Marius Jansen Book order

Set against the backdrop of the Meiji Restoration, this narrative explores a pivotal period in Japanese history, paralleling the upheaval of the American Civil War and the French Revolution. It centers on Sakamoto Ryoma, a national hero who embodies Japan's transition into a modern, unified state. Through his story, the author highlights the themes of enlightenment and national identity during a time of significant change and progress in Japan.

The collection features twenty-two essays from prominent historians that challenge the perception of the Tokugawa Period as merely a feudal era awaiting modernization. By presenting eight previously unpublished works, the authors argue that Japan possessed significant institutional advancements prior to the Meiji Period. This compilation highlights the early development of modernization preconditions, making it a valuable resource for students and scholars interested in comparative and Japanese modernization studies.

Challenging the traditional view of Japan as an isolated nation, the book emphasizes the significance of its relationships with Asian neighbors, particularly through the port of Nagasaki. Historian Marius B. Jansen highlights the thriving trade with China from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries, revealing how this interaction profoundly influenced Japan's cultural, economic, and political landscape. By shifting the focus from Western ties to regional connections, the author provides a nuanced understanding of Japan's historical context.

"Jansen covers the making of the modern state, the adaptation of Western models, growing international trade, the broadening opportunity in Japanese society with industrialization, and the postwar occupation reforms imposed by General MacArthur. Throughout, the book gives voice to the individuals and views that have shaped the actions and beliefs of the Japanese, with writers, artists, and thinkers as well as political leaders given their due."