country that's brought us household names as diverse as Nintendo, Toyota, and Sony, shockingly little is known about Japan's rich and complex history. Like many westerners, you may have a love of Japanese culture and cuisine. Perhaps you wait longingly for the latest tech developments to flood out of the country... but how much do you really know about how Japan got to be where it is today? Perhaps you learned a little about Japan in high school, but the chances are, you didn't get much further back than World War II -- have you ever wondered how it fought its way back to become the powerful country it is today? Japan is a hugely resilient country, and much of that can be attributed to its people -- which is perhaps why we're so fascinated by its pop culture, drawn to the martial arts, and captivated by the anime and manga that makes its way to the West. But behind every element of the culture, we're drawn to today, there's a little piece of history... think about ninja and martial arts -- clearly, these are skills with deep historic roots. And if you know anything about the Samurai, you already have a tiny piece of the puzzle. But that puzzle is much more complex than you probably realize, and to understand Japan, you need to understand its history -- starting right back at the paleolithic period. In The History of Japan in a Nutshell, you'll be guided through the most important timelines in Japan's history -- from 35,000 BC right through to the present day. You'll discover: The complete story of the emergence of one of the world's most resilient nations A deeper understanding of the Samurai and their place within the class structure The wars that shaped Japan How Buddhism arrived in Japan (and how it spread after a shaky start) A closer look at feudal Japan The most influential families in Japanese history The real story behind the ninja (the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles may be fictional, but they draw on legends based on real medieval traditions) Japan's heroic struggle free from the power of the West A comprehensive look at how Japan rose to economic power in Asia The devastating effects of World War II -- and how Japan clawed its way back to strength The fascinating story behind Japan's popular name, 'The Land of the Rising Sun' The dark history behind the famous 'Rabbit Island' Fun facts about Japan -- from earthquakes to fake food, and everything in between Key cultural details you'll definitely want to know if you plan to visit Japan (including the one innocent thing that might have connotations with a criminal underworld) And much more. Whether you're a self-confessed Japanophile, or you simply want to enrich your knowledge, The History of Japan in a Nutshell will open your eyes to one of the most complex national histories in the world. Everything we love about Japan was born out of a rich and nuanced past -- and it's all here, just waiting to be soaked up. If you're ready to broaden your horizons and truly see The Land of The Rising Sun, then scroll up and click "Add to Cart" right now.


Book Synopsis The History of Japan in a Nutshell: From the Prehistoric Period to Modern Day by : Willowby Huxley

Download or read book The History of Japan in a Nutshell: From the Prehistoric Period to Modern Day written by Willowby Huxley and published by . This book was released on 2021-06-07 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Without Japan, you probably wouldn't have your car... but how much do you really know about this fascinating country's rich and colorful history? For a country that's brought us household names as diverse as Nintendo, Toyota, and Sony, shockingly little is known about Japan's rich and complex history. Like many westerners, you may have a love of Japanese culture and cuisine. Perhaps you wait longingly for the latest tech developments to flood out of the country... but how much do you really know about how Japan got to be where it is today? Perhaps you learned a little about Japan in high school, but the chances are, you didn't get much further back than World War II -- have you ever wondered how it fought its way back to become the powerful country it is today? Japan is a hugely resilient country, and much of that can be attributed to its people -- which is perhaps why we're so fascinated by its pop culture, drawn to the martial arts, and captivated by the anime and manga that makes its way to the West. But behind every element of the culture, we're drawn to today, there's a little piece of history... think about ninja and martial arts -- clearly, these are skills with deep historic roots. And if you know anything about the Samurai, you already have a tiny piece of the puzzle. But that puzzle is much more complex than you probably realize, and to understand Japan, you need to understand its history -- starting right back at the paleolithic period. In The History of Japan in a Nutshell, you'll be guided through the most important timelines in Japan's history -- from 35,000 BC right through to the present day. You'll discover: The complete story of the emergence of one of the world's most resilient nations A deeper understanding of the Samurai and their place within the class structure The wars that shaped Japan How Buddhism arrived in Japan (and how it spread after a shaky start) A closer look at feudal Japan The most influential families in Japanese history The real story behind the ninja (the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles may be fictional, but they draw on legends based on real medieval traditions) Japan's heroic struggle free from the power of the West A comprehensive look at how Japan rose to economic power in Asia The devastating effects of World War II -- and how Japan clawed its way back to strength The fascinating story behind Japan's popular name, 'The Land of the Rising Sun' The dark history behind the famous 'Rabbit Island' Fun facts about Japan -- from earthquakes to fake food, and everything in between Key cultural details you'll definitely want to know if you plan to visit Japan (including the one innocent thing that might have connotations with a criminal underworld) And much more. Whether you're a self-confessed Japanophile, or you simply want to enrich your knowledge, The History of Japan in a Nutshell will open your eyes to one of the most complex national histories in the world. Everything we love about Japan was born out of a rich and nuanced past -- and it's all here, just waiting to be soaked up. If you're ready to broaden your horizons and truly see The Land of The Rising Sun, then scroll up and click "Add to Cart" right now.

