Contemporary Japan (Contemporary States and Societies) [Hardcover]

Duncan McCargo (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0312227418 | ISBN-13: 978-0312227418 | Publication Date: January 2, 2000

Japan is one of the world's most important societies, yet one of the least understood. This book is designed to fill the gap for a concise but thought-provoking introduction to all aspects of its political, economic, and social life set in a clear historical context. The author provides a range of alternative perspectives--mainstream, revisionist, and culturalist--to seeing Japan as a unique society and to emphasize the similarities between Japan and other advanced democracies. He then explores the history, economy, government, politics, society and culture.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...comprehensive across a wide range of historical, economic, social and political themes. Pacific Affairs

About the Author

Duncan McCargo is Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Leeds.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 238 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (January 2, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312227418
• ISBN-13: 978-0312227418
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,819,239 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.