A history of the Japanese people : from the earliest times to the end of the Meiji era

Spanning the mythic origins of Japan to the close of the Meiji era, this volume offers a sweeping yet readable portrait of a nation that transformed from isolated islands into a modern power. The author weaves together legend, folk customs, religious shifts, and political developments, showing how early oral traditions gave way to written records and how Chinese influence shaped early governance. Readers gain a clear sense of why Japan’s unique blend of tradition and innovation emerged, with each era presented in a concise, narrative style.

The work benefits from the partnership of a seasoned Western scholar and a former president of Kyoto’s Imperial University, whose insights ensure both scholarly rigor and cultural sensitivity. Richly illustrated with wood‑engraved images, half‑tone plates, and detailed maps, the book brings the past to life without overwhelming the listener. Its compact format makes it an ideal introduction for anyone curious about the forces that forged modern Japan.