Mirror of Modernity - Invented Traditions of Modern Japan (Hardcover)

This collection of essays challenges the notion that Japan's present cultural identity is the simple legacy of its pre-modern and insular past. Building on the historical analysis of British traditions, "The Invention of Tradition", 16 American and Japanese scholars examine "age-old" Japanese cultural practices, ranging from judo to labour management, and show these to be largely creations of the modern era.