Commemorating Meiji: History, Politics and the Politics of History

2018 marked the 150th anniversary of Japans Meiji Restoration, and this volume reflects upon the politically charged history of commemorating Meiji, particularly in the twentieth century. The chapters highlight the politics of memory as they played out across a series of milestones, showing the pressing need to look more closely at issues of commemoration as a key topic in their own right.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 116 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The 150th anniversary of Japan's Meiji Restoration in 2018 was a significant milestone that Prime Minister Abe Shinzō's government actively sought to highlight and celebrate. While previous studies have focused on the events of the restoration itself, this volume delves into the politically charged history of commemorating Meiji, particularly in the twentieth century. This other history of Meiji remains largely unknown outside of Japan, despite its relevance in the aftermath of various government-sponsored celebrations marking the Meiji Sesquicentennial.

At official historical commemoration, it is natural to assume a direct line linking the act of commemoration to the original event that is the ostensible focus of remembrance and celebration. However, the commemoration of Meiji today cannot be understood solely in terms of the relationship between the present and 1868 or even the longer Meiji period.

The chapters in this volume shed light on the politics of memory as they unfolded across a series of significant milestones throughout the twentieth century. Collectively, they underscore the urgent need to examine issues of commemoration as a crucial topic in their own right.

These chapters were originally published in Japanese Studies, a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to the study of Japan and East Asia. The book offers a valuable contribution to the field of Japanese studies and provides insights into the complex and multifaceted ways in which Meiji Restoration has been remembered and commemorated over the past century and a half.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367642853