"For thousands of years, the island nation of Japan remained proudly isolated, developing a culture with roots in ancient religions, rites, and beliefs. As time went on, the people began to take their place in the world, and that foundation of unity allowed them to have an influence far beyond their homeland. In this volume, travel back in time to meed the people who created that foundational culture, and see how their ways and beliefs were tested as the "modern" world took hold ... and then see how Japan took its proud place among the leading nations of the world today."--Page 4 of cover.

Includes index.

Exploring Japan -- In the shadow of China -- Shoguns and samurai -- The coming of the barbarians -- Opening up -- The new Japan.