Concise History of Japan

Ben Waber reviewed Concise History of Japan by Brett L. Walker

An Excellent History of Ancient Japan with a Standard Walkthrough Post-Nara Era

4 stars

The chapters in this book on ancient Japan are fascinating - the archipelago was once attached via land bridge to Korea until extremely recently, and the analysis of Chinese reports that detail gender balanced leadership with copious tattoos (!) are enlightening. Post Nara period the history will be familiar to anyone familiar with Japanese history, although the sections on environmental changes in Japan are insightful. Highly recommend

chadkoh reviewed Concise History of Japan by Brett L. Walker

Review of 'Concise History of Japan' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

A serviceable survey of Japan's history. He sometimes chooses the obvious examples, but I appreciate some of his more critical takes (eg. emphasis on Emishi, Meiji colonialism in Hokkaido, labour issues, etc). However, the book promises "posing important questions regarding … environmental and climatological uncertainties" but does not fully deliver on this. Rather than an "ecological history" this is more of a standard history where each chapter has a section seemingly tacked on near the end with some environmental point. I would totally read a purely "ecological history" of Japan, and I hope publishers let Brett Walker write one someday.