In this 1999 edition of his introductory survey of contemporary Japan, Roger Buckley traces the country's history from its surrender in August 1945 to the present day. The updated edition, which was rewritten to take account of Japan's changing fortunes in the 1990s, describes the recent setbacks in its economic and financial sectors and examines the major shifts in the political sphere. Despite the current challenges to the nation's prosperity, this is a remarkable story of post-war resurgence, material progress and social stability.