Title
Imperial Japan at Its Zenith: The Wartime Celebration of the Empire's 2,600th Anniversary (Studies of the Weatherhead East Asian,Used
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In 1940, Japan was into its third year of war with China, and relations with the United States were deteriorating, but it was a heady time for the Japanese nonetheless. That year, the Japanese commemorated the 2,600th anniversary of the founding of the Empire of Japan. According to the imperial mythhistory, Emperor Jimmu, descended from the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, established the 'unbroken imperial line' in 660 BCE. In carefully choreographed ceremonies throughout the empire, through new public monuments, with visual culture, and through heritage tourism, the Japanese celebrated the extension of imperial rule under the 124th emperor, Hirohito.These celebrations, the climactic moment for the ideology that was central to modern Japan's identity until the imperial cult's legitimacy was bruised by defeat in 1945, are little known outside Japan. Imperial Japan at Its Zenith, the first book in English about the 2,600th anniversary, examines the themes of the celebration and what they tell us about Japan at midcentury. Kenneth J. Ruoff emphasizes that wartime Japan did not reject modernity in favor of nativist traditionalism. Instead, like Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, it embraced reactionary modernism. Ruoff also highlights the role played by the Japanese people in endorsing and promoting imperial ideology and expansion, documenting the significant grassroots support for the cult of the emperor and for militarism.Ruoff uses the anniversary celebrations to examine Japan's invention of a national history; the complex relationship between the homeland and the colonies; the significance of Imperial Japan's challenge to EuroAmerican claims of racial and cultural superiority; the role of heritage tourism in inspiring national pride; Japan's wartime fascist modernity; and, with a chapter about overseas Japanese, the boundaries of the Japanese nation. Packed with intriguing anecdotes, incisive analysis, and revelatory illustrations, Imperial Japan at Its Zenith is a major contribution to our understanding of wartime Japan.
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'Imperial Japan at Its Zenith'? A: 'Imperial Japan at Its Zenith' examines the 2,600th anniversary celebrations of the Empire of Japan in 1940, highlighting the themes of imperial ideology, modernity, and the role of the Japanese people in supporting militarism.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author of 'Imperial Japan at Its Zenith' is Kenneth J. Ruoff, a scholar specializing in Japanese history.
- Q: What are the key themes discussed in the book? A: Key themes include Japan's invention of national history, the relationship between the homeland and colonies, the significance of the anniversary celebrations, and the grassroots support for imperial ideology.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: 'Imperial Japan at Its Zenith' contains 256 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is available in paperback binding.
- Q: When was 'Imperial Japan at Its Zenith' published? A: 'Imperial Japan at Its Zenith' was published on September 18, 2014.
- Q: Is the book suitable for those interested in Japanese history? A: Yes, the book is a major contribution to understanding wartime Japan and is suitable for readers interested in Japanese history, militarism, and cultural studies.
- Q: What can readers expect to find in terms of illustrations? A: The book includes revelatory illustrations that complement the text and provide visual context to the themes discussed.
- Q: Does the book address Japan's wartime ideology? A: Yes, it examines Japan's wartime ideology, including the embrace of reactionary modernism and its challenge to Euro-American cultural superiority.
- Q: What makes this book unique compared to other historical texts? A: 'Imperial Japan at Its Zenith' is unique as it is the first book in English focusing specifically on the 2,600th anniversary celebrations, providing insights that are less known outside Japan.