
BY
H. B. MONTGOMERY
PREFACE
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
THE EMPIRE OF THE EAST - CHAPTER I - A GLIMPSE AT THE PAST
CHAPTER II - THE COUNTRY—ITS PHYSICAL FEATURES—PRODUCTS—FAUNA—FLORA, ETC.
CHAPTER III - THE JAPANESE RACE AND ITS LANGUAGE
CHAPTER IV - THE RELIGIONS OF JAPAN, THEIR INFLUENCES AND EFFECTS
CHAPTER V - THE CONSTITUTION—THE CROWN AND THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
CHAPTER VI - THE PEOPLE—THEIR LIFE AND HABITS
The author returns from a recent journey to Japan determined to offer a clear, unpretentious portrait of the country as it truly is. Avoiding dense statistics and partisan politics, he describes everyday life, moral values, and the spirit that underlies Japanese society. His observations aim to dispel the many misconceptions that have taken root in Western thinking.
Readers are guided through the nation’s religion, family customs, military traditions, and the bustling economy, all presented in lively, conversational prose. A special focus is given to Japan’s artistic heritage—from delicate ceramics to bold prints—showing how Western influences mingle with age‑old techniques. The final chapters look ahead, speculating on how this deeply rooted culture may evolve in the modern world.
Listening to this narrative feels like wandering the streets of Tokyo and the quiet villages beyond, where every detail is rendered with respect and curiosity. It offers an invitation to understand a civilization at a crossroads, making the distant feel startlingly familiar.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (524K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Sam W. and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2009-05-04
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1861–1934
A pioneering Baptist writer and reformer, she brought scholarship, public service, and a strong sense of social justice to her work. She is especially remembered for religious writing that aimed to make the New Testament more accessible to everyday readers.
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