A History of Modern Japan
In Search of a Nation: 1850 to the Present
In short
A History of Modern Japan is a history of Japan from 1850 to the present, written by cultural historian Christopher Harding. It gives voice to people who did not fit in with what Japan was becoming, from 1890s feminists to a 2011 protest song. Readers get a view of the push and pull that shaped the country.
- Author
- Christopher Harding
- First published
- 2020
- Publisher
- Tuttle Publishing
- Pages
- 512
- Language
- English
- ISBN-13
- 9784805315972
- Genre
- History
About the book
A History of Modern Japan: In Search of a Nation, 1850 to the Present by cultural historian Christopher Harding tells Japan's recent past through stories rather than a single unified narrative. Published by Tuttle Publishing in 2020, the 512-page book follows the people who felt out of step with the country Japan was becoming.
Harding brings to light untold episodes, from a pop star's 2011 song protesting nuclear power to Japanese feminists who fought for an equal political voice in the 1890s. The book shows that Japan's rebuilding through the twentieth century was highly successful yet faced plenty of domestic criticism, and that this push and pull helped make the country what it is today.
With more than 100 photographs, maps and prints, the book also considers the question at the heart of modern Japan: what it means to be Japanese in a changing world.
Who it's for
Readers interested in Japanese culture, including film, literature, manga and pop culture, will likely enjoy it. It also suits travelers who want a better sense of Japan and anyone trying to understand Japan's role in the world.
Key themes
- Modern Japanese history
- Voices of dissent
- Culture and social change
- Japanese national identity
- Women's political rights
Questions about A History of Modern Japan
What is A History of Modern Japan about?
It is a story-led history of Japan from 1850 to the present. It focuses on people who felt out of step with the country's rebuilding and on the tensions that shaped modern Japan.
Who wrote A History of Modern Japan?
The book was written by Christopher Harding, a cultural historian. It was first published in 2020 by Tuttle Publishing.
Is A History of Modern Japan worth reading?
It is a good choice for readers who want Japanese history told through individual stories and cultural life rather than only politics. Its mix of stories, photographs, maps and prints makes it easy to follow.
Who is A History of Modern Japan for?
It is for anyone interested in Japanese culture, travelers planning a trip to Japan, and readers who want to understand Japan's place on the global stage.
How long is A History of Modern Japan?
The book has 512 pages and includes over 100 photographs, maps and prints.
