Modern Japan: All That Matters

All That Matters

by Jonathan Clements

Jonathan Clements charts the rise of Japan since the end of World War Two. Presenting the country as the Japanese themselves see it, he explains key issues in national reconstruction, the often-overlooked US Occupation, the influence of the Cold War, student unrest, political scandals, and the meteoric rise and sudden fall of the Japanese economy in the late 20th century.He chronicles changes in women's rights and consumer habits, developments in politics, education and health today, and the shadow of nuclear issues from Hiroshima to Fukushima. He also raises topics rarely covered by the foreign media - Japan's ethnic minorities and burakumin underclass, the influence of organised crime and the hard sell behind "soft" power.A final chapter examines the price Japan has paid for its meteoric rise, the problems of a greying population and a declining countryside, and the long-term implications of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.All That Matters about modern Japan. All That Matters books are a fast way to get right to the heart of key issues.

Genres: Japan, Nonfiction, History

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 30, 2013

About the author

Jonathan Clements is an author, translator, biographer and scriptwriter. His non-fiction works include biographies of Confucius, Marco Polo, Mao Zedong, Koxinga and Qin Shihuangdi. He also writes for NEO magazine and is the co-author of encyclopedias of anime and Japanese television dramas.

Reviews

[Hollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a short book that spans from post-war to present-day Japan. I enjoyed the one-off tidbits, such as Justin Bieber visiting and posting a photo from the Yasukuni Shrine—not a great look. However, I wish the book focused more on the content it aims to discuss. I understand it’s meant to be a historical gloss, but when it revisits media several times, it would benefit from a clearer and more succinct vision of what is and is not omitted.


3/5

[ytig gfcg · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a nice and brief book to give an overview of Japan. You might find it shallow if you already know something about the history of Japan. But, if you are looking for something fitted inside the 130 pages that can be read in an attempt, this book is for you.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is more of a reference book as a 'reading' book.
A few interesting bits and pieces but nothing that captivating.

[Okan Gulbak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and clear story of Japan from 1850s to 2000s.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fresh perspective.

[Smiley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 3.5-star book.

Recently published in 2014, this 7-chapter, 134-page paperback has legally been so formidable to me that I find it a bit tough to review due to its seemingly strict copyright. However, I would of course say something that may interest some Japanophiles to be alert and find a copy to read. It’s a pity you wouldn’t find any quoted excerpts as usual, I’m still wondering what and how I should do from now on.

First, I think this compact book (5 × 7 inches) interesting because of its large fonts, modern page layout, a map of Japan and 8 black-and-white illustrations (I have to find the number myself, no information given inside).

Second, under the title of Chapter 6, there is a 2005 quote of Shoichi Nakagawa, Trade Minister, who mentioned “digital media”; therefore, Japan has proved herself a bit more advanced (that is, a decade) than Thailand which has recently founded The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (formerly The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology).

Third, I found the ‘100 ideas’ section covering 16 topics after Chapter 7 so inspiringly informative that I had never known such facts before. We simply can’t help being envious and admiring their ideas, innovations, notable persons, etc. and wondering when and how to work/think like or better than the Japanese.

To continue …

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief chronological overview on important events and concepts in Japan from the WWII to present day.
Easy to follow and understand, and will prompt further research for those interested to dig into details.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief guide to the history and culture of Japan, including suggestions of movies, books, websites etc to further your understanding. Text is awkwardly written at times, but a lot about Japan is awkward. . .