Japan: History and Culture from Classical to Cool

Less than 5 minutes of opening the book, the pages inside has started to come off little by little. For a NEW book this is really terrible and a bad first impression.

I got this for my Japanese history class and literally half of the pages fall off as you try reading it. It’s a waste of money getting the physical copy. Should get a digital copy instead.

I read this book while on my daily train commute in Tokyo. It's expertly organized and fun to read. Stalker gives much more than the familiar themes about Japanese history. I especially enjoyed her takes on Edo popular culture and the kawaii culture of contemporary Japan.

This book masterfully blends both historical and modern perspectives on Japanese culture in an engaging, readable text. Chapters flow from early Japanese history to present day and clearly explain how Japan has become the global cultural superpower that it is. Exactly what I was looking for!