Focusing on American hegemony in occupied Japan, the book challenges the notion of a near-monopoly held by the United States in postwar development. It argues that American dominance was not only limited but also diminished over time. Furthermore, it highlights the transformation of Japan from a former adversary to a key ally in the Asia-Pacific, illustrating the complexities of international relations in the region during this period.
Focusing on the evolution of Japanese medical insurance systems from the 1920s to the 1950s, this book highlights the interplay between domestic policies and international relations. It details significant milestones, such as the Health Insurance Law of 1922 and the National Health Insurance establishment in 1938, while illustrating how Japan's global standing influenced domestic reforms. By examining the government's decision-making processes within this context, it offers valuable insights for academics and researchers interested in Japan's healthcare history.
The Historical Dictionary of Japanese Foreign Policy includes a chronology, an introduction, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 400 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture.
The Asia-Pacific region has been enjoying fast growing economy. As President Barack Obama's pivot to Asia strategy indicates, this region is an engine for the world economic growth. However, the Asia-Pacific has also been an unstable region suffering from many sources of conflicts such as disputes on Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, the unsettled Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) borders, and many others. Do we need a hegemonic power to stabilize this region? What can we do to deal with the emergence of China? How can we understand anti- Japanese feelings? Is there any way to deal with the problem on Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands? How can we analyze nuclear crisis on the Korean peninsula? Can the European Union make any contribution to stabilizing the Asia-Pacific region? Those are some of the concrete questions this book tackles with in order to find ways and means to establish a more amicable Asia-Pacific region.
This anthology analyzes societal and cultural aspects of modern Japan. It identifies the dynamic trend and undercurrent in Japan by addressing three key areas: modernization, internationalization, and memory and imagination. Using interdisciplinary and multi-language approaches, it discusses topics such as religion, ethnicity, civil society, art, public health, popular culture, war, identity and education. It is a valuable resource for scholars and graduate students with an interest in cutting-edge research analyses of Japanese / Asian studies.