Inventing the Way of the Samurai: Nationalism, Internationalism, and Bushido in Modern Japan (The Past and Present Book Series) (9780198754251): Oleg Benesch: Books
Inventing the Way of the Samurai
Nationalism, Internationalism, and Bushidō in Modern Japan
Oleg Benesch
----
The Past and Present Book Series
The only book-length academic study of bushidō, an important subject for anyone with an interest in Japan
Provides an overview of modern Japanese history through the lens of a single concept
Offers a long-awaited re-evaluation of some of the longest-standing myths about Japanese thought and culture
The first book in English to take a historical approach to a subject that has traditionally been dealt with primarily on a philosophical level
Combines a variety of approaches and sources to provide a comprehensive history of a concept
------
Table of Contents
Introduction
1: Backgrounds
2: First Explanations of Bushidō in the Meiji Era
3: The Early Bushidō Boom, 1894-1905
4: The Late Bushidō Boom, 1905-1914
5: The End of the Bushidō Boom
6: The Showa Bushidō Resurgence
7: Bushidō in Postwar Japan
Conclusions and Considerations
Select Bibliography
----
Description
Inventing the Way of the Samurai examines the development of the 'way of the samurai' - bushidō - which is popularly viewed as a defining element of the Japanese national character and even the 'soul of Japan'. Rather than a continuation of ancient traditions, however, bushidō developed from a search for identity during Japan's modernization in the late nineteenth century. The former samurai class were widely viewed as a relic of a bygone age in the 1880s, and the first significant discussions of bushidō at the end of the decade were strongly influenced by contemporary European ideals of gentlemen and chivalry. At the same time, Japanese thinkers increasingly looked to their own traditions in search of sources of national identity, and this process accelerated as national confidence grew with military victories over China and Russia.
Inventing the Way of the Samurai considers the people, events, and writings that drove the rapid growth of bushidō, which came to emphasize martial virtues and absolute loyalty to the emperor. In the early twentieth century, bushidō became a core subject in civilian and military education, and was a key ideological pillar supporting the imperial state until its collapse in 1945. The close identification of bushidō with Japanese militarism meant that it was rejected immediately after the war, but different interpretations of bushidō were soon revived by both Japanese and foreign commentators seeking to explain Japan's past, present, and future. This volume further explores the factors behind the resurgence of bushidō, which has proven resilient through 130 years of dramatic social, political, -
-----
Review
Review from previous edition: "Benesch's history of bushido as an invented tradition with an ideological character delivers on the title's promise. Students of intellectual history will appreciate the example of an idea created, branded as tradition, and then variously applied by multiple
ideological positions. Modernists will benefit from Benesch's explanation of the Imperialist appropriation of bushido as a tool for militarization of the population through World War II. And Japan specialists are finally armed with a full argument against bushido's historicity."
--Nathan H. Ledbetter, Journal of Military History
L
"Benesch provides a comprehensive overhaul of the history of the development of bushido. He demonstrates great expertise in presenting the various texts and their roles in the discourse ... this book is a highly gripping read and provides a well-informed contribution to the historical
development and powerful influence of invented traditions."
--Julian Plenefisch, H-Soz-u-Kult [translation]
-----
About the Author
Oleg Benesch is Anniversary Research Lecturer in History, specializing in the history of early modern and modern Japan. Before arriving at the University of York, Dr Benesch was Past & Present Fellow at the Institute of Historical Research at the University of London. He has spent almost six years living and researching in Japan, including two years each at Hitotsubashi University and Reitaku University in Tokyo. Dr Benesch's publications and teaching interests cover a variety of fields, including Japanese intellectual, religious, and social history, Chinese intellectual history, as well as the transnational history of modern East Asia. He has presented his research findings at academic conferences and invited lectures throughout East Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia.
-----
Top Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 starsThis book is the most accurate, nuanced, and well researched examination of Bushido available
By Corydharma on December 14, 2014
Format: Hardcover
A remarkable piece of scholarship: this book is the most accurate, nuanced, and well researched examination of Bushido available. It clearly shows how the concept of Bushido has changed chronologically, rightly noting how nationalists, popular culture, and a lack of critical scholarship all affected how Bushido was portrayed and understood.
