Includes bibliographical references (pages 321-323) and index

The origins and early history of the Japanese -- The introduction of Chinese thought and culture: Asuka period: 552-710 -- The stimulating effect of Chinese culture: Nara period: 710-794 -- The Japanese pattern: Early Heian period: 794-857; Late Heian or Fujiwara period: 858-1158 -- The rise of the warrior class and the Gempei War: End of the Heian period: 1158-1185 -- Government by the military shogun: Kamakura period: 1185-1336 -- The Ashikaga Shogunate: Nambokucho: 1336-1392; Muromachi: 1392-1573 -- The golden age of Japanese art: 1378-1490 -- The unification of Japan: Sengoku-Jidai, the period of the country at war: 1534-1615 -- Japan in isolation: The Tokugawa Shogunate Part I, 1615-1715 -- The winds of change: The Tokugawa Shogunate Part II, 1716-1867 -- The Meiji restoration and the modernization of Japan: 1868-1914 -- Expansion, liberalism, and militarism: 1914-1931 -- Manchukuo, the China war, and World War II: 1931-1945 -- Postwar Japan -- Japan today: Economy -- Japan today: Foreign affairs and political life -- Contemporary Japanese society

This is a revision of the long short, illustrated cultural history of Japan, from its beginnings about 3000 BC to the present day. It is designed as a straightforward, detail-rich portrait of a nation not well understood in the West. The position of Japan on the international scene has changed markedly since the current edition was published in 1994: Japan had been a star of postwar industrial production and methods; over the past few years, it has encountered serious trouble with market forces; its financial practices, particularly the tacit collaboration between powerful factions in government and industry, has come under question and even attack. departure from tradition have begun to have a significant presence. The book is distinctive in its incorporation of cultural elements, at their high point, into the unfolding story of political events. Rather than just following the political and military course of history, treating them separately from the cultural side, Morton presents an integrated view, showing the parallel development of cultural and political events, as well as their influence on each other. For example, the sweeping effect of Chinese culture on Japanese is treated as an organic whole, exploring its results in government, social life, religion and art. The book also casts fascinating sidelights on significant personalities, works of literature and historic events