An Introduction to the History of Japan

'An Introduction to the History of Japan' is an insightful book written by Katsuro Hara in the 1920s. It is an attempt to present a comprehensive sketch of Japan's history for non-professional historians and students interested in the country's past and future. The author aims to offer a fair representation of Japan by adopting a foreigner's perspective, unencumbered by national prejudices. Hara's book covers the country's early history, original inhabitants, Chinese cultural influence, religion, politics, literature, art, and more. It also explains the military Shoguns' decline and how the Emperor became the new focus of power. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand Japan's rich history and the challenges it faced during its transition to modernity.