The Muromachi age may well emerge in the eyes of historians as one of the seminal periods in Japanese history. So concluded the participants in the 1973 Conference on Japan. This volume’s proceedings, first published in 1977, reveal his new interpretation of the Muromachi age (1334-1573), which was among the most neglected and misunderstood chapters in Japanese history.

This volume brings together the work of Japanese and American specialists and shows that many features of the Edo-period culture were anticipated by Muromachi developments. Although first published nearly three decades ago, the book remains of great interest for anyone wanting to know more about Japan’s historical development.