War Memory, Nationalism And History in Japan Ienaga Saburo And the History Textbook

The controversy over official state-approved history textbooks in Japan, which omit or play down many episodes of Japan's occupation of neighbouring countries before and during the Pacific War, and which have been challenged by critics who favour a more historically balanced approach, goes to the heart of Japan's sense of itself as a nation. The degree to which Japan is willing to confront its past is not just about history, but also about how Japan defines itself at present, and going forward.This innovative and interesting book examines the history textbook controversy in Japan. It sets the controversy in the context of debates about memory, and education, and in relation to evolving politics both within Japan, and in Japan's relations with its neighbours and former colonies. It discusses in particular the struggles of Ienaga Saburo who has made crucial contributions, including through three epic lawsuits, in challenging the official government position.Nozaki, Yoshiko is the author of 'War Memory, Nationalism And History in Japan Ienaga Saburo And the History Textbook', published 2007 under ISBN 9780415371476 and ISBN 0415371473.