For the curious martial artists, amateur philosophers, and Japanese history buffs, this book will swipe the rug out from under you when you find out the truth about Bushido's history. It is an academic work though, so expect it to challenge you. It's not the kind of book you casually read before you go to bed. If you're looking for a broader understanding of the Samurai and their beliefs that's good but a lot easier to read you should get "When Buddhists Attack: The Curious Relationship between Zen and the Marial Arts" by Jeffery Mann instead of this book.
For the academics and those who are serious about cultivating a deeper understanding the way of the warrior: you need to read this book. If you can't afford it, call your library have them buy it. It's really good.
-----
5.0 out of 5 starsThis book does an incredible job of laying out the progression and growth of this concept as it has evolved and changed througho
By Matthew K. on January 31, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
The concept of "bushido" and the samurai as it has been transmitted into the modern era is largely a construct of Imperial Japanese Military propaganda. This book does an incredible job of laying out the progression and growth of this concept as it has evolved and changed throughout the modern era and is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in Japanese history or the martial arts.
Comment One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?
---
"Benesch's history of bushidō as an invented tradition with an ideological character delivers on the title's promise. Students of intellectual history will appreciate the example of an idea created, branded as tradition, and then variously applied by multiple ideological positions. Modernists will benefit from Benesch's explanation of the Imperialist appropriation of bushidō as a tool for militarization of the population through World War II. And Japan specialists are finally armed with a full argument against bushidō's historicity." - Nathan H. Ledbetter, Journal of Military History
"Benesch provides a comprehensive overhaul of the history of the development of bushidō. He demonstrates great expertise in presenting the various texts and their roles in the discourse ... this book is a highly gripping read and provides a well-informed contribution to the historical development and powerful influence of invented traditions." - Julian Plenefisch, H-Soz-u-Kult [translation]
"Benesch has provided us with a valuable history of modern Japan through the lens of a particularly resilient ideology. It will be of great interest to students of Japanese history, not to mention to anyone concerned with the intellectual history of invented modern traditions." - Constantine N. Vaporis, American Historical Review
"Oleg Benesch's Inventing the way of the Samurai is a seminal, scrupulously researched work that teems with ideas. Its content is profoundly relevant to current political developments in Japan, as questions about the Constitution and the nation's identity come to the fore ... an essential guide to this crucial aspect of Japan's intellectual history." - Damian Flanagan, The Japan Times
Inventing the Way of the Samurai
Nationalism, Internationalism, and Bushidō in Modern Japan
Oleg Benesch
----
The Past and Present Book Series
The only book-length academic study of bushidō, an important subject for anyone with an interest in Japan
Provides an overview of modern Japanese history through the lens of a single concept
Offers a long-awaited re-evaluation of some of the longest-standing myths about Japanese thought and culture
The first book in English to take a historical approach to a subject that has traditionally been dealt with primarily on a philosophical level
Combines a variety of approaches and sources to provide a comprehensive history of a concept
------
Table of Contents
Introduction
1: Backgrounds
2: First Explanations of Bushidō in the Meiji Era
3: The Early Bushidō Boom, 1894-1905
4: The Late Bushidō Boom, 1905-1914
5: The End of the Bushidō Boom
6: The Showa Bushidō Resurgence
7: Bushidō in Postwar Japan
Conclusions and Considerations
Select Bibliography
----
Description
Inventing the Way of the Samurai examines the development of the 'way of the samurai' - bushidō - which is popularly viewed as a defining element of the Japanese national character and even the 'soul of Japan'. Rather than a continuation of ancient traditions, however, bushidō developed from a search for identity during Japan's modernization in the late nineteenth century. The former samurai class were widely viewed as a relic of a bygone age in the 1880s, and the first significant discussions of bushidō at the end of the decade were strongly influenced by contemporary European ideals of gentlemen and chivalry. At the same time, Japanese thinkers increasingly looked to their own traditions in search of sources of national identity, and this process accelerated as national confidence grew with military victories over China and Russia.
