History of Japan (Modern history of Japan) 3600-JA-NHJ-OW

The lecture concerns the more recent history of Japan, i.e., from the mid-19th century to the present day, including the Meiji era (1868–1912), Taishō era (1912–1926), Shōwa era (1926–1989), Heisei era (1989–2019), and Reiwa era (2019–).
Among the topics discussed are the factors that led to the restoration of imperial rule in 1868, Japan’s embarkation on a path of accelerated reforms, and the establishment of a modern constitutional monarchy. Attention is also devoted to the distinctive features of “Taishō democracy” and Japanese nationalism, as well as the course and consequences of the wars and colonial expansion carried out by Japan.
he lecture also analyzes issues related to Japan’s postwar history.
It presents, among other things, the circumstances of the surrender, the course of American occupation reforms, the effects of the treaties signed in San Francisco, and subsequent efforts to revise those arrangements, including the normalization of relations with the Eastern Bloc. Further topics of consideration include Japan’s political system, directions of foreign policy, and matters related to national defense and security. The lecture also covers the stages of postwar economic development and social transformations.