The Technological Transformation of Japan: From the Seventeenth to the Twenty-First Century

by Tessa Morris-Suzuki

Overview

For decades, Japan has been at the cutting edge of much technology, becoming an industrial superpower in the process. It is not widely acknowledged, however, that Japan's status as technological leader is the result of historical processes over centuries. This landmark book is the first general English-language history of technology in modern Japan. Impressive for its scope and insight, the book also considers the social costs of rapid technological change. It will be read not only by people interested in modern and premodern Japan, but by those who wish to learn from the "Japanese phenomenon."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521424929
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/25/1994
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	316
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.71(d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; Part I. The Tokugawa Heritage 1603–1867: 2. Society and technology in Tokugawa, Japan; 3. Opening of doors; Part II. Technology in Industrialising Japan 1868–1945: 4. Technology and the Meiji State 1868–1912; 5. Systems-building and science-based industry 1912–1937; 6. A war of science and technology 1937–1945; Part III. The Making of a Technological Superpower Since 1945: 7. Technology and the 'economic miracle' 1945–1973; 8. High-tech Japan; Notes; Chronology; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"It is hoped that Tessa Morris-Suzuki's book will provide a springboard for debate." Gail Ann M. Honda, (source???)

"This book is especially informative, and insightful, because it never loses sight of the political, social, and economic contexts within which the history and development of technology in Japan must be considered." J.W. Dauben, Choice

From the Publisher