Oleg Benesch Books

Exploring the concept of bushid, or 'the way of the samurai,' this volume offers insights into modern Japanese social, cultural, and political history. It delves into how the samurai code has influenced contemporary Japanese society, reflecting on its impact on values, ethics, and national identity. The book connects historical traditions with present-day Japan, providing a comprehensive understanding of the enduring legacy of bushid in shaping the nation’s character and societal norms.

An innovative examination of heritage politics in Japan, showing how castles have been used to re-invent and recapture competing versions of the pre- imperial past and project possibilities for Japan's future. The transformation of castles from symbols of Japan's martial spirit into cultural heritage sites charts changing understandings of the past.