Japan: Its History and Culture
W. Scott Morton
Language: English
Pages: 340
ISBN: 0071412808
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
This is a revision of the long successful, short, illustrated cultural history of Japan, from its beginnings about 3000 BC to the present day, first published in 1970 and continuously in use over several editions in colleges and universities nationwide. It is designed as a straightforward, detail-rich portrait of a nation not well understood in the West. The position of Japan on the international scene has changed markedly since the current edition was published in 1994: Japan had been a star of postwar industrial production and methods; over the past few years, it has encountered serious trouble with market forces; its financial practices, particularly the tacit collaboration between powerful factions in government and industry, has come under question and even attack. departure from tradition have begun to have a significant presence. The book is distinctive in its incorporation of cultural elements, at their high point, into the unfolding story of political events. Rather than just following the political and military course of history, treating them separately from the cultural side, Morton presents an integrated view, showing the parallel development of cultural and political events, as well as their influence on each other. For example, the sweeping effect of Chinese culture on Japanese is treated as an organic whole, exploring its results in government, social life, religion and art. The book also casts fascinating sidelights on significant personalities, works of literature and historic events. Balanced treatment is key; each period in the past is given equal treatment, with somewhat more emphasis on contemporary history and recent developments.
Dogs and Demons: Tales from the Dark Side of Japan
first, while the present practice is, for the most part, to place the surname last. As in earlier editions, in the interests of simplicity and consistency with historical Japanese practice, surnames have been placed first throughout this text. I owe a debt of gratitude to several friends who have helped in the preparation of this and earlier editions. I am grateful to the late Dr. John L. Mish, director of the Oriental and Slavonic Divisions of the New York Public Li- xi Copyright © 2005, 1994,
emperors, and of this period these three ruled as cloistered emperors for 104 years or all but sixteen of the total. Nevertheless it must be made clear that the effective period of insei control was in fact limited to seventy years, from 1086, the abdication of Shirakawa, to 1156, the death of Toba. Thereafter the power lay with the warring clans. Go-Shirakawa survived by his cleverness in playing off one side against the other in their rival claims to be the protectors of the Throne, but the
ships to direct the fire of their arrows at the Taira steersmen in particular. The Taira ships were forced onto the Dan-no-ura shore or caught in the retreating tide, now roaring through the narrows at eight knots. It was a total disaster for the Taira. The boy-emperor Antoku and many of the Taira leaders were drowned. The Dan-no-ura defeat marked the end of effective Taira power. Much could be written on the military assessment of the Gempei War. The Japanese romances speak of the transitory
emphasis on individualism, independence, and a strong identification with nature and the natural order, to form the Ch’an sect. The doctrine was introduced into Japan by the monk Eisai, who brought the Rinzai sect of Zen to Kamakura, Yoritomo’s headquarters, in 1191, while Yoritomo himself was still alive. Eisai’s disciple, Dogen, introduced another form of Zen, the Soto sect, a little later in 1227; but wishing to avoid the distractions of the town and the encumbrances of patronage however
proud Hojo chieftain to come to Kyoto and offer submission gave Hideyoshi the needed excuse to mount an expedition to the Kanto region. Since he now had ample resources, he was able almost to guarantee the outcome by assembling a force estimated at 200,000 men and planned to reduce the central Hojo citadel of Odawara by a siege conducted for as long as was necessary. To keep up the morale of his troops, he allowed them to bring their wives on the expedition, and he himself provided musicians,