A short story of Japan

In this enormously enjoyable introduction to a remarkable country, Christopher Harding traces Japans rich history over several millennia. Beginning with its earliest coastal communities through to the spread of Buddhism, the rise of the warlords, the promise and menace of the West and Japans own empire-building, Harding explores how a distinctly Japanese society and culture was forged.Drawing on the latest scholarship, A Short History of Japan moves beyond traditional touristboard clichés to consider Japans own view of its past, values and culture, from ceramics and theatre to food and architecture.