a brief history of japan jonathan clements

On a separate track, I've studied Zen Buddhism.The more I read, the less I feel that I comprehend.I thought that reading a broad-scoped history of Japan, packing fifteen or more centuries into a compact 300 pages, would give me a sense of context and place some events of lore and legend in relation to events of record. I've given a thoughtful viewing to the films of Ozu and examined photos of samurai artifacts and traditional Japanese hairstyles. Nakano's thrift shop to the imperial palace. Six-word review: Japan sure has lots of history.It seems to me that being Japanese must be complicated in a way that I can only dimly imagine.Even though I never set out to study Japan, I find that my reading over the years has included a disproportionate number of Japan-related titles, from the novels of Haruki Murakami to Donald Richie's analyses of the films of Kurosawa, most of which I've seen from Tanizaki's quiet meditation on shadows to a hefty tome on Japan's recovery from World War II from Mr. The Stench of Butter: Restoration and Modernization.The Way of the Gods: Prehistoric and Mythical Japan.

With intelligence and wit, author Jonathan Clements blends documentary and storytelling styles to connect the past, present and future of Japan, and in broad yet detailed strokes reveals a country of paradoxes: a modern nation steeped in ancient traditions a democracy with an emperor as head of state a famously safe society built on 108 volcanoes resting on the world's most active earthquake zone a fast-paced urban and technologically advanced country whose land consists predominantly of mountains and forests.Īmong the chapters in this Japanese history book are: In recent times, it has become a powerhouse of global industry, a nexus of popular culture, and a harbinger of post-industrial decline. It was the terminus of the Silk Road, the furthest end of the known world, a fertile source of inspiration for European artists, and an enduring symbol of the mysterious East. This fascinating history tells the story of the people of Japan, from ancient teenage priest-queens to teeming hordes of salarymen, a nation that once sought to conquer China, yet also shut itself away for two centuries in self-imposed seclusion.įirst revealed to Westerners in the chronicles of Marco Polo, Japan was a legendary faraway land defended by a fearsome Kamikaze storm and ruled by a divine sovereign.

A brief history of japan jonathan clements