One of the few decent books discussing the emergence of modern Japan. Mikiso Hane takes a different perspective, with a somehow controversial approach where the whole Edo (Tokugawa) period seems to be merely a "pre-modern" Japan, rather then a separate entity. Tokugawa - Japan and the people and circumstances that led to the Meiji Restoration. Hane focuses his research on institutions and social groups, seeing them as the natural simulators and recipients of the transformation. He writes about Japanese concept of monarchy, about Shinto, Buddhism, later Christianity, about education and social thought, armed forces and politics. Altogether, an interesting, informative study, supported by a solid bibliography.
A very well written and interesting story of the history of modern Japan. The book makes sense of Japan's involvement in WWII and its post-war success.
