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Presenting a challenge to established views of modern Japanese history, the narratives presented here are based on a wide variety of materials and look at local initiatives, local experiences and new approaches to Japan's encounter with the West.

In 1874 Itagaki Taisuke and other critics of the newly established Meiji government submitted a petition demanding a popularly elected national assembly. This is said to be the origin of the Liberty and People's Rights Movement (jiyū minken undō). Around the same time a number of local political leaders intensified their campaign for the creation of village assemblies. Although the demand for local autonomy in the early Meiji period was both deep-felt and widespread, only a few scholars, notably Neil Waters, have diverted their attention from Itagaki and other political activists and thinkers at the center. An examination of Meiji local politics is nonetheless essential to understand Japan's modern political development.

There is growing awareness of the importance of images in international relations. Explore the phenomenon over three centuries relating to Russia and Japan. A general perception of one country by another - the 'stereotypical collective mentality' - is historic phenomenon that continues to be a fundamental to international relations at all levels.

"This volume recognizes the growing awareness of the importance of images in international relations, exploring the phenomenon over three centuries as it relates to Russia and Japan." "The volume raises questions of how different cultures observe, understand and represent each other, how and why mutual representations have changed or remained unchanged during the long history of Japanese-Russian interactions, what mental frameworks exist on both sides of the encounter; and how visions of otherness influence the construction of national, cultural and social identities."--Jacket