Japan in the latter half of the 1920's having achieved the diplomatic objectives of the Meiji period -- national security and diplomatic equality -- was at a crossroads in determining her future goals in world politics and history. Over this issue arose much incompatibility and conflict between the two key diplomats of the period, Shidehara Kijuro (1872-1951) and Tanaka Giichi (1863-1929). This conflict led them to differing perceptions of more immediate national goals and the general international environments, such as the League of Nations, the Washington System, rising Chinese nationalism, and the Manchurian problem. Their conflict exemplified Japan's dilemma in ascertaining her own identity in the world.

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Nobuya Bamba specializes in Japanese diplomatic and intellectual history; formerly at McGill University, he is now professor at Tsuda College, Tokyo.

This is a most praiseworthy publication. . . It adds considerable to the debate on Japanese decision-making, taking in a broad sweep of Japan's internal politics and including much on her social background which is highly instructive. - Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London)