The Meiji Restoration was a revolutionary period during which Japan was transformed from a feudal state into a modern state. The opening of Japan's ports to Western colonial fleets showed the weakness of Tokugawa and triggered nationalist movements. In 1867 pro-imperial daimyo suggested that Tokuga...

Sword Saint Who is the sword saint? Some say Miyamoto Musashi is a sword saint. He was born around 1584 in the village of Miyamoto in the Mimisaka province. Many people know him only by the name of Musashi. His real name however is Shinmen Musashi no Kami Fujiwara no Genshin....

"From Feudalism to Military dominance to Constitutional Democracy", Japan's history is an insightful roadmap of how she developed into the Japanese modern state that is apparent today. Examining Japan's past experiences as a nation, five of the most crucial events of history are...

Samurai The term Shogun means general. Later, it refered to the leader of the Shogunate (Samurai's government). From 1192-1867, the Shogun ruled Japan. The Emperor reigned but did not rule. The Shoguns were a type of warlords that governed providences and states as a type of Japanese check and bala...

In Japan And Its World, by Marius B. Jansen, Jansen describes the changing ideas the Japanese have had of themselves and the Western world as well as the ideas the Americans has had of the Japanese. The Japanese have had to adapt to a different world and yet go from a weak country to a major power i...