The Burden of the Past reexamines the dispute over historical perception between Japan and South Korea, going beyond the descriptive emphasis of previous studies to clearly identify the many independent variables that have affected the situation. From the history textbook debates, to the Occupation-period exploitation of "comfort women," to the Dokdo/Takeshima territory dispute and Yasukuni Shrine visits, Professor Kimura traces the rise and fall of popular, political, and international concerns underlying these complex and highly-fraught issues.

Utilizing Japanese and South Korean newspaper databases to review discussion of the two countries' disputed historical perceptions from the end of World War II to the present, The Burden of the Past provides readers with the historical framework and the major players involved, offering much-needed clarity on such polarizing issues. By seeing behind the public discourse and political rhetoric, this book offers a firmer footing for a discussion and the steps toward resolution.

About the Author
Kan Kimura is Professor at the Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies at Kobe University, and has previously been a visiting professor at Harvard University, the Australia National University, the Sejong Institute, and the University of Washington. He has published thirteen books and numerous articles and is an expert on the relationship between Korea and Japan.


Book Information
ISBN 9780472074105
Author Kan Kimura
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint The University of Michigan Press
Publisher The University of Michigan Press
Weight(grams) 528g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 152mm * 25mm