Here is Japan, descriptive travel in the Rare Book Collection

This tour guide provides a glimpse into how Japan saw itself shortly after World War II as well as its perception of how other countries saw Japan.

Japan went through a remarkable recovery post World War II, not only economically but also in its public image. This book provides insights into how this recovery was possible through Japan’s paradoxical mix of traditional culture and modern technology.

One section addresses the devastation caused by the bombing of Hiroshima. Another section quotes people from well-known Western countries about Japan. This serves as a glimpse into how the rest of the world viewed Japan in the 1960s. Many countries, when asked about Japan, only thought of Tokyo. A few countries, such as the U.S.A., Great Britain, and Germany, also mentioned Osaka and Kobe. This broader understanding makes sense, as these countries had more familiarity with Japan from WWII.

Although most of the book talks about the history and culture of Japan, there are chapters about popular locations and tips for tourists. It also provides a list of useful phrases in Japanese. The advertisements for tourist attractions of the time put the guide in historical context.

by

Isabel Bindewald