Agriculture in the Modernization of Japan, 1850-2000

This book seeks to explian the changes in agriculture, peasantry, rural farm villages and the food security issues in Japan, linking these with the development of the capitalist economy during the 150 years period from 1850 to 2000. Around 1850, Japan embarked on the march to 'Modernization' which would propel its capaitalist economy linking it to the world marekts. 2000 represents the time when Japan had already achieved a high level of industrial development reaching the level of an 'Economic Superpower'.

The entire period can be divided into two sub-periods. The first one called the 'Pre-war Period', is from the time Japan began to modernize till its defeat in the Pacific War in 1945. Japan which was an agricultural nation became militaristic and aggressive under the influence of the Emperor System and made rapid industrial and economic progress.