Short History of Japan by Christopher Harding

A brief and thrilling introduction to Japan from one of the country’s leading British historians

In this enormously enjoyable introduction to a remarkable country, Christopher Harding traces Japan’s rich history over several millennia. Beginning with its earliest coastal communities through to the spread of Buddhism, the rise of the warlords, the promise and menace of the West and Japan’s own empire-building, Harding explores how a distinctly Japanese society and culture was forged.

Drawing on the latest scholarship, A Short History of Japan moves beyond traditional tourist-board cliches to consider Japan’s own view of its past, values and culture, from ceramics and theatre to food and architecture. The result is a sensory, tactile history conveying to the reader much about Japan’s special nature. Harding skilfully shows how these everyday details are intimately bound up with the bigger historical picture, as an expression of the values that have been extraordinarily successful in helping the country to cope with centuries of radical change.

About the Author: Christopher Harding is the author of Japan Story, The Japanese and The Light of Asia. Harding teaches at the University of Edinburgh and frequently broadcasts on Radio 3 and Radio 4. He writes a weekly newsletter, History with Chris Harding.

04 Sep 2025
 

A Short History of Japan by Christopher Harding ISBN 9780241563199