Brief History of Japan

Brief History of Japan

Author: Jonathan Clements

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Published: 2017-08-01

Total Pages: 326

ISBN-13: 1462919340

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This fascinating history tells the story of the people of Japan, from ancient teenage priest-queens to teeming hordes of salarymen, a nation that once sought to conquer China, yet also shut itself away for two centuries in self-imposed seclusion. First revealed to Westerners in the chronicles of Marco Polo, Japan was a legendary faraway land defended by a fearsome Kamikaze storm and ruled by a divine sovereign. It was the terminus of the Silk Road, the furthest end of the known world, a fertile source of inspiration for European artists, and an enduring symbol of the mysterious East. In recent times, it has become a powerhouse of global industry, a nexus of popular culture, and a harbinger of post-industrial decline. With intelligence and wit, author Jonathan Clements blends documentary and storytelling styles to connect the past, present and future of Japan, and in broad yet detailed strokes reveals a country of paradoxes: a modern nation steeped in ancient traditions; a democracy with an emperor as head of state; a famously safe society built on 108 volcanoes resting on the world's most active earthquake zone; a fast-paced urban and technologically advanced country whose land consists predominantly of mountains and forests. Among the chapters in this Japanese history book are: The Way of the Gods: Prehistoric and Mythical Japan A Game of Thrones: Minamoto vs. Taira Time Warp: 200 Years of Isolation The Stench of Butter: Restoration and Modernization The New Breed: The Japanese Miracle


Book Synopsis Brief History of Japan by : Jonathan Clements

Download or read book Brief History of Japan written by Jonathan Clements and published by Tuttle Publishing. This book was released on 2017-08-01 with total page 326 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This fascinating history tells the story of the people of Japan, from ancient teenage priest-queens to teeming hordes of salarymen, a nation that once sought to conquer China, yet also shut itself away for two centuries in self-imposed seclusion. First revealed to Westerners in the chronicles of Marco Polo, Japan was a legendary faraway land defended by a fearsome Kamikaze storm and ruled by a divine sovereign. It was the terminus of the Silk Road, the furthest end of the known world, a fertile source of inspiration for European artists, and an enduring symbol of the mysterious East. In recent times, it has become a powerhouse of global industry, a nexus of popular culture, and a harbinger of post-industrial decline. With intelligence and wit, author Jonathan Clements blends documentary and storytelling styles to connect the past, present and future of Japan, and in broad yet detailed strokes reveals a country of paradoxes: a modern nation steeped in ancient traditions; a democracy with an emperor as head of state; a famously safe society built on 108 volcanoes resting on the world's most active earthquake zone; a fast-paced urban and technologically advanced country whose land consists predominantly of mountains and forests. Among the chapters in this Japanese history book are: The Way of the Gods: Prehistoric and Mythical Japan A Game of Thrones: Minamoto vs. Taira Time Warp: 200 Years of Isolation The Stench of Butter: Restoration and Modernization The New Breed: The Japanese Miracle

