Chapter Continuity and Change in the Historiography of Contemporary Japan : IN Book: The Routledge Companion to East Asian Historiography

Abstract

The Routledge Companion to East Asian Historiography offers a comprehensive exploration of the rich and dynamic traditions of historical writing in East Asia, tracing their evolution across two millennia. Rooted in the influential Chinese historiographical tradition and enriched by the distinctive contributions of Korean and Japanese scholars, the book examines how these practices have adapted to cultural, political, and intellectual shifts. The volume’s four thematic sections explore the origins and evolution of historical writing, modernity’s transformative impact, and the diverse methodologies shaping contemporary scholarship. Key topics include the establishment of official historiography in imperial China, the innovative practices of the Song dynasty, and the influence of Western ideas and Marxist frameworks from the twentieth century. Emerging areas, such as social, environmental, gender, and global history, are examined, alongside comparative studies bridging East Asian and Western traditions. From ancient chronicles to modern interpretations shaped by nationalism, Marxism, scientism, and globalization, the volume highlights the interplay between tradition and innovation that defines East Asian historical culture. As the first of its kind, this companion serves as both an essential textbook and a scholarly reference for students and researchers interested in East Asian history, global historiography, social history, intellectual history, and postmodernism.