A Military History of Japan

This comprehensive volume traces the evolution of Japanese military historyfrom 300 AD to present day foreign relationsand reveals how the country''s cultural views of power violence and politics helped shape Japan''s long and turbulent history of war.The legacy of Japanese warfare is steeped in honor duty and valor. Yet some of the more violent episodes in this country''s military history have tainted foreign attitudes toward Japan oftentimes threatening the economic stability of the Pacific region. This book documents Japan''s long and stormy history of war and military action provides a thorough analysis of the social and political changes that have contributed to the evolution of Japan''s foreign policy and security decisions and reveals the truth behind the common myths and misconceptions of this nation''s iconic war symbols and events including samurais warlords and kamikaze attacks.Written by an author with military experience and insight into modern-day Japanese culture gained from living in Japan A Military History of Japan: From the Age of the Samurai to the 21st Century examines how Japan''s history of having warrior-based leaderships imperialist governments and dictators has shaped the country''s concepts of war. It provides a complete military history of Japanfrom the beginning of the Imperial institution to the post-Cold War erain a single volume. This thoughtful resource also contains photos maps and a glossary of key Japanese terms to support learning.