Winner of the Norbert Elias Book Prize 2023

This book charts the process of civilisation in Japan. Using the theory of civilising processes developed by Norbert Elias, the author examines the complex underlying structural and psychological processes from the seventh century to the twentieth century. Furthermore, by drawing on rich historical data, the author illustrates how these complex processes led the Japanese to see themselves as more civilised than their forebears and neighbouring countries. Although the theory serves as an important reference point, the author draws on other works to address different complex questions surrounding Japanese development. Therefore, this book presents three key themes: first, it gives an alternative understanding of the complex developments of Japanese society; second, it intercedes into an ongoing debate about the applicability of Eliass theory in a non-Western context; and third, it expands Eliass theory.

Chapter 1: Introduction.- Part I: The Theory of Civilising Processes.- Chapter 2: The Concept of Civilisation and Culture.- Chapter 3: The Psychogenetic Development of the Civilising Process.- Chapter 4: The Sociogenetic Development of the Civilising Process.- Chapter 5: Criticisms and Counter Criticisms of the Civilising Process.- Part II: On the Concepts of Civilisation and Culture in Japan.- Chapter 6: Japanese Civilisation.- Chapter 7: The Dual-Lenses of Japanese Civilisation.- Chapter 8: The Japanese Antithesis between Civilisation and Culture.- Part III: Towards the Change of Behaviours, Emotions, and Habitus in Japan.- Chapter 9: The Medieval Form of the Japanese Tea Ceremony.- Chapter 10: The Early Modern Form of the Japanese Tea Ceremony.- Chapter 11: The Modern Form of the Japanese Tea Ceremony.- Part IV: Scenes from the Life at the Court Society in Japan.- Chapter 12: Scenes of Life from the Imperial Court Society in Kyoto.- Chapter 13: Scenes of Life from theWarrior Court Society in Edo.- Chapter 14: Scenes of Life from the Chrysanthemum Court Society in Tokyo.- Part V: Towards the Process of Pre-Modern and Modern State Formation in Japan.- Chapter 15: The Imperial State Formation Processes of Japan.- Chapter 16: The Warrior State Formation Processes of Japan.- Chapter 17: The Modern State Formation Processes of Japan.- Chapter 18: Conclusion.