The Rise and Fall of the Japanese Empire (Volumes 1, 2, and 3)

Author: Tang Zhongnan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-09-01
Features: Detailed Introduction: Please read The Rise and Fall of the Japanese Empire / Xiaoyongxing Xianfanyejie, Xianliolueshi, opened the radio, and happened to receive "Yese Shuxiang," the program host was recommending the book The Rise and Fall of the Japanese Empire to the audience. Thinking of the recent chaotic rhetoric and reckless behavior of Japan's right-wing forces, I had an epiphany, and my interest was instantly sparked. The next day, I spent a fortune to obtain this book. After weeks of diligent reading, I was deeply moved and left with a lingering impression, and now I briefly introduce it to the readers. The Rise and Fall of the Japanese Empire was edited by Tang Zhongnan and published by the World Knowledge Publishing House in March 1996. It is the most comprehensive and authoritative general history to date describing the rise and fall of the Japanese Empire. The authors not only vividly depict the rise and fall of the modern Japanese Empire but also provide a comprehensive, fair, and objective evaluation of the causes and impacts of its rise and fall from the perspectives of national traditions, cultural characteristics, and military situations. The views are novel, profound, and unique. The book consists of three volumes, totaling 1.1 million words.
Volume I (Mid-19th Century to 1889) describes how the Japanese nation, with its unique imitative nature, integrated Chinese and Western cultures through the "Meiji Restoration" and joined the stage of world capitalist powers. The second volume (1890 to 1938) details how Japan achieved its imperial dream of "leaving Asia and entering Europe" through the "First Sino-Japanese War" and the "Russo-Japanese War," gradually developed into fascism, and carried out aggressive policies against China, fully launching the invasion of China. The empire also sowed the seeds of its decline. The third volume (1939 to 1945) depicts how the Japanese Empire arrogantly implemented the "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere" policy, including Asia, Oceania, and Pacific islands, launched the Pacific War, and attempted to dominate the world alongside Germany, Italy, and France. However, it was ultimately defeated by the anti-fascist forces of the world and fell into decline.
The Japanese Empire, driven by its unique "imitative nature" and the push of aggressive wars, "like a comet, stepped onto the stage of world history," piercing the dark night shrouded by the iron hooves of Western powers and bringing a glimmer of hope for prosperity to Asia, especially the Chinese. However, it did not turn out as people had hoped; instead, it took the path of fascist aggression, inflicting scorching suffering on the people of Asia. Precisely for this reason, it "like a comet, vanished." This history, both fleeting and enduring, distant yet vivid, both lamentable and infuriating, may evoke different feelings in Chinese, Japanese, or people from all over the world. Yet, one thing is certain: "Do not forget the lessons of the past!" Reading this book has indeed awakened me to many truths. Navigating the sea of books, I felt refreshed and deeply moved:
First, the Japanese nation, with its broad-mindedness in integrating diverse cultures, proactive spirit of seeking knowledge, and ability to assimilate the strengths of others, overcame poverty and achieved modernization. What is even more valuable is that Japan did not adopt a completely foreignized path but, based on its national conditions, selectively and critically absorbed foreign cultures and ideas while transforming its traditional culture, thus forging a unique path of modernization.
Second, the samurai spirit and the tradition of militarism in Japan should make people reflect deeply. Looking at every war Japan launched, from the "First Sino-Japanese War" to the "Russo-Japanese War," from the "September 18th Incident" and the "July 7th Incident" of the invasion of China to the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in the Pacific War, they vividly demonstrated the preemptive nature of Japanese militarism—no obvious signs beforehand, followed by massive attacks afterward, with each successive attack being larger and fiercer!
Third, as a vital space for national survival, maritime power is extremely important. Whether it was the failure of the "First Sino-Japanese War" due to the weakness of the Qing Navy or the devastating defeat of the Japanese Navy at Midway, which put the Japanese army in a completely passive position in the later stages of World War II, both tell us: a strong navy, a strong maritime power, a prosperous nation; a weak navy, a declining maritime power, a nation subjected to humiliation. Is this not enough to prompt us to pay sufficient attention to naval construction and the sovereignty over the East and South China Seas?
The Japanese Empire rose through war and fell through war. Tang Zhongnan and others put forward a thought-provoking perspective. As the saying goes, "Learn from history to gain wisdom, and apply knowledge to practice," and perhaps this is the very essence of it. However, in recent times, from the government to the public, Japan has repeatedly adopted provocative actions. Right-wing writers and scholars have openly advocated the "positive evaluation of the Greater East Asia War," altered textbooks, denied the "Nanjing Massacre" by Japanese invaders, and questioned the "Tokyo Trial"—all without mentioning it. The frequent visits of cabinet ministers and Diet members to the Yasukuni Shrine are also irrelevant. Even more outrageous is that the Japanese right-wing group "Seinen Rengo," with the government's tolerance, openly set up a lighthouse on Diaoyu Island, ignoring China's sovereignty. Such actions clearly indicate a resurgence of militarism.
In light of this, we cannot help but ask: What do you intend to do, Japanese right-wing figures? Learning from history to avoid repeating past mistakes, maintaining harmonious coexistence, and fostering friendly exchanges—this is the purpose of recommending this book.