A bullet train speeds past Mt. Fuji across the Japanese landscape. (Image courtesy of Wikipedia.)
Instructor(s)
Dr. Takashi Nishiyama
MIT Course Number
STS.S28
As Taught In
Fall 2005
Level
Undergraduate
Course Description
Course Description
This course explores how and why Japan, a late-comer to modernization, emerged as an industrial power and the world's second-richest nation, notwithstanding its recent difficulties. We are particularly concerned with the historical development of technology in Japan especially after 1945, giving particular attention to the interplays between business, ideology, technology, and culture. We will discuss key historical phenomena that symbolize modern Japan as a technological power in the world; specific examples to be discussed in class include kamikaze aircraft, the Shinkansen high-speed bullet train, Godzilla, and anime.