Blends history, current events, politics, and cultural elements to provide a portrait of Japan. Looks at Japan's complex history. This work covers from the nation's earliest known civilization (about 30009 BCE) onwards. It traces various aspects of Japanese art, religion, the imperial court, militarism, race, geography, and agriculture, and analyzes the social, political, and economic life of Asia's wealthiest nation. List of Illustrations vii Foreword ix Marius B. Jansen Preface to the Fourth Edition xi Introduction 1(3) The Origins and Early History of the Japanese 4(12) The Introduction of Chinese Thought and Culture 16(12) Asuka Period: 552--710 The Stimulating Effect of Chinese Culture 28(8) Nara Period: 710--794 The Japanese Pattern 36(16) Early Heian Period: 794--857 Late Heian or Fujiwara Period: 858--1158 The Rise of the Warrior Class and the Gempei War 52(16) End of the Heian Period: 1158--1185 Government by the Military Shogun 68(13) Kamakura Period: 1185--1336 The Ashikaga Shogunate 81(7) Nambokucho: 1336--1392 Muromachi: 1392--1573 The Golden Age of Japanese Art 88(13) 1378--1490 The Unification of Japan 101(18) Sengoku-Jidai, the Period of the Country at War: 1534--1615 Japan in Isolation 119(15) The Tokugawa Shogunate: Part 1, 1615--1715 The Winds of Change 134(13) The Tokugawa Shogunate: Part II, 1716--1867 The Meiji Restoration and the Modernization of Japan 147(21) 1868--1914 Expansion, Liberalism, and Militarism 168(10) 1914--1931 Manchukuo, the China War, and World War II 178(12) 1931--1945 Postwar Japan 190(9) Japan Today---Economy 199(32) Japan Today---Foreign Affairs and Political Life 231(30) Contemporary Japanese Society 261(36) Glossary 297(4) Chronology 301(20) Bibliography 321(4) Index 325