"A History of the development of Japanese thought: A.D. 592-1868" written by Dr. Nakamura Hajime

This book was originally written in English. It seems English edition went out of print but I guess you can find this in library of universities which have Japan-study. I'm a student of students of Dr. Nakamura Hajime. I think I can say Dr. Nakamura was the last scholar who was well posted on whole buddhism. He died in 1999.



He wrote about History of the development of Japanese thought from pont of view of Buddhist-study. This would be an answer about "What Japanese are" from Dr. Nakamura. He mentioned about our history of thought from Shotoku-Taishi to 1868.



Especially, his view about Tominaka Nakamoto was interesting to me. Tominaga is not popular in Japan though, Dr. Nakamura regards Tominaga was the greatest scholar in Edo-era. Tominaga was an Osakan scholar, a town's man. Also report about Suzuki Shosan, a zen monk, was interesting too.



Even though there are many scholars who study Japanese thought, I guess no one is more statusy than Dr. Nakamura. This book is read-worthy, I think.



I think Japan's thought has one tendency but it varied. We can't talk about Japanese thought only with famous books which everyone knows. There is not full-scale book explaining about what Japan is, and the situation gives rise to a misunderstanding, I think.



Quite a lot of Japanese people try to understand without knowledge about Buddhism. It is same as to study foreign language without dictionary. It is a curious situation. This book is not perfect but fill the gap to some extent.



Now, used-book-festival is held in Tokorozawa city. I look forward to go there today. Unfortunately, it is raining. But I go!



Have a wonderful weekend!