Inventing the Way of the Samurai considers the people, events, and writings that drove the rapid growth of bushidō, which came to emphasize martial virtues and absolute loyalty to the emperor. In the early twentieth century, bushidō became a core subject in civilian and military education, and was a key ideological pillar supporting the imperial state until its collapse in 1945. The close identification of bushidō with Japanese militarism meant that it was rejected immediately after the war, but different interpretations of bushidō were soon revived by both Japanese and foreign commentators seeking to explain Japan's past, present, and future. This volume further explores the factors behind the resurgence of bushidō, which has proven resilient through 130 years of dramatic social, political, -
-----
Review
Review from previous edition: "Benesch's history of bushido as an invented tradition with an ideological character delivers on the title's promise. Students of intellectual history will appreciate the example of an idea created, branded as tradition, and then variously applied by multiple
ideological positions. Modernists will benefit from Benesch's explanation of the Imperialist appropriation of bushido as a tool for militarization of the population through World War II. And Japan specialists are finally armed with a full argument against bushido's historicity."
--Nathan H. Ledbetter, Journal of Military History
L
"Benesch provides a comprehensive overhaul of the history of the development of bushido. He demonstrates great expertise in presenting the various texts and their roles in the discourse ... this book is a highly gripping read and provides a well-informed contribution to the historical
development and powerful influence of invented traditions."
--Julian Plenefisch, H-Soz-u-Kult [translation]
-----
About the Author
Oleg Benesch is Anniversary Research Lecturer in History, specializing in the history of early modern and modern Japan. Before arriving at the University of York, Dr Benesch was Past & Present Fellow at the Institute of Historical Research at the University of London. He has spent almost six years living and researching in Japan, including two years each at Hitotsubashi University and Reitaku University in Tokyo. Dr Benesch's publications and teaching interests cover a variety of fields, including Japanese intellectual, religious, and social history, Chinese intellectual history, as well as the transnational history of modern East Asia. He has presented his research findings at academic conferences and invited lectures throughout East Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia.
-----
Top Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 starsThis book is the most accurate, nuanced, and well researched examination of Bushido available
By Corydharma on December 14, 2014
Format: Hardcover
A remarkable piece of scholarship: this book is the most accurate, nuanced, and well researched examination of Bushido available. It clearly shows how the concept of Bushido has changed chronologically, rightly noting how nationalists, popular culture, and a lack of critical scholarship all affected how Bushido was portrayed and understood.
For the curious martial artists, amateur philosophers, and Japanese history buffs, this book will swipe the rug out from under you when you find out the truth about Bushido's history. It is an academic work though, so expect it to challenge you. It's not the kind of book you casually read before you go to bed. If you're looking for a broader understanding of the Samurai and their beliefs that's good but a lot easier to read you should get "When Buddhists Attack: The Curious Relationship between Zen and the Marial Arts" by Jeffery Mann instead of this book.
For the academics and those who are serious about cultivating a deeper understanding the way of the warrior: you need to read this book. If you can't afford it, call your library have them buy it. It's really good.
-----
5.0 out of 5 starsThis book does an incredible job of laying out the progression and growth of this concept as it has evolved and changed througho
By Matthew K. on January 31, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
The concept of "bushido" and the samurai as it has been transmitted into the modern era is largely a construct of Imperial Japanese Military propaganda. This book does an incredible job of laying out the progression and growth of this concept as it has evolved and changed throughout the modern era and is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in Japanese history or the martial arts.
Comment One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?
---
"Benesch's history of bushidō as an invented tradition with an ideological character delivers on the title's promise. Students of intellectual history will appreciate the example of an idea created, branded as tradition, and then variously applied by multiple ideological positions. Modernists will benefit from Benesch's explanation of the Imperialist appropriation of bushidō as a tool for militarization of the population through World War II. And Japan specialists are finally armed with a full argument against bushidō's historicity." - Nathan H. Ledbetter, Journal of Military History
"Benesch provides a comprehensive overhaul of the history of the development of bushidō. He demonstrates great expertise in presenting the various texts and their roles in the discourse ... this book is a highly gripping read and provides a well-informed contribution to the historical development and powerful influence of invented traditions." - Julian Plenefisch, H-Soz-u-Kult [translation]
"Benesch has provided us with a valuable history of modern Japan through the lens of a particularly resilient ideology. It will be of great interest to students of Japanese history, not to mention to anyone concerned with the intellectual history of invented modern traditions." - Constantine N. Vaporis, American Historical Review
"Oleg Benesch's Inventing the way of the Samurai is a seminal, scrupulously researched work that teems with ideas. Its content is profoundly relevant to current political developments in Japan, as questions about the Constitution and the nation's identity come to the fore ... an essential guide to this crucial aspect of Japan's intellectual history." - Damian Flanagan, The Japan Times
