This collection of essays challenges the notion that Japan's present cultural identity is the simple legacy of its pre-modern and insular past. Scholars examine "age-old" Japanese cultural practices and show these to be largely creations of the modern era.

This collection of essays challenges the notion that Japan's present cultural identity is the simple legacy of its pre-modern and insular past. Building on the historical analysis of British traditions, "The Invention of Tradition", 16 American and Japanese scholars examine "age-old" Japanese cultural practices, ranging from judo to labour management, and show these to be largely creations of the modern era.