Contemporary Japan, Second Edition (Contemporary States and Societies) [Paperback]

Duncan McCargo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 7, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0333961927 | ISBN-13: 978-0333961926 | Edition: Second Edition

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I wholeheartedly recommend this...convenient synthesis of recent scholarship on Japan." -- Luis G. Perez, Journal of Asian Studies

"It should become a standard student text and is a 'must' for the general reader." --Times Higher Education Supplement

About the Author

Duncan McCargo is Professor of Southeast Asian Politics, University of Leeds.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan; Second Edition edition (May 7, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0333961927
• ISBN-13: 978-0333961926
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,078,020 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Valuable Text on Japan, September 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Contemporary Japan (Contemporary States and Societies) (Paperback)

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.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How is Japan now, and why - A marvellous book, November 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Contemporary Japan (Contemporary States and Societies) (Paperback)

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.