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.
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Contemporary Japan, Second Edition
This book is just a marvellous description and explanation about how Japan is nowadays, and why it is like that. It addresses all the key points and gives all the hints for understanding Japan. I am living in Japan and needed some gide for understanding Japanese politics, society, working environment, culture, and others… I found that in this book. It contains many useful and updated information, but not in excess. Just marvellous! It is a pleasure to read it. Handy and easy.
Rating: 5 / 5
Contemporary Japan by Duncan McCargo is an exceptionally well written and succinct overview of Japan today perfectly suited for use in a course on Asian politics. The book is particularly helpful in that it begins with an overview of the various perspectives and approaches which characterize the debate among Japanese experts today. In the following chapters McCargo refers often to the differing viewpoints of particular writers and scholars. McCargo also provides a concise historical overview–something often omitted by other texts. The book does not provide any detailed analysis of the current economic crisis. Nevertheless, Contemporary Japan is recommended for its clarity and good writing.
Rating: 5 / 5