In 1859 Japan was a distant, different country only just beginning to open up after its long period (1603-1858) of self-imposed isolation. During 1991, British-Japanese relations are becoming closer, with increasing interdependence in many fields. This book is a celebration of the individuals who have worked to bring Britain and Japan together and a celebration in particular of the Japan Society of London, which marks its centenary in 1991. The Society has, for a long time, taken a lead in promoting and maintaining good relations between the two countries. The book begins with a history of the Society written by Sir Hugh Cortazzi, Britain's former ambassador in Tokyo. 20 essays follow, each on a different figure who has made a significant contribution to the development of better links with Japan over the century. Both British and Japanese figures are included, from the fields of politics, commerce, education and the arts. The book concludes with a chronology of British-Japanese relations. This book should be of interest to lecturers and students of Japanese studies, history and international relations.