Customer Reviews

My Life Between Japan and America

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In contrast to another reviewer's comments, the Title is "MY Life Between Japan and America" and should not be construed as a definitive text on history or culture.

Having read of Mr. Reischauer's experiences in his upbringing and adult life, it offers a glimpse of what one individual can achieve within a lifetime. The book also recalls an earlier period of Japan, it's traditions and culture (both good and bad) which has shaped Japan into the modern culture of today. The book is overwhelmingly "his" story and should be considered as an Autobiography, but an incredible read (in my opinion) for any serious Japan-ophile.

Even though this book is out of print, I was lucky enough to find a copy in a bookstore in Sapporo, Japan. Anyone who has lived in Japan or has an interest in Japanese culture will enjoy Mr. Reischauer's autobiography. I wish I could have met him in person.

When I was in college, majoring in Asian Studies, we quite often used Reischauer's version of Japanese history and society. Of course now, much of what he wrote has been exposed as inaccurate and misleading. The question is why? This book provide some clues. It details Reischauer's life as a student and scholar as well as ambassador to Japan. What one begins to see from this book is that Reischauer never actually lived among the Japanese, but was always isolated in some elite "gaijin" enclave, whether as a student at the American School of as ambassador. His second wife, a member of the Japanese elite, grew up for the most part in, and was educated in the US. Perhaps this can explain in part his view of Japan--contact with and knowledge of the upper crust of the country and little or no real knowledge of the Japan in which the Japanese live. Even though he was quite far left in his political views, he was very anti-Marxist, which again, colored his views on Japan. This book gives an insight into Reischauer's thoughts and life and for that reason is of value to people who have an interest in Japan and they way Japan was portrayed from the end of WW2 to the mid to late 1980s.

Actual pages: great condition. Cover: creased and worn. Overall: satisfactory, but I did expect a cleaner cover.