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Tokyo: A Biography
The history of Tokyo is as eventful as it is long. A concise yet detailed overview of this fascinating, centuries-old city, Tokyo: A Biography is a perfect companion volume for history buffs or Tokyo-bound travelers looking to learn more about their destination.
In a whirlwind journey through Tokyo's past from its earliest beginnings up to the present day, this Japanese history book demonstrates how the city's response to everything from natural disasters to regime change has been to reinvent itself time and again. A calamitous fire results in a massive expansion of the city's territory. A debate over the Samurai code creates far-reaching social change. A malleable boy becomes the figurehead for powerful forces who change an ancient feudal society into a modern industrialized power within a generation. Utter destruction wipes the slate clean again so Tokyoites may start all over. And so it goes.
Tokyo's story is riveting, and by the end of Tokyo: A Biography, readers see a city almost unrivalled in its uniqueness, a place that—despite its often tragic history—still shimmers as it prepares to face the future.
In a whirlwind journey through Tokyo's past from its earliest beginnings up to the present day, this Japanese history book demonstrates how the city's response to everything from natural disasters to regime change has been to reinvent itself time and again. A calamitous fire results in a massive expansion of the city's territory. A debate over the Samurai code creates far-reaching social change. A malleable boy becomes the figurehead for powerful forces who change an ancient feudal society into a modern industrialized power within a generation. Utter destruction wipes the slate clean again so Tokyoites may start all over. And so it goes.
Tokyo's story is riveting, and by the end of Tokyo: A Biography, readers see a city almost unrivalled in its uniqueness, a place that—despite its often tragic history—still shimmers as it prepares to face the future.
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2016
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234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 20, 2023
We interviewed the author, Stephen Mansfield, in episode 29 of the Books on Asia podcast.
August 6, 2017
This book is a great option for anyone looking for a fairly comprehensive, and not too academic history of Tokyo. The author manages to take into account the most important political, historical, and cultural factors that have shaped the city since its earliest origins but still deliver a very entertaining and light read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about Tokyo's history and its evolution throughout the different Japanese eras.
December 14, 2019
Excellent relatively brief, but over-flowingly informative history of the metropolis.
Well written enough to make even this Osaka-boy appreciate what a mammoth construction Tōkyō actually is.
Full review coming soon:
Well written enough to make even this Osaka-boy appreciate what a mammoth construction Tōkyō actually is.
Full review coming soon:
March 27, 2018
This is a concise, 195 page-long history of Tokyo from its founding by Ota Dokan until the preparations for the 2020 Olympics.
I found it strange that previous reviewers compared this work to Seidensticker’s books since Mansfield wrote a book covering much more ground, in fewer pages, and for a different audience (its more os a Modern Japan/Tokyo 101 crush course). He also relies quite heavily on Seidensticker in some parts (and both writers have a fondness to Nagai Kafu).
People who know a lot about Japanese history and on Tokyo will not find anything new in this book, and yet, I enjoyed it for mainly two reasons: first, the small anecdotal details Mansfield weaves into the story (like Tojo’s last meal or the curse of Tokyo Tower). And second the pathos and drama in some of his writing - which some might dismiss for being less “serious”, but I enjoyed since it adds flavor and shows his love for the city.
I also liked the way Mansfield incorporates Western travelers’ (like Arthur Kostler and Paul Theroux) impressions of Tokyo from the 19th century, to the Tokyo 64 Olympics that show how dynamic the city’s history is. The list of sources has famous writers on Japan like Dower, Bestor or John Nathan but fewer Japanese researchers and writers, which is a bit of a miss. There is also more representation for the “classic” writers on Tokyo (like Nagai Kafu and Dazai Osamu) and less on the younger generation of Japanese writers/creatives.
Overall, a well worth read for anyone interested in the history of one of the world’s most fascinating cities.
I found it strange that previous reviewers compared this work to Seidensticker’s books since Mansfield wrote a book covering much more ground, in fewer pages, and for a different audience (its more os a Modern Japan/Tokyo 101 crush course). He also relies quite heavily on Seidensticker in some parts (and both writers have a fondness to Nagai Kafu).
