HIST 3806A: Japan since 1945

HIST 3806A: Japan since 1945
Fall 2025

A. This very intensive class is about the evolution of Japan internally and in the international arena since 1945. In the domestic context, the peculiarities of Japan’s language, religions, imperial institution, constitution, political system – as Asia’s oldest constitutional monarchy (the line above the course title refers to the three postwar imperial eras), the leading role of the Liberal Democratic Party [LDP] – the world’s most successful Conservative party in postwar history- the bureaucracy and the business elite; the socio-cultural and economic milieux: from education, the changing role of women, the major double challenge of low birth rates and high longevity, immigration, minorities, the hikikomori (social recluses) and soft power to the major economic and technological aspects. Japan’s foreign policy combines genuine pacifism with the vital security alliance with the US and other world democracies in order to deal with totalitarian and aggressive China, Russia and North Korea. The Free and Open Indo-Pacific (Abe Doctrine see below) is Japan’s response and that of all democracies, to this challenging environment. In order to give all participants an adequate starting point, a brief review commencing with the Tokugawa era [1603-1868] opens the course. Each class starts with the latest news from Japan.

B. Students are strongly urged to attend classes regularly. Asking questions in class is 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.

C. Grading includes two elements: 1 – One in-class identification and definition test worth 50% of the final grade. 2 – One TYPEWRITTEN, analytical research essay – worth the other 50% of the grade; it should include: 1 – A cover page. 2 – A brief opening summary of the paper.3 – Footnotes as citation style. 4 – Around five sources – only ONE wikisource. There is NO mandatory length and NO email submission. The main learning device is Japan since 1945 Learning Handbook– the 2025 edition, byJacob Kovalio, which will be available in the Bookstore by early August. In addition, the traditional text for the course is :Jeff, Kingston Japan in Transformation , 1945-2010, Pearson Education, 2010, 2^nd ed. Students are encouraged to access the instructor’s freeandopenindopacific.net.