A History of Japan

A History of Japan

Author: Richard Henry Pitt Mason

Publisher:

Published: 1973

Total Pages: 334

ISBN-13: 9784805303498

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Book Synopsis A History of Japan by : Richard Henry Pitt Mason

Download or read book A History of Japan written by Richard Henry Pitt Mason and published by . This book was released on 1973 with total page 334 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

History of Japan

History of Japan

Author: Conrad Totman

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Published: 2000-05-26

Total Pages: 656

ISBN-13: 9781557860767

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This authoritative and accessible book charts the history of Japan from c.8000 bc to the 1990s.


Book Synopsis History of Japan by : Conrad Totman

Download or read book History of Japan written by Conrad Totman and published by Wiley-Blackwell. This book was released on 2000-05-26 with total page 656 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This authoritative and accessible book charts the history of Japan from c.8000 bc to the 1990s.

A History of Japan

A History of Japan

Author: Kenneth Henshall

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2012-04-17

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 0230346626

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Japan's impact on the modern world has been enormous. It occupies just one 300th of the planet's land area, yet came to wield one sixth of the world's economic power. Just 150 years ago it was an obscure land of paddy fields and feudal despots. Within 50 years it became a major imperial power – it's so-called 'First Miracle'. After defeat in the Second World War, when Japan came close to annihilation, within 25 years it recovered remarkably to become the world's third biggest economy – it's 'Second Miracle'. It is now not only an economic superpower, but also a technological and cultural superpower. True miracles have no explanation: Japan's 'miracles' do. The nation's success lies in deeply ingrained historical values, such as a pragmatic determination to succeed. The world can learn much from Japan, and its story is told in these pages. Covering the full sweep of Japanese history, from ancient to contemporary, this book explores Japan's enormous impact on the modern world, and how vital it is to examine the past and culture of the country in order to full understand its achievements and responses. Now in its third edition, this book is usefully updated and revised.


Book Synopsis A History of Japan by : Kenneth Henshall

Download or read book A History of Japan written by Kenneth Henshall and published by Springer. This book was released on 2012-04-17 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Japan's impact on the modern world has been enormous. It occupies just one 300th of the planet's land area, yet came to wield one sixth of the world's economic power. Just 150 years ago it was an obscure land of paddy fields and feudal despots. Within 50 years it became a major imperial power – it's so-called 'First Miracle'. After defeat in the Second World War, when Japan came close to annihilation, within 25 years it recovered remarkably to become the world's third biggest economy – it's 'Second Miracle'. It is now not only an economic superpower, but also a technological and cultural superpower. True miracles have no explanation: Japan's 'miracles' do. The nation's success lies in deeply ingrained historical values, such as a pragmatic determination to succeed. The world can learn much from Japan, and its story is told in these pages. Covering the full sweep of Japanese history, from ancient to contemporary, this book explores Japan's enormous impact on the modern world, and how vital it is to examine the past and culture of the country in order to full understand its achievements and responses. Now in its third edition, this book is usefully updated and revised.

A Concise History of Japan

A Concise History of Japan

Author: Brett L. Walker

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2015-02-26

Total Pages: 365

ISBN-13: 1316239691

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To this day, Japan's modern ascendancy challenges many assumptions about world history, particularly theories regarding the rise of the west and why the modern world looks the way it does. In this engaging new history, Brett L. Walker tackles key themes regarding Japan's relationships with its minorities, state and economic development, and the uses of science and medicine. The book begins by tracing the country's early history through archaeological remains, before proceeding to explore life in the imperial court, the rise of the samurai, civil conflict, encounters with Europe, and the advent of modernity and empire. Integrating the pageantry of a unique nation's history with today's environmental concerns, Walker's vibrant and accessible new narrative then follows Japan's ascension from the ashes of World War II into the thriving nation of today. It is a history for our times, posing important questions regarding how we should situate a nation's history in an age of environmental and climatological uncertainties.


