James L. Huffman combines primary sources, including newspapers, diaries, cartoons, literature, wood block prints, maps, memoirs, photographs, and political essays, to present a narrative of Japan's history from 1600 through the twentieth century, focusing on cultural and economic, as well as political and intellectual, developments.

Island mentality -- The Shogun's realm -- The old order topples : 1853-1868 -- Confronting the modern world : 1868-1889 -- Envisioning a new world -- Turning outward : 1890-1910 -- Imperial democracy : 1912-1930 -- The dark era : 1930-1945 -- The reemergence : 1945-1970 -- An occupied land -- Japan as a world power.