The Routledge Handbook of Modern Japanese History is a concise overview of modern Japanese history from the middle of the nineteenth century down to the end of the twentieth century. Written by a group of Western and Japanese historians, each an authority in his/her field, the book covers modern Japanese history in an accessible yet comprehensive manner. The subjects featured in the book range from the development of the political system, constitutional and legal issues, ideologies, the emperor system, international relations, social and economic history, environmental history, and gender issues to postwar discussions about modern Japan s historical trajectory and its wartime past.

Each chapter contains a concise outline of the subject, outlines historiographical debates and controversies, summarizes the latest developments in the field, and identifies research topics that have not yet received sufficient scholarly attention. Readers are encourgaged to explore further secondary as well as primary sources with a list of essential primary sources provided in each chapter.

The handbook is intended as a reference tool for researchers, educators and students of modern Japanese history as well as for all those from related fields with an interest in modern Japan. "