New Books on Japan: William Steele (ICU) on "Rethinking Japan's Modernity: Stories and Translations" скачать в хорошем качестве

New Books on Japan: William Steele (ICU) on "Rethinking Japan's Modernity: Stories and Translations"

Book: Rethinking Japan's Modernity: Stories and Translations (Harvard University Asia Center Press, 2024) Presenter: M. William Steele, Professor Emeritus, International Christian University Discussant: Robert Hellyer, Professor of History, Wake Forest University Moderator: Emer O'Dwyer, Associate Professor of History and East Asian Studies, Oberlin College Rethinking Japan's Modernity takes a new look at the people, places, and events associated with Japan’s engagement with modernity, starting with American Commodore Matthew Perry’s arrival in Japan in 1853. In many cases, this new look derives from visual sources, such as popular broadsheets, satirical cartoons, ukiyo-e and other woodblock prints, postcards, and photographs. The book illustrates the diverse, and sometimes conflicting, perceptions of people who experienced the unfolding of modern Japan. It focuses both on the experiences of people living the events “at that time” and on the reflections of others looking back. Also included are three new translations—two of them by Japan’s pioneer Westernizer, Fukuzawa Yukichi, and another by Mantei Ōga—parodying Fukuzawa’s monumental work advocating Western learning. These and other stories show how Japanese views of modernity evolved over time. Each chapter is prefaced with a short introduction to the topic covered and historiographical approach taken, allowing each to stand alone as well as support the overall goal of the work—to inform and challenge our understanding of the links between Japan’s past, present, and future. This event was originally presented via Zoom on December 10, 2025. ***** The Modern Japan History Association (MJHA) is a professional association of scholars interested in modern Japan and Japanese history. Those interested in joining MJHA can become a member here: https://mjha.org/join 日本近現代史学協会（MJHA）は、近現代日本と日本史に興味関心を持つ研究者の専門家団体です。MJHAへの入会に興味のある方は、こちらから入会できます：https://mjha.org/join