Explores the historical foundations that shaped Japan’s transformation into a modern nation. Lehmann examines key developments from the late Tokugawa period, the Meiji Restoration, and Japan’s rapid modernization, emphasizing the social, political, and economic forces that influenced the country’s evolution. The book highlights how traditional values interacted with Western ideas to creat…
An analytical overview of Japan’s transformation from a feudal society into a modern imperial power. The book traces major political, economic, and social changes beginning in the late Tokugawa period, through the Meiji Restoration, and into Japan’s era of militaristic expansion. Livingston highlights key factors such as industrialization, state-led modernization, nationalism, and the rise …
Analyzes the historical development of Japan’s political system and its gradual transformation toward democratic governance. Maki explains the evolution of political institutions from the Meiji era through the postwar period, highlighting the role of constitutional reforms, political parties, and public participation. The book also examines the interaction between traditional political cultur…
Explores Japan’s remarkable post-war economic rise—often described as the “Japanese miracle”—alongside the major challenges that accompanied it. Price illustrates how industrial innovation, disciplined labor, and supportive government policies propelled Japan to global economic prominence. At the same time, he highlights the vulnerabilities behind this success, including social pressu…
Provides an in-depth overview of Japanese history, society, and cultural values. Reischauer explains how Japan’s traditions, social structures, and historical experiences shaped the behavior, worldview, and national identity of its people. The book discusses key aspects such as group-oriented society, political development, education, economic growth, and Japan’s role in the international c…
Provides an in-depth overview of Japanese history, society, and cultural values. Reischauer explains how Japan’s traditions, social structures, and historical experiences shaped the behavior, worldview, and national identity of its people. The book discusses key aspects such as group-oriented society, political development, education, economic growth, and Japan’s role in the international c…
Explores the historical, cultural, and intellectual interactions between Japan and the West. Through a series of essays, Kuwabara analyzes how Japanese society received, adapted, and reinterpreted Western ideas in fields such as philosophy, education, politics, and social organization. He highlights the contrasts between Japanese cultural traditions and Western rationalism, while emphasizing th…
A captivating exploration of the code of honor and ethics that governed the samurai warriors in feudal Japan. The author's book aims to provide Western readers with an in-depth understanding of the principles and values that shaped the samurai's way of life. Nitobe delves into the historical and philosophical aspects of Bushido, which refers to the "way of the warrior." He explores various elem…
A comprehensive ethnographic and anthropological overview of Japanese society, tracing its cultural origins, social structure, and value systems. Befu explores Japan’s historical development — from prehistoric periods through the formation of kinship systems, family structures, and rural community life. He examines how ritual kinship, paternalism, and the stem family concept shape familial …
The Modern History of Japan by W. G. Beasley provides a comprehensive overview of Japan’s political, social, and economic transformation from the late Tokugawa era to the modern period. The book examines the fall of the shogunate, the Meiji Restoration, Japan’s rapid modernization, and the emergence of the nation as a major world power. Beasley analyzes key historical developments, includin…