Japan S Emergence As A Modern State

Originally published in 1940 by the Institute of Pacific Relations (IPR), this classic work by a leading 20th-century Japanologist has an enduring value. Japan's Emergence as a Modern State examines the problems and accomplishments of the Meiji period (1868-1912). This edition includes forewords by: R. Gordon Robertson, a former member of the Canadian Department of External Affairs; Len Edwards, the present Canadian ambassador to Japan; and William L. Holland, former secretary-general of the IPR; as well as a preface and introduction by Lawrence Woods. Also included are 10 short essays by leading Canadian, Japanese, and American scholars of Japanese politics, history, and economics,

Originally published in 1940 by the Institute of Pacific Relations(IPR), this classic work by a leading 20th-century Japanologist has anenduring value. Japan's Emergence as a Modern Stateexamines the problems and accomplishments of the Meiji period(1868-1912). This edition includes forewords by: R. Gordon Robertson, aformer member of the Canadian Department of External Affairs; LenEdwards, the present Canadian ambassador to Japan; and William L.Holland, former secretary-general of the IPR; as well as a preface andintroduction by Lawrence Woods. Also included are 10 short essays byleading Canadian, Japanese, and American scholars of Japanese politics,history, and economics,>

The main emphasis of this book is upon political, social and economic developments, as conditioned by Japan's interaction with the outside world, the advance of industrialisation and the emergence of the Japanese nation state. Unlike previous textbooks on the history of modern Japan, Janet Hunter's book adopts a thematic approach which makes the period much more accessible for readers who wish to pursue their particular interests throughout the period. Moreover, it will also establish a greater awareness of the cultural and institutional continuities which are crucial to any proper understanding of modern Japan.

"This book is a detailed examination of the intellectual and cultural history that gave birth to Japan's Meiji Constitution at the end of the nineteenth century. In this book, the author employs a cross-cultural perspective to analyze how modern Western ideas of constitutional government were assimilated and adapted by the newly established Meiji state. Japan's leaders had witnessed the piecemeal devouring of Qing-dynasty China by the Western powers, and were determined that Japan should not suffer the same fate. they staked the future of their nation on a concerted effort to understand the political and legal structures that appeared to be the source of the strength and dynamism of Western civilization. The author relates how key leaders of Meiji Japan experienced the west through fact-finding missions and extended overseas travel and research and show how their international experience shaped the policies and character of the nation that they helped build. He looks beyond the constitution as a legal document and demonstrates how its architects used it and the supplementary laws and institutions supporting it to catalyze the emergence of a modern nation-state." -- BOOK JACKET.