Freiner defines a new understanding of nationalism, with a focus on the ways in which the Japanese state has utilized Confucian philosophy to create a Japanese national identity and on the impact of this on women. She examines the key policy areas of education and social security alongside the roles that women have played in these initiatives.

Freiner defines a new understanding of nationalism, with a focus on the ways in which the Japanese state has utilized Confucian philosophy to create a Japanese national identity and on the impact of this on women. She examines the key policy areas of education and social security alongside the roles that women have played in these initiatives.