A Brief History of Japan

Good book. Very informative.

One of the first things Mr. Clements tells us is that any written history of Japan, in Japan before the eighth century CE (AD), was destroyed in the eighth century when two histories—much mythological—were written down. Given this, the author reconstructs something of what might be realistic history from the seventh century BCE (BC) based on fragments, archeology, and history that mentions Japan coming from China.Much, it seems, of Japan comes by way of China and, more so, Korea in these early times and on up to the fifteenth century.Once we reach the ninth century CE, there is more substance to the story than myth, and Mr. Clemens relates matters of state and commerce in a style that makes accessible the complex machinations of the Japanese court and its relation to the families of the main island and outer provinces. We are brought up to modern times through the development of a sophisticated commercial society if one governed in a way that seemed alien to Europeans of the Industrial Revolution.We then come up to the early twenty-first century through the pre-war years, the war, and the post-war period. These last parts are told a little more quickly than the first, but they are, after all, very well documented. Interestingly, it is only in the modern period, and only with regard to their mythology, that Clements mentions ‘the Ninja!’ Of course, a ‘brief history’ must leave out much detail. I know more about Japan than I did before!

A simplistic overview. However, it provided me with a great framework to use to study further. I loved the story telling feel.

The books lacks structure, clarity, and a coherent narrative of Japanese history. Instead, it’s a series of personal reflections and labyrinthine retellings of imperial court dramas (without context). I was hoping for a clear, brisk, and historically rich account. This wasn’t it.

The author does a good job of capsulizing millenniums of history.The writing style is informational without being pedantic or too breezy.

Good to know about Japan

Clements gives the reader everything promised in the title, in a well researched, thoughtful, enjoyable and educational read. This may be the "Goldilocks" of books on Japanese history: not too much, not too little, but just right. Bravo!

The author provides interesting background on the evolution of Japan's peoples from prehistoric times to present. Maps of the areas being discussed would help for those who are unfamiliar with Japan's climatic changes and ecological changes. Land bridges, returned geography to the seas, population isolation, the dichotomy of aristocrats and peasantry, overuse of land and timber, nomadic clannish lifestyle and a clash of Shinto, Buddhist and Confucian contribute to the dynamics of Japan. It's believed predecessors, China and high born Korean families provide interceding influences as well as the Europeans.Will need to update this review when I'm finished with the book.