A Malleable Map: Geographies of Restoration in Central Japan, 1600-1912 (Asia: Local Studies Global Themes)

K?ren Wigen probes regional cartography, choerography, and statecraft to redefine restoration (ishin) in modern Japanese history. As developed here, that term designates not the quick coup d'?tat of 1868 but a three-centuries-long project of rehabilitating an ancient map for modern purposes. Drawing on a wide range of geographical documents from Shinano (present-day Nagano Prefecture), Wigen argues that both the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate (1600-1868) and the reformers of the Meiji era (1868-1912) recruited the classical map to serve the cause of administrative reform. Nor were they alone; provincial men of letters played an equally critical role in bringing imperial geography back to life in the countryside. To substantiate these claims, Wigen traces the continuing career of the classical court's most important unit of governance--the province--in central Honshu. A Malleable Map Is A Striking Example Of What A Historically Deep, Learned, And Meticulous Examination Of Maps And Geographical Place-making Can Teach Us. Wigen's Compelling Analysis And Stunning Graphics Set A New Standard For Understanding The Production Of Spatial Identity. In This Highly Original Work, Author Karen Wigen Takes The Reader On An Exciting Journey Across The Elaborate History And Colorful Techniques Of Japanese Cartography. Through A Series Of Wonderful Stories, We Learn Of The Progression Of Fudoki And Kuniezu, Early Mapping To Gazetteers, Modern Techniques Of Mapping, Statistical Yearbooks, And Newspapers. The Author Has A Talent For Stating Her Inferences And Conclusions While Leaving The Reader Much Room And Motivation To Think Forward. This Is Truly A Fascinating Work. And, Of Course, The Maps Are Gorgeous. In This Pathbreaking Book, Karen Wigen Probes Regional Cartography, Chorography, And Statecraft To Redefine Restoration (ishin) In Modern Japanese History. As Developed Here, That Term Designates Not The Quick Coup D'etat Of 1868 But A Three-centuries-long Project Of Rehabilitating An Ancient Map For Modern Purposes. Drawing On A Wide Range Of Geographical Documents From Shinano (present-day Nagano Prefecture), Wigen Argues That Both The Founder Of The Tokugawa Shogunate (1600-1868) And The Reformers Of The Meiji Era (1868-1912) Recruited The Classical Map To Serve The Cause Of Administrative Reform. Nor Were They Alone: Provincial Men Of Letters Played An Equally Critical Role In Bringing Imperial Geography Back To Life In The Countryside. To Substantiate These Claims, Wigen Traces The Continuing Career Of The Classical Court's Most Important Unit Of Governance--the Province--in Central Honshu. Her Meticulous Study Of Shinano Recasts The Meiji Restoration As A Geographical Process And Challenges Western Theories About The Spatial Dynamics Of Modernization. --book Jacket. Shinano In The Nation -- Shinano Up Close -- Shinano In The World -- The Poetry Of Statistics -- Pedagogies Of Place -- A Pan-provincial Press. Kären Wigen. A Philip E. Lilienthal Book--prelim. P. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Kären Wigen probes regional cartography, choerography, and statecraft to redefine restoration (ishin) in modern Japanese history. As developed here, that term designates not the quick coup d'état of 1868 but a three-centuries-long project of rehabilitating an ancient map for modern purposes. Drawing on a wide range of geographical documents from Shinano (present-day Nagano Prefecture), Wigen argues that both the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate (1600–1868) and the reformers of the Meiji era (1868–1912) recruited the classical map to serve the cause of administrative reform. Nor were they alone; provincial men of letters played an equally critical role in bringing imperial geography back to life in the countryside. To substantiate these claims, Wigen traces the continuing career of the classical court's most important unit of governance—the province—in central Honshu. CONTENTS......Page 10 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS......Page 12 CONVENTIONS FOLLOWED IN THE TEXT......Page 16 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS......Page 18 Introduction......Page 22 PART ONE: A PROVINCE DEFINED......Page 44 1 Shinano in the Nation......Page 52 2 Shinano Up Close......Page 77 3 Shinano in the World......Page 126 PART TWO: A PROVINCE RESTORED......Page 164 4 The Poetry of Statistics......Page 176 5 Pedagogies of Place......Page 204 6 A Pan-Provincial Press......Page 230 Conclusion......Page 258 NOTES......Page 276 BIBLIOGRAPHY......Page 318 B......Page 346 E......Page 347 H......Page 348 K......Page 349 M......Page 350 N......Page 351 R......Page 352 S......Page 353 T......Page 354 W......Page 355 Z......Page 356