Presents the modern capital of Japan from the first forest clearances on the vast Kanto plain, through the wars and intrigues of the samurai era, up to the preparations for the 2020 Olympics. Tokyo (the `Eastern Capital') has only enjoyed that name and status for 150 years. Before then it was the site of Edojuku (`Estuary Camp'), a medieval outpost designed to keep watch over rich farmlands. Whereas the imperial court ruled Japan from the sleepy city of Kyoto the land-owners of the Kanto plain held the true wealth and power, which they eventually asserted in a series of bloody civil wars. As `Edo' in the early modern period, the Tokyo region became the administrative centre of Japan's Shogun overlords and the site of a vibrant, vivid urban culture of theatres, taverns and brothels. After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, it became Japan's true capital, home to the emperors, seat of government and site of rapid urban growth.

About the Author
Jonathan Clements is visiting professor at Xi'an Jiaotong University in China. He is the author of many books, including and An Armchair Traveller's History of the Silk Road (2015). In 2016, he was the presenter of `Route Awakening' (National Geographic).


Book Information
ISBN 9781909961586
Author Jonathan Clements
Format Hardback
Imprint The Armchair Traveller at the Bookhaus
Publisher Haus Publishing