Book Synopsis A Concise History of Japan by : Brett L. Walker

Download or read book A Concise History of Japan written by Brett L. Walker and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2015-02-26 with total page 365 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: To this day, Japan's modern ascendancy challenges many assumptions about world history, particularly theories regarding the rise of the west and why the modern world looks the way it does. In this engaging new history, Brett L. Walker tackles key themes regarding Japan's relationships with its minorities, state and economic development, and the uses of science and medicine. The book begins by tracing the country's early history through archaeological remains, before proceeding to explore life in the imperial court, the rise of the samurai, civil conflict, encounters with Europe, and the advent of modernity and empire. Integrating the pageantry of a unique nation's history with today's environmental concerns, Walker's vibrant and accessible new narrative then follows Japan's ascension from the ashes of World War II into the thriving nation of today. It is a history for our times, posing important questions regarding how we should situate a nation's history in an age of environmental and climatological uncertainties.

The Japanese

The Japanese

Author: Christopher Harding

Publisher: Penguin UK

Published: 2020-11-05

Total Pages: 346

ISBN-13: 0141992298

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A SUNDAY TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020 'Mightily impressive ... a marvellous read' Sunday Times From the acclaimed author of Japan Story, this is the history of Japan, distilled into the stories of twenty remarkable individuals. The vivid and entertaining portraits in Chris Harding's enormously enjoyable new book take the reader from the earliest written accounts of Japan right through to the life of the current empress, Masako. We encounter shamans and warlords, poets and revolutionaries, scientists, artists and adventurers - each offering insights of their own into this extraordinary place. For anyone new to Japan, this book is the ideal introduction. For anyone already deeply involved with it, this is a book filled with surprises and pleasures.


Book Synopsis The Japanese by : Christopher Harding

Download or read book The Japanese written by Christopher Harding and published by Penguin UK. This book was released on 2020-11-05 with total page 346 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A SUNDAY TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020 'Mightily impressive ... a marvellous read' Sunday Times From the acclaimed author of Japan Story, this is the history of Japan, distilled into the stories of twenty remarkable individuals. The vivid and entertaining portraits in Chris Harding's enormously enjoyable new book take the reader from the earliest written accounts of Japan right through to the life of the current empress, Masako. We encounter shamans and warlords, poets and revolutionaries, scientists, artists and adventurers - each offering insights of their own into this extraordinary place. For anyone new to Japan, this book is the ideal introduction. For anyone already deeply involved with it, this is a book filled with surprises and pleasures.

Encyclopedia of Japan

Encyclopedia of Japan

Author: Dorothy Perkins

Publisher: New York : Facts on File

Published: 1991

Total Pages: 424

ISBN-13:

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Less comprehensive and more popularly written than the nine-volume Kodansha Encyclopedia of Japan ( LJ 1/84), this single-volume work is nevertheless a valuable reference source. It is extremely current, including entries on such recent topics as the Recruit political scandal and current prime minister Kaifu Toshiki. While the articles in the Kodansha Encyclopedia are written by experts in the field and provide bibliographic references with nearly all of the entries, the present work is authored entirely by Perkins, whom the publisher identifies as ``an educator specializing in Buddhism and Japanese culture,'' and has only a general bibliography at the end. For its more comprehensive treatment, especially of historical topics and traditional culture, the Kodansha remains a standard source, but for its currency and value as a ready reference tool the Perkins volume will be a useful acquisition for most libraries as well. Its single-volume format and lower cost make it an excellent acquisition for smaller libraries.-- Scott Wright, Univ. of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minn. - Library Journal.


