Description
Book SynopsisJapan is an icon of the modern world, and yet it remains an enigma to many, who see it as a confusing montage of the alien and the familiar, the ancient and modern. The aim of this Very Short Introduction is to explode the myths and explore the reality of modern Japan - by taking a concise look at its history, economy, politics, and culture.
Trade ReviewA wonderfully engaging narrative of a complicated history, which from the beginning to end sheds light on the meaning of modernity in Japan as it changed over time. An exemplary text. * Carol Gluck, Columbia University *
With remarkable clarity and breadth of coverage, Goto-Jones introduces the major topics and themes of the modern history of Japan, giving particularly thoughtful attention to the complex and tortured efforts of figures seeking to define and defend a properly Japanese modernity, and those striving to come to grips with the trauma and shadow of World War II. * Andrew Gordon, Harvard University *
Lively, lucid, and full of insight, this is an outstanding exploration of Japan's troubled modern past. * Stephen S. Large, Wolfson College, Cambridge University *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: What is Modern Japan? ; 1. Japan's Encounter with the Modern World ; 2. Overcoming Modernity in Imperial Japan ; 3. Overcome by the Modern: the US Occupation ; 4. Japan's Miraculous Modern Economy ; 5. Towards a Post-Modern Society ; 6. Normalcy and Japan's Place in the Modern World ; Further reading
