Culture and Power in Germany and Japan

Based in part on the author's first-hand experience during his diplomatic postings to Tokyo and Bonn (1984-93), and supported by significant primary research, this parallel study of the post-war 'resurrection' of two defeated nations provides a striking new and insightful analysis into the nature of Germany and Japan's recovery - highlighting in particular the shared cultural, linguistic, moral and technological factors that were essential for this 'phoenix' phenomenon to take place. Indeed, it is his in-depth investigation into the shared philosophical tradition of renewal, preserved and promoted even in defeat and annihilation, which underpins the originality of the research, which will be widely welcomed at many academic and political levels. At the same time, the reader is systematically challenged to reassess previously-held positions and opinions as each topic is addressed - from notions of harmony, the emperor and renewal in Japan to the concept of wieder (renewal), nation and identity in Germany. And whatever shared opinions may or may not emerge, the reader will be in no doubt that Culture and Power in Germany and Japan is the work of an original mind that has managed to bring together an extraordinarily interesting tapestry of facts, themes and thoroughfares that together make a most valuable new contribution to Japanese-German studies.