Some countries have more history than others, in the sense of an unbroken record of significant events. While falling short of China’s three millennia of civilization, Japan has a long and rich national story that stretches back some 2,000 years.
Author explores how ancient dilemmas are echoed in the modern world

In “The Shortest History of Japan,” Lesley Downer presents a fresh perspective on Japan’s 2,000-year national story. (Source photos Lesley Downer, Getty Images)
Some countries have more history than others, in the sense of an unbroken record of significant events. While falling short of China’s three millennia of civilization, Japan has a long and rich national story that stretches back some 2,000 years.