Unfortunately we do not have a summary for this item at the moment

Richard Tames read history at Cambridge and took his Master's degree at the University of London, where he worked for over 15 years and was three times a Teacher Fellow. He now lectures for the London programmes of the American University and is a London Tourist Board registered 'Blue Badge' Guide. He is the author of American Walks in London, Bloomsbury Past, Soho Past and The City of London Past.

Myths and mysteries, pre-history to 500AD; Chinese shadows, 500-800; the world of the Shining Prince, 800-1185; shoguns and samurai, 1185-1543; the Christian century, 1543-1639; the closed country, 1639-1853; revolution and modernization, 1853-1912; through the dark valley, 1912- 45; reform, recovery and resurgence, 1945-73; internationalization and identity, 1973-1990s, the Japanese language and Japanese names; Buddhism; national holidays and local festivals; food and drink; Chronicle of major events; Emperors and empresses; Prime Ministers; further reading and reference; regions of Japan; historical gazetteer.