History is not one story, but many. In Rethinking Japan's Modernity, M. William Steele takes a new look at the people, places, and events associated with Japan's engagement with modernity, starting with American Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival in Japan in 1853. In many cases, this new look derives from visual sources, such as popular broadsheets, satirical cartoons, ukiyo-e and other woodblock prints, postcards, and photographs. The book illustrates the diverse, and sometimes conflicting, perceptions of people who experienced the unfolding of modern Japan. It focuses both on the experiences of people living the events ""at that time"" and on the reflections of others looking back. Also included are three new translations, two of them by Japan's pioneer Westernizer, Fukuzawa Yukichi, and another by Mantei Ōga parodying Fukuzawa's monumental work advocating Western learning. These and other stories show how Japanese views of modernity evolved over time. Each chapter is prefaced with a short introduction to the topic covered and historiographical approach taken, allowing each to stand alone as well as support the overall goal of the work-to inform and challenge our understanding of the links between Japan's past, present, and future.
By:
M. William Steele Imprint: Harvard University Press Country of Publication: United States Dimensions:
Height: 229mm,
Width: 152mm,
ISBN:9780674297562 ISBN 10: 0674297563 Series:Harvard East Asian Monographs Pages: 372 Publication Date:06 August 2024 Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Undergraduate
Format:Hardback Publisher's Status: Active
M. William Steele is Professor Emeritus of Japanese History at International Christian University in Tokyo.
