Has the "Dynasty = Empire" Truly Perished? Can "One China" Be Achieved? — "World History Literacy: What the Qing Dynasty Brought to 'China' - The Opium War" Released
NHK Publishing will release the latest volume in its "World History Literacy" series, "What the Qing Dynasty Brought to 'China' - The Opium War," on May 11, 2026. This book, authored by Takashi Okamoto, explores the transition from the Qing Dynasty to modern China through the lens of the Opium War, offering insights into the present and future from a historical perspective.
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The key to understanding the present world lies entirely within history — the latest volume in the "World History Literacy" series, which aims to foresee the present and future based on "historical events" everyone has heard of and a "question" everyone has, will be released by NHK Publishing on May 11, 2026.
"World History Literacy: What the Qing Dynasty Brought to 'China' - The Opium War"
Why did the Qing Dynasty and Britain fight over the narcotic and contraband "opium"? This book considers the historical significance of the Opium War.
Takashi Okamoto, the navigator of the highly popular NHK "Master World History in 3 Months" and editor of "NHK 3 Months to Master MOOK: Deeper Understanding of World History from Asia," provides commentary! Is it true that China's modernization began with the "impact of the West"? From the Ming-Qing transition to the Sino-Japanese War, the Xinhai Revolution, the Republic of China, and the establishment of the People's Republic of China. Focusing on the "Opium War" as a symbol of the Qing Dynasty's nature and its changes, the book delves into the core of "China," which has yet to achieve a true revolution.
Structure
[Full Scope of the Event]
Chapter 1: Why did they fight over opium?
[Historical and Religious Background of the Event]
Chapter 2: Was the Qing Dynasty the antithesis of the Ming Dynasty?
[Impact on the Contemporary Era]
Chapter 3: Did the Opium War change the Qing Dynasty's order and system?
[Influence on Later Generations]
Chapter 4: How has modern China changed from the Qing era?
*Trial reading of this book and other titles in the "World History Literacy" series is available on "NHK Publishing Digital Magazine."
Author
Takashi Okamoto
Professor at Waseda University, Professor Emeritus at Kyoto Prefectural University. Born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1965. Graduated from Kobe University Faculty of Letters, completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Letters, Kobe University, and withdrew from the Doctoral program at the Graduate School of Letters, Kyoto University after acquiring credits. Doctor of Literature. Specializes in East Asian history and modern Asian history. His books include "Modern China and the Maritime Customs," "Between Vassal State and Autonomy," "The Birth of China," "Introduction to World History," "Modern Japan's View of China," "The Incomprehensible China Read Through History," "World History of Monarchical Titles," "Logic of East Asia," "Twenty-Four Histories," and "Salt Administration, Customs, and State." His edited works include "World History of Suzerainty," "Neighborly Relations and East Asia," and "NHK 3 Months to Master MOOK: Deeper Understanding of World History from Asia."
Product Information
Title: "World History Literacy: What the Qing Dynasty Brought to 'China' - The Opium War"
Author: Takashi Okamoto
Publisher: NHK Publishing
Release Date: May 11, 2026
Price: 1,265 yen (tax included)
Format: A5 size, softcover
Pages: 170 pages (including 2 color pages)
ISBN: 978-4-14-407346-5
URL→ https://www.nhk-book.co.jp/detail/000064073462026.html
Amazon→ https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4144073467/
Information on previously published series titles can be found on the following page:
The key to understanding the present world lies entirely within history! "World History Literacy" Series Summary
"World History Literacy: What the Qing Dynasty Brought to 'China' - The Opium War"
Why did the Qing Dynasty and Britain fight over the narcotic and contraband "opium"? This book considers the historical significance of the Opium War.
Takashi Okamoto, the navigator of the highly popular NHK "Master World History in 3 Months" and editor of "NHK 3 Months to Master MOOK: Deeper Understanding of World History from Asia," provides commentary! Is it true that China's modernization began with the "impact of the West"? From the Ming-Qing transition to the Sino-Japanese War, the Xinhai Revolution, the Republic of China, and the establishment of the People's Republic of China. Focusing on the "Opium War" as a symbol of the Qing Dynasty's nature and its changes, the book delves into the core of "China," which has yet to achieve a true revolution.
Structure
[Full Scope of the Event]
Chapter 1: Why did they fight over opium?
[Historical and Religious Background of the Event]
Chapter 2: Was the Qing Dynasty the antithesis of the Ming Dynasty?
[Impact on the Contemporary Era]
Chapter 3: Did the Opium War change the Qing Dynasty's order and system?
[Influence on Later Generations]
Chapter 4: How has modern China changed from the Qing era?
*Trial reading of this book and other titles in the "World History Literacy" series is available on "NHK Publishing Digital Magazine."
Author
Takashi Okamoto
Professor at Waseda University, Professor Emeritus at Kyoto Prefectural University. Born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1965. Graduated from Kobe University Faculty of Letters, completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Letters, Kobe University, and withdrew from the Doctoral program at the Graduate School of Letters, Kyoto University after acquiring credits. Doctor of Literature. Specializes in East Asian history and modern Asian history. His books include "Modern China and the Maritime Customs," "Between Vassal State and Autonomy," "The Birth of China," "Introduction to World History," "Modern Japan's View of China," "The Incomprehensible China Read Through History," "World History of Monarchical Titles," "Logic of East Asia," "Twenty-Four Histories," and "Salt Administration, Customs, and State." His edited works include "World History of Suzerainty," "Neighborly Relations and East Asia," and "NHK 3 Months to Master MOOK: Deeper Understanding of World History from Asia."
Product Information
Title: "World History Literacy: What the Qing Dynasty Brought to 'China' - The Opium War"
Author: Takashi Okamoto
Publisher: NHK Publishing
Release Date: May 11, 2026
Price: 1,265 yen (tax included)
Format: A5 size, softcover
Pages: 170 pages (including 2 color pages)
ISBN: 978-4-14-407346-5
URL→ https://www.nhk-book.co.jp/detail/000064073462026.html
Amazon→ https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4144073467/
Information on previously published series titles can be found on the following page:
The key to understanding the present world lies entirely within history! "World History Literacy" Series Summary