Shōwa 昭和 Heisei 平成 Reiwa 令和, The Postwar History of Japan / 戦後日本史[Sengo Nihonshi] From the Yoshida Doctrine to the Abe Doctrine
HIST 3806A
Shōwa 昭和 Heisei 平成 Reiwa 令和,
The Postwar History of Japan / 戦後日本史[Sengo Nihonshi]
From the Yoshida Doctrine to the Abe Doctrine
Winter 2027
Instructor: Prof. J. Kovalio
Dear Students,
This intensive, informative and interesting twice-weekly class will give you solid knowledge on the most salient elements in the evolution of Japan, internally and in the international arena, since 1945. As the subtitle indicates, prime ministers Yoshida Shigeru and Abe Shinzō were most instrumental in directing Japan’s national policies in the early 1950s and 2012, respectively.
In order to give all participants an equal starting point, a brief review commencing with the Tokugawa era [1603-1868] opens the class. Domestically, the course covers Japan’s most important political institutions: the 1947 Constitution, the constitutional monarchy ( embodied in the world’s oldest dynasty – the line above the course title refers to the three postwar imperial eras– which , however is not reflected in the nation’s official name), the world’s longest ruling and most successful Liberal Democratic Party [LDP], the highly influential civil service and business elite as well as the labour movement.
The socio-cultural and economic topics include education, the changing role of women, the double challenge of low birth rates & highest longevity, religion, immigration, minorities, the otaku and hikikomori phenomena as well as [karaoke, anime/manga, pokémon] soft power and the most major stages in the nation’s “roller coaster” postwar economic and technological evolution. Japan’s foreign and security policy in 2026 combines postwar pacifism and the security alliance with the US with the rapid growth in defense budgets in reaction to the aggressive policies of neighbourly, totalitarian China, Russia and North Korea.
Participants are strongly urged to attend classes regularly. Discussions in class are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. However, Social Networking & Texting [thus the use of SMART PHONES and the EXTRACURRICULAR use of LAPTOPS] as well as Eating are allowed only during breaks which usually feature a musical interlude.
Grading includes two elements: 1 – One in-class identification and definition exam which constitutes 50% of the final grade. 2 – One TYPEWRITTEN research essay which makes up 50% of the grade and should include: a – A cover page. b – A brief opening summary. c – Footnotes as citation style; d–Up to five sources. There is NO mandatory length and NO email submission. AI may only be used as a research and preparatory tool. PARTICIPANTS MUST COMPLETE ALL ASSIGNMENTS IN ORDER TO BE IN GOOD STANDING. The main knowledge-promoting tool is Japan since 1945 Learning Handbook – 2026 edition, byJacob Kovaliowhich will be in our bookstore by early August. In addition, the traditional text for the course is :Jeff, Kingston Japan in Transformation , 1945-2010, Pearson Education, 2010, 2nd ed. available online.
Office: PA 411
jacobkovalio@cunet.carleton.ca