Synopsis
Now fully revised and updated, this widely-praised introductory text explores Japan through the prism of three alternative perspectives: mainstream, revisionist, and culturalist. Beginning with the noting of Japan as a 'contested territory' the book focuses on debates about the real nature of Japan's successes and shortcomings.
Booknews
There are a range of alternative perspectives on Japan, says McCargo (politics, U. of Leeds) that fall broadly into three types: the mainstream emphasizing similarities with other industrialized countries, revisionist criticism of political and social structures, and culturalist regarding Japan as a unique society. After a historical review, he focuses on the economy, government and politics, society and culture, and Japan's place in the world. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)