11 Essential Books to Understand Japanese History – A Guide for Western Readers

Many people interested in Japan may find themselves thinking, "I want to know which books are available on Japanese history!"

Japanese history contains ideas and values that are still relevant today. By reading history books, you not only gain insight into Japan’s past but also develop a deeper understanding of modern Japan.

In this article, we introduce 11 essential books that help Western readers understand Japanese history.

By reading these books, you can enhance your experience when traveling to Japan and gain valuable knowledge if you are considering living in Japan.

11 Essential Books to Understand Japanese History – Recommended for Western Readers

Here are 11 recommended books for Western readers who want to understand Japanese history:

• Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu
• The Kojiki
• Nihongi
• The Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture by Roger J. Davies, Osamu Ikeno
• Japan Through the Looking Glass by Alan MacFarlane
• Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan by Lafcadio Hearn
• A Brief History of Japan by Jonathan Clements
• The Pleasures of Japanese Literature by Donald Keene
• A Modern History of Japan: From Tokugawa Times to the Present by Andrew Gordon
• Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II by John W. Dower
• The Cambridge History of Japan, Vol. 1: Ancient Japan by Delmer M. Brown

In the following sections, we will provide explanations of each of these 11 books that offer insights into Japanese history.

Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu

Tale of Genji is considered Japan’s oldest full-length novel, written by Murasaki Shikibu in the mid-Heian period.

This novel depicts romantic relationships between men and women, portraying not only the emotions of its characters but also providing intricate details about the aristocratic society, culture, and ethical values of the time.

Additionally, Tale of Genji introduces waka, a form of classical Japanese poetry that lovers exchanged during the Heian period. Through this, readers can gain a deeper understanding of this era.

The Kojiki

Kojiki is regarded as Japan’s oldest classical text, offering insights into Japanese history and mythology.

The book describes the origins of Shinto shrines and festivals, as well as the relationship between deities and people in ancient times, providing readers with a glimpse into the roots of the Japanese people.

Nihongi

Nihongi, also known as Nihon Shoki, is a historical chronicle that traces Japan’s history from the era of the gods to the reign of Emperor Jitō (690–697 AD).

While Kojiki also introduces Japanese mythology, Nihongi contains additional legends not included in Kojiki. By reading both, one can gain a broader and more comprehensive understanding of ancient Japanese history.

The Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture by Roger J. Davies, Osamu Ikeno

This book provides a clear and accessible explanation of Japanese thought and values for Western readers. It is an ideal choice for those who find Japanese ways of thinking difficult to grasp.

Japan has unique cultural concepts such as ambiguity, humility, and wabi-sabi, which have been passed down for generations. Understanding these concepts is essential for anyone looking to learn more about Japanese history and culture.

Japan Through the Looking Glass by Alan MacFarlane

This book, written by Cambridge University anthropology professor Alan MacFarlane, explores Japanese society from various perspectives.

It provides a clear and accessible explanation of Japanese history, covering a wide range of topics including religion, food, war, race, and law. This book is highly recommended for those who want a broad understanding of Japanese society as a whole.

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Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan by Lafcadio Hearn

Originally published in 1894, this book is a collection of Lafcadio Hearn’s impressions of Japan shortly after his arrival. It offers a glimpse into the daily lives and customs of the Japanese people at that time, many of which still resonate in modern Japan.

The book also touches on historical cultural aspects such as Jizō statues, Bon Odori, and pilgrimages to Enoshima, providing a vivid depiction of how Japan appeared through the eyes of a foreigner in that era.

A Brief History of Japan by Jonathan Clements

This book presents a comprehensive overview of Japanese history, spanning from its mythological origins to the Great East Japan Earthquake.

It primarily focuses on how Japan, as an island nation, has grown and evolved through interactions with other countries. With its unique perspective, this book offers an insightful approach to understanding Japan’s historical development.

The Pleasures of Japanese Literature by Donald Keene

This book is a fascinating exploration of Japan’s traditional culture, introducing and evaluating Japanese aesthetics, poetry, and literature.

It discusses unique aspects of Japanese sensibilities, such as the appreciation of cherry blossoms that fall within days and the deliberate choice to build temples from wood, despite its lack of durability. Through this, readers can gain deeper insights into the historical values and philosophy of the Japanese people.

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A Modern History of Japan: From Tokugawa Times to the Present by Andrew Gordon

This book provides a comprehensive overview of Japan’s social and economic transformations from the Tokugawa shogunate to the 2010s.

Covering the feudal system of the Tokugawa era, the Meiji Restoration, wartime and postwar periods, and Japan’s modern growth, this book is perfect for those who want to understand modern Japanese history.

Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II by John W. Dower

This book focuses on Japan’s post-World War II period, portraying the struggles of ordinary citizens who lost their families, as well as the changing social and ideological landscape.

It details how the Japanese people survived the chaos of the postwar years and how Japan’s modern structure was built in the aftermath of defeat. This book is especially recommended for those interested in postwar Japanese history.

The Cambridge History of Japan, Vol. 1: Ancient Japan by Delmer M. Brown

This book covers ancient Japan from 300 BCE to the end of the Nara period in 784 CE, dividing the history into four key periods: the Yayoi period, the Yamato period, the Age of Reform, and the Nara period.

It explains the defining characteristics of each era, such as the diplomatic exchanges of the Yayoi period and the consolidation of power by rulers in the Yamato period. For those who want a deep understanding of ancient Japan, this book is an excellent choice.

Recommended Introductory Books on Japanese History for Western Readers: Summary

To understand Japanese history, reading books that cover mythology, historical backgrounds, and various time periods—like the 11 books introduced in this article—is highly recommended.

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