Book Break

The Edo Inheritance

By Tokugawa Tsunenari

Monday, June 8, 2009, 6:30PM to 8:30PM

(The speech and Q & A will be in English)

What is the legacy of the Edo period (1603-1868) for contemporary Japan?

Edo is often seen as a kind of dark age, in which the Tokugawa shogunate's
policy of national seclusion isolated Japan from the rest of the world and
retarded its development.

In his new book, Tokugawa Tsunenari-18th head of the house of the Tokugawa
shoguns-argues that on the contrary, Tokugawa Japan was in many ways ahead of
the West in the peace and prosperity it enjoyed for two-and-a-half centuries. He
believes that a re-evaluation of the Tokugawa era is long overdue. Indeed, its
solid cultural values-egalitarianism, a small government that ensures a high
degree of local autonomy, religious tolerance and living in harmony with
nature-have much to offer the world in an age of rapid globalization and
uncertainty. As critic Donald Richie has observed, "The result is a delightfully
contentious book that will stir debate for some time to come."

A dinner will be served at a cost of 1,850 yen (including tax). Sign up now at
the reception desk (3211-3161) or online at http://www.fccj.or.jp. To help us
plan proper seating and food preparation, please reserve in advance, preferably
by noon of the day of the event. Those without reservations will be turned away
once available seats are filled.

Reservations cancelled less than 24 hours in advance will be charged in full.

Library Committee, THE FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS' CLUB OF JAPAN