Japan's Modern History, 1857-1937

Junji Banno is Professor Emeritus of Tokyo University, Japan.

"Very popular in Japan, the book is now available to a wider Western audience thanks to the smooth, expert translation by Stockwin. A great addition to any collection on modern Japanese history." - M. D. Ericson, University of Maryland University College"Banno judiciously and with great insight tells the story of early attempts at reform, the dynamics of revolution, nation building, consolidation, reconstruction, and crisis leading to war. This survey of modern Japan is unlike most produced by Western scholars in that the author quotes liberally from contemporary archival sources—letters, diaries, writings, etc.—that illuminate personalities and events. The book contains some original parts, such as those concerning the role of Saigō Takamori in the Meiji Restoration, government policy on taxation and its impact on society and economy, the mentality and motivations of the young radical military officers in the 1930s, and the rise of the political left later in the 1930s. Very popular in Japan, the book is now available to a wider Western audience thanks to the smooth, expert translation by Stockwin. A great addition to any collection on modern Japanese history. Summing Up: Highly recommended. For all readers interested in the story of Japan."M. D. Ericson, University of Maryland University College, CHOICEChosen as Outstanding Academic Title (OATs) by CHOICE Magazine for 2015

• 1. Reform, 1857-1863 2. Revolution, 1863-1871 3. Construction, 1871-1880 4. Management, 1880-1893 5. Reorganisation, 1894-1924 6. Crisis, 1925-1937