Explore two fascinating national histories in new books
Tokyo, March 2, 2015 - The Japan Times, Ltd. has released two new Japanese/English bilingual books introducing the histories of Japan and America in clear and simple English. These highly readable texts are interesting and accessible even to people with little previous knowledge of the history.
Primarily designed as an English-language learning resource for Japanese readers, the books are also useful for English readers interested in deepening their knowledge.
“Japanese History in Simple English” covers the period from prehistoric times, such as the Jomon, Yayoi and Kofun periods, to contemporary times. One-hundred important historical events are discussed in detail. Knowing the highlights of history not only enables us to explain our own culture but also to show an interest in other people’s cultures.
Product details:
Price: 1,944 yen (including sales tax)
Size: 148×186×17mm, 256 pages in two colors
ISBN: 978-4-7890-1594-3
Title: “American History in Simple English”
Price: 1,944 yen (including sales tax)
Size: 148×186×15mm, 224 pages in two colors
ISBN: 978-4-7890-1595-0
*Date of publication: On sale in bookstores in Japan from early March
CONTENTS of “Japanese History in Simple English”
Chapter 2 Nara and Heian
Chapter 3 Middle Ages / Medieval Period (Kamakura, Muromachi)
Chapter 4 Azuchi-Momoyama
Chapter 5 Pre-Modern Period (Edo)
Chapter 6 Modern History (Meiji, Taisho, early Showa)
Chapter 7 Contemporary Period (Late Showa and Heisei)
*Chronology of Japanese History and index are included at the end of the book
CONTENTS of “American History in Simple English”
Chapter 2 Revolutionary War and a New Nation
Chapter 3 A Nation Divided: The Civil War
Chapter 4 The Western Frontier
Chapter 5 World War I and the Great Depression
Chapter 6 World War II and the Cold War
Chapter 7 Dividing the Country — The 1960s
*Chronology of American History and index are included at the end of the book
Author: James M. Vardaman
Born in 1947 in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. M.Div. (Education) Princeton Theological Seminary, M.A. (Asian Studies) University of Hawaii at Manoa. Professor at Waseda University, School of Culture, Media and Society. Research on American cultural history, especially the American South and African-American culture.
Translator of “Japanese History in Simple English”:
Takahiro Kokawa
Born in Mie Prefecture, Japan. Studied lexicography at postgraduate level at the University of Exeter, obtaining an MA in Applied Linguistics. Received a second MA (literature) from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. Professor at Seikei University.
Translator of “American History in Simple English”:
Makoto Hazama (Chapter 5-7)
Born in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. While studying English phonetics and interpretation at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (English major), he began to work as a translator.
Tomomi Chida (Chapter 1-4)
Born in Akita Prefecture, Japan. Majored in English at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. While in university, she began her career in translating, editing and desk research on foreign issues.
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