Appearing for the first time in English the writings in this collectionreflect some of the most innovative and influential work by Japaneseintellectuals in rece... » 

Appearing for the first time in English the writings in this collectionreflect some of the most innovative and influential work by Japaneseintellectuals in recent years. The volume offers a rare and muchneeded windowinto the crucial ideas and positions currently shaping Japanese thought shiso.In addressing the political historical and cultural issues that havedominated Japanese society these essays cross a range of disciplinesincluding literary theory philosophy history gender studies and culturalstudies. Contributors examine Japans imperialist and nationalist past as wellas representations and remembrances of this history. They also critique recentefforts in Japanese rightwing circles to erase or obscure the more troublingaspects of Japans colonial enterprise in East Asia. Other essays explore howJapan has viewed itself in regard to the West and the complex influence ofWestern thought on Japanese intellectual and political life.The volumes groundbreaking essays on issues of gender and the contested placeof feminist thought in Japan discuss the similarities between the emotionalbullying of women who do not accept traditional gender roles and teasing inschools how the Japanese have adopted elements of Western orientalism todiscredit feminism and historical constructions of Japanese motherhood. «