Includes bibliographical references (pages 321-348) and index

Traditional Japan: prehistory to 1185 -- Ancient Japan (to ca. 400 CE) -- Yamato Japan (ca. 400-700) -- Nara Japan (710-794) -- Heian Japan (794-1185) -- Feudal Japan (1185-1868) -- Kamakura Japan (1185-1333) -- Ashikaga Japan (1333-1603) -- Tokugawa Japan (1603-1868): stability -- Tokugawa Japan: change -- Tokugawa Japan: western intrusion -- Modern Japan (1868-1945) -- Meiji Japan (1868-1912): politics -- Meiji Japan: economics and society -- Meiji Japan: foreign relations -- Imperial Japan: world power (1912-1922) -- Imperial Japan: peace and conflict (1922-1937) -- Imperial Japan: World War II (1937-1945) -- Postwar Japan (1945 to present)-- Occupied Japan (1945-1952) -- Contemporary Japan (since 1952): domestic affairs, politics -- Contemporary Japan: domestic affairs, economics and society -- Contemporary Japan: foreign affairs

The emergence of Japan as a political and economic global power has been one of the most remarkable success stories of modern history. For all readers wanting to better understand this dynamic country, this popular and accessible introduction offers an authoritative yet concise overview of two thousand years of Japanese history. Now fully updated to the present, this edition includes photographs and maps. Highlighting key historical events, Milton W. Meyer also marks cultural, artistic, and religious milestones. Chronologies at the end of each chapter, as well as a detailed glossary, offer additional essential reference points. With its clear explanations of Japanese traditions, religion, history, economics, politics, and relations with the West, this book provides an invaluable guide to contemporary Japan