Chrysanthemums and Thorns: The Untold Story of Modern Japan

by Edwin M. Reingold

Examines the country's economic revival, internal problems, xenophobia, and argues that the lives of Japan's common citizens have improved only marginally since medieval isolation

Genres: Nonfiction

298 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1992

Reviews

[May Shewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read, especially now when Japan has greatly reduced their presence and influence in the world, politically and financially. So much has changed on the surface yet much of what is written here has not changed.
As values of the average citizen have greatly changed, much of what is pointed out in this book has not. Often an outsider is able to step back and view the issues holding a society and it’s citizens back from necessary change and growth. As Japan loses many of its social strengths that once made this nation an economical success, an acceptance to listen to criticism from people like him may be an unwelcome but necessary task. As the society rapidly ages, what once worked is clearly no longer working. An acceptance to change and an effort to see beyond the surface and an ability to think long term is a must in a nation with many challenges.
My sincere wish is to have more read this book(Japanese included) and be able to welcome the criticism objectively without taking it personally.