For the student of Japanese History, this is a strong overview of Japan from ancient to modern. Well laid out, it covers broadly most of the important historical, cultural and political events over the last 2000 years and is a good starting point for new students of Japanese history. There is a convienent Chronology of events at the end of the book, and numerous maps and illustrations throughout to help connect facts to places and people. This history of Japan is not limited to information on the rulling classes of Japan, as it does attempt to describe villiage life and the role of the common people of Japan, especially in later periods, where there is probably more information available. A good third of the book is given over to post-war Japan, and it is interesting to note that it was published before the current economic problems Japan is facing (post bubble burst). My only complaint is a lack of foot-notes, but for the non-academic reader, this should be fine. Reischauer clearly understands his subject, presents both conservative and liberal interpretations/opinions of historical facts and trends, and is able to give a sense of connection to his readers that allows them to understand and relate to the history he is telling.

This doesn't need to be a very long review; I've read many of Reischauer's books over the past couple of years for my college courses, and it is clear that even though many of his books were written over 20 years ago, he had a grasp of Japanese culture and the society it has produced like no one else in the West. I highly recommend this book and "The Japanese Today" for anyone interested in Japan and the historical contexts in which one of the world's most fascinating cultures developed. While the society is indeed dynamic, its foundations change much more slowly, and Reischauer is an essential course in these.

Japan: Story of a Nation is another in a long line of exceedingly well written books in Japanese history by Ambassador Reischauer. Tracing the roots of Japanese civilization from before the mythical creation of the Japanese state and the reign of Jimmu to contemporary culture, Reischauer has accomplished something few have been able to: make history fun and enjoyable. The matter-of-fact text reads almost like a saga and is mercifully free of academic mumbo-jumbo. Most interesting of all is his description of the Post War era in Japan, particularly the Occupation and Japan's role in the world. For serious students of Japanese history and culture Story of a Nation is the closest thing to a motivational book. Buy it, read it, and enjoy it.

Having lived for more than six years in Japan, and being fluent in Japanese, I have a quite clear idea of the society there. This book is not only too old, but it shows that Reischauer (like the other members of the Chrysantemum Club) has a one-sided point of view, and is still ganging with the American "reformists" that put Japan back on the rails (so to say...) during the occupation. Of course Reishauer knows quite a lot about Japan, but he tells only what he thinks is important to him and to his old-fashion Orientalist group. Read any Murakami or Yoshimoto to understand on your own how this book is very superficial. There are much better and objective introductions to the complex Japanese reality.

This book discusses all aspects of Japanese society very well. It is a great mix of the present and history and of the average person and the people in power.

I highly recommend this book to students, business people, and anyone who needs information on Japan and the Japanese. I have yet to find any single volume work on the subject of contemporary Japan as comprehensive as "The Japanese Today." I found the volume well organized and easy to read.

When I was in college, majoring in Asian Studies, we quite often used Reischauer's version of Japanese history and society. Of course now, much of what he wrote has been exposed as inaccurate and misleading. The question is why? This book provide some clues. It details Reischauer's life as a student and scholar as well as ambassador to Japan. What one begins to see from this book is that Reischauer never actually lived among the Japanese, but was always isolated in some elite "gaijin" enclave, whether as a student at the American School of as ambassador. His second wife, a member of the Japanese elite, grew up for the most part in, and was educated in the US. Perhaps this can explain in part his view of Japan--contact with and knowledge of the upper crust of the country and little or no real knowledge of the Japan in which the Japanese live. Even though he was quite far left in his political views, he was very anti-Marxist, which again, colored his views on Japan. This book gives an insight into Reischauer's thoughts and life and for that reason is of value to people who have an interest in Japan and they way Japan was portrayed from the end of WW2 to the mid to late 1980s.

Even though this book is out of print, I was lucky enough to find a copy in a bookstore in Sapporo, Japan. Anyone who has lived in Japan or has an interest in Japanese culture will enjoy Mr. Reischauer's autobiography. I wish I could have met him in person.

In contrast to another reviewer's comments, the Title is "MY Life Between Japan and America" and should not be construed as a definitive text on history or culture.

Having read of Mr. Reischauer's experiences in his upbringing and adult life, it offers a glimpse of what one individual can achieve within a lifetime. The book also recalls an earlier period of Japan, it's traditions and culture (both good and bad) which has shaped Japan into the modern culture of today. The book is overwhelmingly "his" story and should be considered as an Autobiography, but an incredible read (in my opinion) for any serious Japan-ophile.