Canada's early participation in the Asia-Pacific region was hindered by ?contradictory impulses.? For over half a century, racist restrictions curtailed immigration from Japan, even as Canadian entrepreneurs, missionaries, and diplomats manoeuvred for access to the Orient. Since then, Canada's relations with Japan have changed profoundly, and the two countries' political, economic, and diplomatic interests are now more closely aligned and wrapped up in a web of reinforcing cultural and social ties.

Contradictory Impulses is a comprehensive and richly documented study of the...