Japan to 1600 surveys Japanese historical development from the first
evidence of human habitation in the archipelago to the consolidation of
political power under the Tokugawa shogunate at the beginning of the
seventeenth century. It is unique among introductory texts for its focus
on developments that impacted all social classes rather than the
privileged and powerful few. In accessible language punctuated with
lively and interesting examples, William Wayne Farris weaves together
major economic and social themes. The book focuses on continuity and
change in social and economic structures and experiences, but it by no
means ignores the political and cultural. Most chapters begin with an
outline of political developments, and cultural phenomena--particularly
religious beliefs--are also taken into account. In addition, Japan to
1600 addresses the growing connectedness between residents of the
archipelago and the rest of the world.
Farris describes how the early inhabitants of the islands moved from a
forager mode of subsistence to a more predominantly agrarian base,
supplemented by sophisticated industries and an advanced commercial
economy. He reveals how the transition to farming took place over many
centuries as people moved back and forth from settled agriculture to
older forager-collector regimes in response to ecological, political,
and personal factors. Economics influenced demographics, and, as the
population expanded, the class structure became increasingly complex and
occupational specialization and status divisions more intricate. Along
with this came trends toward more tightly knit corporate organizations
(village, city, market, family), and classes of servants, slaves, and
outcastes formed.
In reflecting the diversity of traditional Japan's economy and society,
Japan to 1600 is well suited for both undergraduate and graduate courses
and will be a welcome introduction to Japan's early history for scholars
and students of other disciplines and regions.
