Published in 1879, this book is Count Charles de Montblanc's personal account of Japan during the Meiji Restoration. This was the chaotic period when Japan, after centuries of isolation, suddenly threw its doors open and raced to modernize to avoid being colonized by Western powers.

The Story

There isn't a traditional plot with characters, but the 'story' is Japan itself. Montblanc acts as our guide. He describes the frantic energy of the new treaty ports like Yokohama, where European merchants and diplomats set up shop. He contrasts this with the fading world of the samurai, whose privileges and way of life were being systematically dismantled. He writes about the government's desperate efforts to build factories, adopt Western military tactics, and send students abroad. The central tension is everywhere: between ancient Shinto shrines and newly built railways, between silk kimonos and woolen suits, between a deep respect for tradition and a terrified need to change.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is Montblanc's voice. He's not a detached observer. He's fascinated by Japanese art and philosophy, but he's also a product of his time—a European who believes in 'progress.' You can feel him wrestling with this. He admires the elegance of the old ways even as he describes their inevitable end. His descriptions are vivid. You can almost smell the incense in the temples and the coal smoke from the new steamships. Reading this isn't about getting a perfect, unbiased history lesson; it's about experiencing the confusion, excitement, and loss of that moment through the eyes of someone who was there, trying to make sense of it all.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect read for anyone who loves history that feels immediate and personal, not just names and dates. It's for people curious about Japan's incredible transformation. Fans of travel writing from the 19th century will also love Montblanc's detailed observations. A word of caution: his views are very much of the 1870s, so you have to read with that in mind. But if you can approach it as a fascinating primary source—a snapshot of a world in dizzying change, written by a clever and conflicted witness—you'll find it absolutely gripping.