Mirror of Modernity: Invented Traditions of Modern Japan

Twentieth Century Japan: The Emergence of a World Power #9

by Stephen Vlastos

This collection of essays challenges the notion that Japan's present cultural identity is the simple legacy of Japan's premodern and insular past. Building on the pathbreaking historical analysis of British traditions, The Invention of Tradition , sixteen American and Japanese scholars examine "age-old" Japanese cultural practices, ranging from judo to labor management, and show these to be largely creations of the modern era.

Genres: Japan, History, Asia, Japanese History

360 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the essays had interesting points relating to "invented traditions", although I found many of them to have a very narrow focus or would provide too much depth in relation to a tenuously related topic. The title doesn't completely encompass everything that the essays cover; some of them simply don't fit the criteria, although there is a very wide range of topics covered (eg. agriculture, economics, family tradition, sumo wrestling) which was very engaging. Overall a decent read, albeit a little dry at certain areas.

[Benemint · Rating 4 out of 5]

A convenient collection of essays by big names.

[Alice Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book.