Japan: A Documentary History: The Dawn of History to the Late Tokugawa Period 1

An updated edition of David Lu's acclaimed "Sources of Japanese History", this two volume book presents in a student-friendly format original Japanese documents from Japan's mythological beginnings through 1995. Covering the full spectrum of political, economic, diplomatic as well as cultural and intellectual history, this classroom resource offers insight not only into the past but also into Japan's contemporary civilisation. This volume covers up to the late 18th century. Three major criteria used in the document selection were that: the selection avoids duplication with other collections - 75% of the documents presented here are newly translated; a document accurately reflects the spirit of the times and the life-styles of the people; and emphasis is on the development of social, economic and political institutions. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents Preface Note on Japanese and Chinese Names and Terms I. Dawn of Japanese History Power contest between Sun Goddess and Susano-o Coming of age in ancient Japan Emperor Jimmu's conquest of the East Japan in the Wei dynastic history The legend of Prince Yamototakeru Early Shintō rituals from the Engishiki II. The Impact of Chinese Civilization The regency of Prince Shōtolru The Taika reforms Law and administration under the Taihō-Yōrō code History as a means of solidifying the imperial power Songs of myriad leaves Buddhism as protector of the nation III. The Early Heian Period The lotus of the wonderful law Kūkai's view of the superiority of Buddhism Ennin's search for the law Confucian view of Buddhism Fixation with China Life of the nobility Tales of the common man IV. Rise of Feudal Institutions Public vs. private ownership of land Growth of shōen Organization of shōen Rise of the warrior class Rule by the Kamakura Shogunate V. Kamakura Buddhism Salvation through nembutsu Hōnen and the founding of the Jōdo sect Shinran and dependence on Amida's pure grace Dōgen and the meaning of Zen Lotus, Buddha, and nationalism VI. The Development of Feudal Institutions through the Muromachi Period Jitō's encroachment upon shōen Tokusei—forgiving of debts Criticism of Kemmu Restoration Ashikaga Takauji's rise to Power Shugo as domanial lords Agricultural development and village community Rise of a money economy Development of ichi and za The Sōryō system and primogeniture VII. From Civil Wars to Unification Denial of traditional authority Sengoku daimyō as domanial lords Oda Nobunaga's road toward unification Unification by Toyotomi Hideyoshi Japan's Christian century VIII. Tokugawa: Era of Peace Control of vassals Methods of rural control Control of the urban areas Control of Buddhist temples Closing of the country Growth of commerce Managing the economy Commerce as a calling IX. Intellectual Currents in Tokugawa Japan Variety of Tokugawa Confucianism Confucianism and political action Confucian justice Education of the young Death and a samurai Knowledge of the West National learning and Shintō revival Appendices Appendix (1) Weights and Measures—Metric and U.S. Equivalents Appendix (2) Glossary of Japanese Terms Appendix (3) Chronology of Japanese History Appendix (4) Administrative Map of Japan Index An updated and expanded edition of David Lu's acclaimed Sources of Japanese History, this compilation of primary documents presents in a clear and accessible format, with full annotation and incisive commentary by Dr. Lu, readings translated from the original Japanese that cover the full spectrum of political, economic, and diplomatic as well as cultural and intellectual history of pre-modern Japan (volume II covers the modern period). The past indeed is prologue: these documents -- written by Japanese contemporaneous with the events described -- provide insight not only into the past but also into Japan's contemporary civilization. Three major criteria were used in the judgment of which documents to translate: (1) that the selection of documents avoid duplication with other documentary collections as much as possible; therefore, fully three-quarters of the documents presented here are newly translated; (2) that a given document accurately reflect the spirit of the times and the lifestyles of the people of that age; (3) that the emphasis be placed on the development of social, economic, and political institutions. - Back cover

An updated and expanded edition of David Lu's acclaimed Sources of Japanese History, this compilation of primary documents presents in a clear and accessible format, with full annotation and incisive commentary by Dr. Lu, readings translated from the original Japanese that cover the full spectrum of political, economic, and diplomatic as well as cultural and intellectual history in a time span that ranges from Japan's mythological beginnings to the present. The past indeed is prologue: these documents - written by Japanese contemporaneous with the events described - provide insight not only into the past but also into Japan's contemporary civilization.

Covering the full spectrum of political, economic, diplomatic as well as cultural and intellectual history, this classroom resource offers insight not only into the past but also into Japan's contemporary civilisation. This volume (the first of two) covers up to the late 18th century.