The People's Emperor: Democracy and the Japanese Monarchy, 1945-1995 (Harvard East Asian Monographs) [Hardcover]

Kenneth J. Ruoff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 2002 | Series: Harvard East Asian Monographs (Book 211)

Few institutions are as well suited as the monarchy to provide a window on postwar Japan. The monarchy, which is also a family, has been significant both as a political and as a cultural institution. This comprehensive study analyzes numerous issues, including the role of individual emperors in shaping the institution, the manner in which the emperor's constitutional position as symbol has been interpreted, the emperor's intersection with politics through ministerial briefings, memories of Hirohito's wartime role, nationalistic movements in support of Foundation Day and the reign-name system, and the remaking of the once sacrosanct throne into a "monarchy of the masses" embedded in the postwar culture of democracy. The author stresses the monarchy's "postwarness," rather than its traditionality.

(20011125)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Ruoff's book is a fine study with appeal well beyond academe. (Richard Read Oregonian 20011222)

Kenneth J. Ruoff's scholarly yet lucid account of the emperor's role in post-war Japanese society is a timely addition to the literature on this intriguing institution. It also provides a fascinating insight into post-war Japan's political struggles...This is an excellent work of accessible history. Sensitive to the nuances of an enigmatic political culture, it is perhaps best recommended for those already with an interest in Japan. (Ed Wright South China Morning Post 20020422)

Ruoff is a clear-eyed observer of the post-occupation battle for Japan's soul that pitted left against right over issues such as constitutional revision, the reign-names system and the authenticity of the national foundation myth. In doing so, he breaks down the all-too-prevalent tendency to view Japanese politics, of the immediate postwar and present, as monolithic and staunchly conservative. (Victoria James New Statesman 20020627)

[A] remarkable book...An even-handed, astute and often entertaining account of the Japanese monarchy in the latter half of the 20th century. (Velisarios Kattoulas Far Eastern Economic Review 20021001)

A stimulating analysis of the contemporary Japanese monarchy. (Philippe Pons Le Monde (Paris) )

The People's Emperor is certain to be one of the most-discussed books of the coming year. (The International Herald Tribute/Asahi News Service (Japan) )

Ruoff argues that the myth of the Japanese monarch was invented to preserve the imperial system in the postwar era after the WW II defeat...Ruoff argues that Hirohito was more actively involved in the decision making in the wartime military government than has been thought. What is new is that Ruoff describes the evolution of the monarch in the postwar period--the monarchy's efforts to transform itself from a once-sacrosanct throne into a "monarchy of the masses," especially by Hirohito's son, Emperor Akihito...[This is] a fine study of the Japanese postwar imperial system. (M. Itoh Choice )

This intriguing and rewarding monograph examines the manner in which the Emperor system has been reinvented in postwar Japan to reflect and reinforce democratic values. Kenneth Ruoff successfully challenges some prevailing myths and stereotypes about modern Japan and helpfully unravels distorting monolithic images about rightwing politics. His interesting discussion of constitutional controversies and key issues that expose cross-cutting political cleavages provocatively recasts the political landscape, clarifies some of the paradoxes of the polity and demonstrates that civil society is neither as anemic or stagnant as some writers suggest. (Jeff Kingston The Japan Times )

About the Author

Kenneth J. Ruoff is Assistant Professor of Japanese History at Portland State University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 360 pages
• Publisher: Harvard University Asia Center (February 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0674008405
• ISBN-13: 978-0674008403
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,800,443 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!, February 18, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The People's Emperor: Democracy and the Japanese Monarchy, 1945-1995 (Harvard East Asian Monographs) (Hardcover)

The author offers a fantastic view of the Japanese monarchy that is well worth the read. A wonderful historical take on the subject.

1 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Author Information, April 19, 2002

By A Customer

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This review is from: The People's Emperor: Democracy and the Japanese Monarchy, 1945-1995 (Harvard East Asian Monographs) (Hardcover)

Kenneth J. Ruoff is an Associate Professor of Japanese History at Portland State University. Dr. Ruoff is the Director of the Center for Japanese Studies at the university.

Professor Ruoff received the 2004 Jiro Osaragi Commentary Prize for the Japanese translation of his book THE PEOPLE'S EMPEROR. The prize was given at a ceremony at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo January 27, 2005. The prize include an award of two million yen. Dr. Ruoff is the first foreigner to receive the Osaragi Prize.