Course Description

This course introduces students to the military history of Japan during Showa period and outlines major issues including the Manchurian Incident, the Japanese-Sino War of 1937-45, the Pacific War, and the rearmament issues after WWII. We will trace how Japan was defeated in WWII after it took its place among the great powers of those days by pursuit of military strength since the Meiji Restoration. Students are required to think out all the issues addressed in this course and draw lessons from them, which helps students cultivate their ability to consider social or political issues of our time with the awareness of the history of modern Japan.