These volumes represent a reassessment of the political, economic and social history of Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1911). The Meiji Restoration of 1868 was a pivotal event in Japanese history. Often seen as marking the break between pre-modern and modern Japan, the Restoration has dominated perceptions of Japan's history. This major collection includes both earlier work written along more traditional lines and later challenges to accepted arguments. The articles presented provide an up-to-date reading of Japanese history. Topics covered include: the collapse of the Bakufu and the...

A remarkable collection of essays written by an international team of contributors explores different aspects of religion in Japan. Subjects discussed include new religions in postwar Japan, beliefs about fox-possession in the Heian period, and the religious life of the first shogunate in the late twelfth century. The essays offer fresh insights into the rich religious traditions of Japan, many of which have been previously neglected in the English-language writing on Japan.