21st Century Japan
Trevor W. Harrison

During 2006, Trevor W. Harrison lived, worked, and travelled in Japan. Written on the cusp of several notable events that shook Japan while he was there, this work begins with an overview of Japan's history and politics, from post-World War II up until the present day, and then examines Japan's role in the 21st century. 

Topics include: the coming to power of a new and fervently nationalist right-wing government dedicated to changing Japan's constitution, including the role of its military; a series of political scandals that rocked the establishment; the increased threat of a nuclear North Korea; and external pressures wrought by Japan's long-time mentor, the United States.

As a result of these events, Japan's government, and the country itself, is increasingly caught between a series of obdurate, sometimes hostile, choices: on the one hand, its geographic location within Asia, and on the other, its political and economic relationships with the West. But these events are important not only for Japan; they also present challenges and opportunities for the rest of the world. 

Praise for 21st Century Japan

"Thanks to this work, we Japanese now have an alternative way of recomposing our own history, society, and culture. Some may say it is a Canadian scholar's point of view. I would like to say, rather, that this book presents a pro-Japanese futurist point of view." - Hironori Tarumi, Professor of Public Policy, Hokkai-Gakuen University

Trevor W. Harrison is a professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge. His other works include The Trojan Horse: Alberta and the Future of Canada (1995), Requiem for a Lightweight: Stockwell Day and Image Politics (2002), The Return of the Trojan Horse (2005), and most recently, Anger and Angst: Jason Kenney's Legacy and Alberta's Right (2023). 

2008; 175 pages

21st Century Japan Retail Prices
Paperback:
9781551643069 $19.99
Hardcover:
9781551643076 $48.99