A Handbook of Modern Japan

The work surveys Japan’s physical geography, economy, transport, daily life, customs, and national character, then reviews both older and modern history alongside constitutional, local, and legal institutions. It examines religion, philosophy, literature, education, aesthetics, social change, and the role of women, and it assesses Japan’s international position including wartime and expansion topics. The author presents social transformation as largely government-directed, with conservative popular attitudes contrasted against progressive official reforms. Organized into concise chapters with maps, illustrations, and bibliographies, the volume functions as a compact handbook offering an overview of contemporary conditions and references for further study.