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In a rare combination of comprehensive coverage and sustained critical focus, this book examines Japan´s progress through its entire history to its current status as an economic, technological, and cultural superpower. A key factor is a pragmatic determination to succeed. Little-known facts are also brought to light, and the latest findings used. Revised and updated third edition giving a succinct, yet broad-ranging, coverage of Japan´s entire history, including recent research findings, and bringing to light a number of little-known facts

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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.

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Preface to the Third Edition Introduction: Japan and History From the Stone Age to Statehood: Myths, Prehistory, and Ancient History Of Courtiers and Warriors: Early and Medieval History (710-1600) The Closed Country: The Tokugawa Period (1600-1868) Building a Modern Nation: The Meiji Period (1868-1912) The Excesses of Ambition: The Pacific War and its Lead-up A Phoenix from the Ashes: Post-War Successes and Beyond Conclusion: Lessons for Aspiring Superpowers References Glossary of Japanese Terms Index

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´One of the most important books in Japanese Studies in recent years.´ - Ken Coates, Professor of History, University of New Brunswick, Canada ´In making the history of this remarkable society accessible to a wider public Professor Henshall has performed a most valuable service.´ - Derek Massarella, Professor of Economic History, Chuo University, Japan ´An extraordinary book that will appeal to student, specialist, and general reader alike.´ - Laurie Barber, Professor of History, University of Waikato, NewZealand

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KENNETH HENSHALL was born in England and is professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. He has published on a range of Japan-related topics such as history, society, language, and literature, and is author of the best-selling etymological work Guide to Remembering Japanese Characters.

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