Includes index.

"This book is a translation of 'Sekai no naka no Nihon : jåurokuseik i made sakanobotte miru' from the Collected works of Donald Keene, vol. 9; 'Donarudo Kåin chosakushåu dai 9-kan sekai no naka no Nihon bunka' published by Shinchosha Publishing Co., Ltd in 2013. It was originally published by Chuokoron-Shinsha, Inc., in hardback pocket format in 1992 and as a paperback edition in 1996, and is still in print. The content s comprise three dialogues held at Hyåotei near Nanzenji-Temple, Kyoto and an unspecified location in Osaka in 1989, and at Kohåoan in Daitoku ji-Temple, Kyoto in 1990"--Title page verso.

The Dutch arrive -- Japanese views of the early modern era -- Meiji melancholy -- An era for the masses -- Japanese language in literature -- The Japanese and the absolute -- Japan as a member of the global com munity.

"'Edo Japan encounters the world' continues the conversation, begun nearly twenty years earlier in 'The people and culture of Japan,' betwe en scholar of Japanese literature Donald Keene and historical novelist Shiba Ryotaro. In discussions that took place inn Osaka and Kyoto from 1989 to 1990, these two penetrating and original observers of Japanese culture turn their attention to the long peace of the Edo period (1603- 1868), when Japan developed in relative isolation from outside influenc e. From analysis of literary masters like Basho and Chikamatsu to criti ques of the repressive aspects of Edo life, their exchanges bring much insight to this often romanticized period of Japanese history"-- Une dited summary of book.