Product Description
In this pioneering study, David L. Howell looks beneath the surface structures of the Japanese state to reveal the mechanism by which markers of polity, status, and civilization came together over the divide of the Meiji Restoration of 1868. Howell illustrates how a short roster of malleable, explicitly superficial customs--hairstyle, clothing, and personal names-- served to distinguish the "civilized" realm of the Japanese from the "barbarian" realm of the Ainu in the Tokugawa era. Within the core polity, moreover, these same customs distinguished members of different social status groups from one another, such as samurai warriors from commoners, and commoners from outcasts. ... Read more

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Japan is a major economic power, and average income levels and standards of living are among the highest in the world. There is always a keen interest in the Japanese people and their culture. Features of the series include: main chapters that focus on geography, people and culture, history, government and economy, and nature; 'At a Glance' double spreads to present a maximum amount of information in a minimal amount of space, utilizing charts, tables, time lines, and other highly visual elements; and, full-page maps that highlight physical features, vegetation and ecosystems, history, population, and political organization. As a bonus, every photograph within each chapter is tied to a location on the main map for that chapter. Smaller maps zoom in on special topics, such as migration, rainfall, changing borders, resources, industry, and other important themes. This book includes: special feature sidebars that introduce intriguing people, places, and events; a glossary to aid in comprehension of unfamiliar terms; and, an extensive bibliography that lists books, National Geographic articles, and Web sites. ... Read more

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An introduction to the geography, people and culture of Japan, a nation comprised of many islands. ... Read more

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Ichiro Hori's is the first book in Western literature to portray how Shinto, Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist elements, as well as all manner of archaic magical beliefs and practices, are fused on the folk level.

Folk religion, transmitted by the common people from generation to generation, has greatly conditioned the political, economic, and cultural development of Japan and continues to satisfy the emotional and religious needs of the people.Hori examines the organic relationship between the Japanese social structure--the family kinship system, village and community organizations--and folk religion.A glossary with Japanese characters is included in the index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good reading
Very informative, but a bit dry in places.Personally I like that, but another person may be put off by it. ... Read more

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Explores the different colors found in Japan's history, culture, and landscape. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

wrong book inside vs. cover?
Has anyone else noticed that the inside of the book is counting in japanese instead of colors of japan. The author and publisher on the copyright page isn't the same as on the cover. I like the book, but it's not about colors, it's counting in Kanji to ten.

Learning is Fun
This is an excellent book for teaching a young child about the Japanese culture. It teaches them to count to ten in Japanese while giving very good explanations of the culture and country of Japan. I like this book a lot and my very young daughter enjoys the short "stories" and the illustrations. This book is educational while being enjoyable and easy to understand.

Great book on color, for kids and adults!
It is very pared down, and very basic (obviously because it is for children) but for anyone learning about the varied use of color in different cultures, these books are the best!I wish it was linked to the other books (Colors of Mexico, etc.) better, I didn't even know it was a series at first.But I came back for more!There are a lot of complicated books about color usage, so it is refreshing to have a simple format like this.If I had children I'd buy them the whole set, and write to the publisher asking for all the countries they didn't include. ... Read more

Product Description
In pre-modern Japan, wolves were worshipped as sacred; with the spread of rabies in the 18th century, they became feared and hunted; by 1905 wolves had disappeared from the country. In this intriguing book, Brett Walker examines how and why wolves became extinct in Japan, and the changing attitudes toward nature that are implied. Brett L. Walker is associate professor of history at Montana State University and the author of "The Conquest of Ainu Lands: Ecology and Culture in Japanese Expansion", 1590-1800. ... Read more

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This title is suitable for ages 9 to 14 years. This revised and beautifully designed new edition covers every aspect of Japan's geography, natural resources, agriculture, and landforms. ... Read more

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Now fully revised and updated, this widely-praised introductory text explores Japan through the prism of three alternative perspectives: mainstream, revisionist, and culturalist.Beginning with the noting of Japan as a 'contested territory' the book focuses on debates about the real nature of Japan's successes and shortcomings.
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Customer Reviews (2)

A Valuable Text on Japan
Contemporary Japan by Duncan McCargo is an exceptionally well written and succinct overview of Japan today perfectly suited for use in a course on Asian politics. The book is particularly helpful in that it begins with an overview of the various perspectives and approaches which characterize the debate among Japanese experts today. In the following chapters McCargo refers often to the differing viewpoints of particular writers and scholars. McCargo also provides a concise historical overview--something often omitted by other texts. The book does not provide any detailed analysis of the current economic crisis. Nevertheless, Contemporary Japan is recommended for its clarity and good writing.

How is Japan now, and why - A marvellous book
This book is just a marvellous description and explanation about how Japan is nowadays, and why it is like that. It addresses all the key points and gives all the hints for understanding Japan. I am living in Japan and needed some gide for understanding Japanese politics, society, working environment, culture, and others... I found that in this book. It contains many useful and updated information, but not in excess. Just marvellous! It is a pleasure to read it. Handy and easy. ... Read more

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Geography, this author contends, is the indisputably unique feature of any country. Geography and Japan’s Strategic Choices begins by explaining Japan’s unique location and topography in comparison to other countries. Peter Woolley then examines the ways in which the country’s political leaders in various eras understood and acted on those geographical limitations and advantages. Proceeding chronologically through several distinct political eras, the book compares the Tokugawa era, the opening to the West, the Meiji Restoration, the long era of colonialization, industrialization and liberalization, the militarist reaction and World War II, the occupation, the Cold War, and finally the rudderless fin de siécle. Finally Woolley demonstrates how Japan’s strategic situation in the twenty-first century is informed by past and present geo-strategic calculations as well as by current domestic and international changes. For students and scholars of U.S.–Japan relations and of Japanese history and politics, this book offers any informed reader a fresh perspective on a critical international relationship. ... Read more

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This title is suitable for ages 9 to 14 years. This updated book includes new information on the distinctive blend of traditional and modern ways of life in Japan, the challenges faced by Japanese society today, and leisure activities such as manga and karaoke. ... Read more

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Describes the geography, history, culture, economy, government, and people of a nation with one of the world's oldest civilizations. ... Read more

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Offering a thematic approach to geography for Key Stage 3, within a place-based format, this series aims to build pupils' knowledge and experience by developing concepts, skills and issues. The three pupil's books are divided into four sections: people and settlement, people and the environment, people's needs, and people's lives and work. Corresponding resource-and-activity packs provide photocopiable worksheets and detailed teacher's notes. This pupil's book looks at Europe, North America and Japan. ... Read more