People who know a lot about Japanese history and on Tokyo will not find anything new in this book, and yet, I enjoyed it for mainly two reasons: first, the small anecdotal details Mansfield weaves into the story (like Tojo’s last meal or the curse of Tokyo Tower). And second the pathos and drama in some of his writing - which some might dismiss for being less “serious”, but I enjoyed since it adds flavor and shows his love for the city.
I also liked the way Mansfield incorporates Western travelers’ (like Arthur Kostler and Paul Theroux) impressions of Tokyo from the 19th century, to the Tokyo 64 Olympics that show how dynamic the city’s history is. The list of sources has famous writers on Japan like Dower, Bestor or John Nathan but fewer Japanese researchers and writers, which is a bit of a miss. There is also more representation for the “classic” writers on Tokyo (like Nagai Kafu and Dazai Osamu) and less on the younger generation of Japanese writers/creatives.
Overall, a well worth read for anyone interested in the history of one of the world’s most fascinating cities.
August 1, 2024
Bardzo przystępnie i w krótkim formacie opisana historia jednego z największych organizmów miejskich na świecie. Od wioski, poprzez kryzysy, trzęsienia ziemi, pożary, powodzie i krachy finansowe, aż do czasów nieomal współczesnych.
Nie nudzi, co jest zasługą tak oryginału, jak i dobrego przekładu (Maria Moskal)
Nie nudzi, co jest zasługą tak oryginału, jak i dobrego przekładu (Maria Moskal)
July 17, 2018
coś między 3 a 4... dlaczego nie ma połówek? :(
June 15, 2017
https://101booksjapan.blogspot.ca/
I made the mistake of reading this after the masterful Tokyo from Edo to Showa 1867-1989 by Edward Seidensticker. While that was a masterful in depth cultural and social history of the city, the more recent biography is a much more surface look at the city.
Even though Mansfield's work comes almost a quarter century later, I'd read it first as the introduction and count on Seidensticker for the detailed and complete story.
I made the mistake of reading this after the masterful Tokyo from Edo to Showa 1867-1989 by Edward Seidensticker. While that was a masterful in depth cultural and social history of the city, the more recent biography is a much more surface look at the city.
Even though Mansfield's work comes almost a quarter century later, I'd read it first as the introduction and count on Seidensticker for the detailed and complete story.
Read
July 21, 2019Jakże odświeżająca jest ta książka, w której opis Tokio jest tak samo rzetelny jak i zwyczajny, bliski czytelnikowi. Biografię tę czyta się z zapartym tchem, przeżywając dramatyczne momenty kataklizmów, ekscytując się kolejnymi metamorfozami, niepokojąc, gdy historia zaczyna skręcać na drogę zniszczenia i wojny. Co więcej, wciąż nie pozwala się nam zapomnieć, że to miasto jest pełne ludzi – którzy prowadzą swoje codzienne życia, zmagają się z przeciwnościami i tworzą to miasto.
Za to wszystko tę książkę po prostu uwielbiam. I bardzo żałuję, że historia w niej opisana nie dociera do dnia dzisiejszego bo mogłabym czytać tę książkę jeszcze chwilę dłużej (historia sięga odrobinę za tragiczne wydarzenia z marca 2011 roku, co jednak oznacza, że jest niezwykle aktualna). Autor miał fun z pisania o Tokio i dzielenia się ciekawostkami, które wyszukał, ja mam fun z czytania o tym. Niczego więcej mi nie potrzeba.
Więcej: https://azjatyckapolka.wordpress.com/...
Za to wszystko tę książkę po prostu uwielbiam. I bardzo żałuję, że historia w niej opisana nie dociera do dnia dzisiejszego bo mogłabym czytać tę książkę jeszcze chwilę dłużej (historia sięga odrobinę za tragiczne wydarzenia z marca 2011 roku, co jednak oznacza, że jest niezwykle aktualna). Autor miał fun z pisania o Tokio i dzielenia się ciekawostkami, które wyszukał, ja mam fun z czytania o tym. Niczego więcej mi nie potrzeba.
