Japan at War

By Haruko Taya Cook, Theodore F. Cook,

Book cover of Japan at War: An Oral History

Book description

A "deeply moving book" (Studs Terkel) and the first ever oral history to document the experience of ordinary Japanese people during World War II

"Hereafter no one will be able to think, write, or teach about the Pacific War without reference to [the Cooks'] work." -Marius B. Jansen, Emeritus Professor…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Japan at War as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Oral history sources have always been central to my work, both as an author and a documentary-maker. Cook’s account of the experiences of ordinary Japanese people during the Second World War is one of the best. It is both powerful and a lesson about the utter tragedy of war.

From Stewart's list on 20th century conflict.

Oral histories are a powerful way to bring the reader back into a specific time and place through firsthand accounts, and this book is both fascinating and necessary in order to understand the thoughts, feelings, and actions of a variety of Japanese people during the fascist takeover of their nation and the war that followed.

From Kathryn's list on Pacific Theater of World War II.

If you love Japan at War...

Ad

Book cover of American Flygirl

American Flygirl by Susan Tate Ankeny,

The first and only full-length biography of Hazel Ying Lee, an unrecognized pioneer and unsung World War II hero who fought for a country that actively discriminated against her gender, race, and ambition.

This unique hidden figure defied countless stereotypes to become the first Asian American woman in United States…

Want books like Japan at War?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Japan at War.

Browse books like Japan at War

Book cover of Unbroken
Book cover of Song of Survival: Women Interned
Book cover of We Band of Angels: The Untold Story of the American Women Trapped on Bataan

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,756

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Japan at War, you might also like...

Book cover of The Lion and the Fox: Two Rival Spies and the Secret Plot to Build a Confederate Navy

The Lion and the Fox by Alexander Rose,

From the author of Washington’s Spies, the thrilling story of two rival secret agents — one Confederate, the other Union — sent to Britain during the Civil War.

The South’s James Bulloch, charming and devious, was ordered to acquire a clandestine fleet intended to break Lincoln’s blockade, sink Northern…

Book cover of The Forest Knights

The Forest Knights by J. K. Swift,

The greatest underdog story of the medieval age.

A wild land too mountainous to be tamed by plows. A duke of the empire, his cunning overshadowed only by his ambitions. A young priestess of the Old Religion, together with a charismatic outlaw, sparking a rebellion from deep within the forests.…

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Japan, oral history, and the Pacific War in WW2?

Japan 517 books
Oral History 20 books