Book Synopsis Encyclopedia of Japan by : Dorothy Perkins

Download or read book Encyclopedia of Japan written by Dorothy Perkins and published by New York : Facts on File. This book was released on 1991 with total page 424 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Less comprehensive and more popularly written than the nine-volume Kodansha Encyclopedia of Japan ( LJ 1/84), this single-volume work is nevertheless a valuable reference source. It is extremely current, including entries on such recent topics as the Recruit political scandal and current prime minister Kaifu Toshiki. While the articles in the Kodansha Encyclopedia are written by experts in the field and provide bibliographic references with nearly all of the entries, the present work is authored entirely by Perkins, whom the publisher identifies as ``an educator specializing in Buddhism and Japanese culture,'' and has only a general bibliography at the end. For its more comprehensive treatment, especially of historical topics and traditional culture, the Kodansha remains a standard source, but for its currency and value as a ready reference tool the Perkins volume will be a useful acquisition for most libraries as well. Its single-volume format and lower cost make it an excellent acquisition for smaller libraries.-- Scott Wright, Univ. of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minn. - Library Journal.

A Modern History of Japan

A Modern History of Japan

Author: Andrew Gordon

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780195339222

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A Modern History of Japan: From Tokugawa Times to the Present, Second Edition, paints a richly nuanced and strikingly original portrait of the last two centuries of Japanese history. It takes students from the days of the shogunate--the feudal overlordship of the Tokugawa family--through the modernizing revolution launched by midlevel samurai in the late nineteenth century; the adoption of Western hairstyles, clothing, and military organization; and the nation's first experiments with mass democracy after World War I. Author Andrew Gordon offers the finest synthesis to date of Japan's passage through militarism, World War II, the American occupation, and the subsequent economic rollercoaster. The true ingenuity and value of Gordon's approach lies in his close attention to the non-elite layers of society. Here students will see the influence of outside ideas, products, and culture on home life, labor unions, political parties, gender relations, and popular entertainment. The book examines Japan's struggles to define the meaning of its modernization, from villages and urban neighborhoods, to factory floors and middle managers' offices, to the imperial court. Most importantly, it illuminates the interconnectedness of Japanese developments with world history, demonstrating how Japan's historical passage represents a variation of a process experienced by many nations and showing how the Japanese narrative forms one part of the interwoven fabric of modern history. This second edition incorporates increased coverage of both Japan's role within East Asia--particularly with China, Korea, and Manchuria--as well as expanded discussions of cultural and intellectual history. With a sustained focus on setting modern Japan in a comparative and global context, A Modern History of Japan, Second Edition, is ideal for undergraduate courses in modern Japanese history, Japanese politics, Japanese society, or Japanese culture.


Book Synopsis A Modern History of Japan by : Andrew Gordon

Download or read book A Modern History of Japan written by Andrew Gordon and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 2009 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A Modern History of Japan: From Tokugawa Times to the Present, Second Edition, paints a richly nuanced and strikingly original portrait of the last two centuries of Japanese history. It takes students from the days of the shogunate--the feudal overlordship of the Tokugawa family--through the modernizing revolution launched by midlevel samurai in the late nineteenth century; the adoption of Western hairstyles, clothing, and military organization; and the nation's first experiments with mass democracy after World War I. Author Andrew Gordon offers the finest synthesis to date of Japan's passage through militarism, World War II, the American occupation, and the subsequent economic rollercoaster. The true ingenuity and value of Gordon's approach lies in his close attention to the non-elite layers of society. Here students will see the influence of outside ideas, products, and culture on home life, labor unions, political parties, gender relations, and popular entertainment. The book examines Japan's struggles to define the meaning of its modernization, from villages and urban neighborhoods, to factory floors and middle managers' offices, to the imperial court. Most importantly, it illuminates the interconnectedness of Japanese developments with world history, demonstrating how Japan's historical passage represents a variation of a process experienced by many nations and showing how the Japanese narrative forms one part of the interwoven fabric of modern history. This second edition incorporates increased coverage of both Japan's role within East Asia--particularly with China, Korea, and Manchuria--as well as expanded discussions of cultural and intellectual history. With a sustained focus on setting modern Japan in a comparative and global context, A Modern History of Japan, Second Edition, is ideal for undergraduate courses in modern Japanese history, Japanese politics, Japanese society, or Japanese culture.