Hardback published 2006; softback reprint published to mark ascendancy to imperial throne in 2019. Became Crown Prince of Japan in 1989, on death of his grandfather Emperor Showa, Prince Naruhito studied at Merton College, Oxford, 1983-1985. This marked the first time that anyone in direct succession to the throne had ever studied outside Japan.
Focusing on the author's diplomatic experiences, the book provides a unique perspective on significant historical events, including the Watergate scandal during his time in Washington and three tours in Japan. It offers insights into Japan's journey through recovery, triumph, and crisis, highlighting the nation's resilience and evolving role in world affairs. Sir Hugh Cortazzi's reflections serve as a critical commentary on international relations, particularly emphasizing the complexities of Japanese society and politics during pivotal moments in history.
After a brief description of Japan's geography, people and language and a summary of Japanese history and culture the book gives an account of the Japanese constitution, the Diet and the organization of government (central and local). Separate chapters follow on law and order, foreign affairs and defence, finance, industry and commerce, agriculture and infrastructure, employment, health and welfare, and finally education and culture. Seven appendices provide additional facts and figures. A full list of suggestions for further reading is included.
Kipling visited Japan in 1889 and 1892. No other leading English literary figure of his day spent so long in that country or wrote so fully about it. Kipling's newspaper despatches from Japan were decsribed by the great Japanologist Basil Han Chamberlain as 'the most graphic even penned by a globetrotter'. These vivid pen-pictures, togteher with Kipling's other writings about Japan, are now collected by Sir Hugh Cortazzi and gerorge Webb, carefully edited with an introduction wand Notes.