Histories of Children and Childhood in Meiji Japan

This book explores the diverse experiences of childhood during Japan's Meiji period, providing insights into living conditions and perceptions of childhood beyond urban centers. It utilizes a range of sources, including autobiographies, educational essays, government documents, children's literature, youth journals, and medical manuals, making it a valuable resource for students and scholars of Japanese history, children's studies, education, and social policy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book is a pioneering effort that seamlessly weaves together historical research on Japan with the field of childhood history, thereby enriching the broader historical narrative of the Meiji period. By incorporating children and childhood into the general historical record, the volume offers a comprehensive exploration of the diverse experiences of youth during Japan's transformative journey towards modernity.

To delve into the multifaceted tapestry of childhood during this pivotal period, the book presents a collection of survey studies and "snapshots" of historical moments, authored by esteemed scholars from Europe, Japan, and North America. These captivating histories of children and childhood encompass a wide range of thematic aspects, ranging from birth and child-rearing to the portrayal of childhood in literary works. These narratives are approached from diverse theoretical perspectives and methodologies, fostering a rich and multifaceted understanding of the subject matter.

One of the key strengths of the contributions lies in their acute awareness of the challenges inherent in writing the history of childhood and youth. By drawing upon a diverse array of sources, including autobiographies, educational essays, government documents, children's literature, youth journals, and medical manuals, the authors provide invaluable insights into the living conditions and perceptions of childhood, extending beyond the urban centers of evolving modern Japan.

This book serves as a valuable resource for students and scholars of Japanese history, children's studies, the history of education, and social policy, in general. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of childhood during the Meiji period, shedding light on the social, cultural, and political factors that shaped this transformative era. By bridging the gap between historical research and childhood history, this book contributes to a deeper appreciation of the past and its impact on the present.

Weight: 710g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367651336