Lesley Downer's new book offers a grand panoramic tour of Japan's history

Japan has received far more than its share of natural disasters, most massive earthquakes, volcano eruptions, gigantic tsunamis and ravaging fires

The Shortest History of Japan

by Lesley Downer

Published by Picador India

xiv+258pages ₹599 

A grand panoramic tour

of Japan’s history

Shreekant Sambrani

 

For the rest of the world, Japan conjures up a vision of unique sensual images and experiences: exquisite cherry blossoms, the ever-so delicately flavoured sushi, the highly stylised Noh and kabuki performances, the elaborately coiffed geisha dressed in an ornate kimono, the ethereal 17-syllable haiku, the ritualistic tea ceremony, aesthetic bamboo pavilions with tatami covered floors, extremely courteous, disciplined and equally industrious people worshipping their emperor (though no longer divine) — the list is endless.  Even a veteran traveller is mostly unable