Więcej: https://azjatyckapolka.wordpress.com/...
June 26, 2017
I'm not sure that there's much in Stephen Mansfield's Tokyo: A Biography (2016) that hasn't already been covered in Edward Seidensticker's comprehensive Tokyo from Edo to Showa 1867-1989, or actually, even in Mansfield's own Tokyo: A Cultural History. That being said, it is a nice, concise history of the city, which might be a good overview for a general reader. In addition, his last chapters are more up to date with recent events, but not in any significant detail.
May 29, 2018
3,5 poproszę o więcej i dogłębniej aczkolwiek wszelkie poczynione co do teraźniejszości uwagi były jak najbardziej na miejscu XD
"Projekty, które wszedzie indziej prawdopodobnie zostałyby uznane za ogłupiające wymysły, całkiem nieźle wpasowały się w tokijską papkę miejską - przynajmniej w oczach ludzi przebywających w Tokio wystarczająco długo, by przewartościować swój sposób postrzegania przestrzeni." true that af
"Projekty, które wszedzie indziej prawdopodobnie zostałyby uznane za ogłupiające wymysły, całkiem nieźle wpasowały się w tokijską papkę miejską - przynajmniej w oczach ludzi przebywających w Tokio wystarczająco długo, by przewartościować swój sposób postrzegania przestrzeni." true that af
February 23, 2017
Mansfield reveals the split personality of a city permeated by samurai culture, which dates back to the 12th century, that remains fixated on the present. Described by an architect as ‘a terrifying wirescape’, the city’s appeal lies in its culture and the energy of a homogenous population.
September 25, 2021
Strong 3.5 - Overall this was a very good, relatively succinct history of the city of Tokyo. Had to knock off one star because the author meanders into a bizarre apocalyptic fever dream near the end. Also, a couple of maps would have been a huge help.
August 14, 2021
Zrozumiale napisana książka o wielkiej metropolii Dalekiego Wschodu - czytało mi się bardzo dobrze. Nie wymaga wielkiej wiedzy na temat Japonii, a może być wstępem do dalszej lektury.
February 3, 2024
Brief, informative, but dry.
March 28, 2025
If you're looking for the highlights and just the highlights this is it for you. The author did a great job of condensing it down.
October 2, 2020
Bardzo dobrze napisana, przyjemnie się czyta.
April 7, 2018
Tym, co zaskakuje przy pierwszym kontakcie z Tokio. Biografią, jest jej rozmiar. Podtytuł Biografia sugeruje sążniste dzieło, tymczasem otrzymujemy dwustudwudziestopięciostronicową (już po odliczeniu bibliografii) książeczkę. A czym zaskoczy nas treść?
Ciąg dalszy na:
https://miedzysklejonymikartkami.blog...
Ciąg dalszy na:
https://miedzysklejonymikartkami.blog...
January 4, 2021
If it wasn't for the upcoming presentation I'm working on, and this having a few useful bits of information pertaining to the topic, this would have been a one star.
I choose to read this kind of book because I want to learn about the history of Tokyo. So when Mansfield slips into journalistic flair and makes it more about his vocabulary and opinions of various historical moments, which he does often, I lose respect and patience.
Don't include a bunch of italicized French words in a book on the history of Tokyo. Don't devote so much of your book on the state of prostitution throughout the various eras because it makes it seem like you're bitter that you're not writing a history of prostitution in Tokyo instead. Also, and I understand it can be difficult, but don't jump around in time if it can truly be avoided.
This book needed more work and possibly a different editor.
I choose to read this kind of book because I want to learn about the history of Tokyo. So when Mansfield slips into journalistic flair and makes it more about his vocabulary and opinions of various historical moments, which he does often, I lose respect and patience.
Don't include a bunch of italicized French words in a book on the history of Tokyo. Don't devote so much of your book on the state of prostitution throughout the various eras because it makes it seem like you're bitter that you're not writing a history of prostitution in Tokyo instead. Also, and I understand it can be difficult, but don't jump around in time if it can truly be avoided.
This book needed more work and possibly a different editor.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews