Brief History of Japan, Jonathan Clements, Four Stars

An excellent and readable survey of Japan from the mists of its legendary origins through post-Fukushima. It is a popular history and not an academic work, but Clements is sensitive to debates raging in academic circles and also to hot-button issues that may trigger Japanese readers, or, for that matter, readers from some neighboring states. He uses a very down-to-Earth tone, so much so, one wonders if some of the colloquialisms included will stand the test of time in ten or twenty years. He does capture the sweep of history in Japan while keeping the reader engaged, giving some names, dates, and places along the way, but not making the reader feel like simply reading a timeline. He gives ideas for further reading, both within the text in the case of truly impactful works, and more so at the end. He clearly knows his subject and has deep respect for it too, although he is not afraid of shining the light of a little candor here and there. If you, like me, are not a Japan expert, this represents an excellent choice for a first step toward learning more.