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

The key to understanding the present world lies entirely within history – the latest volume in the "World History Literacy" series, which looks to the present and future by focusing on "historical events" everyone has heard of and "questions" everyone ponders, 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 drug and contraband, "opium"? This book considers the historical significance of the Opium War.

Takashi Okamoto, editor and author of "NHK 3 Months to Master World History" and "NHK 3 Months to Master MOOK: Learn More Deeply - World History from an Asian Perspective," which were highly acclaimed, provides commentary! Is it true that China's modernization began with the "Western Impact"? 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. This book delves into the core of "China," which has yet to achieve a true revolution, using the "Opium War," which symbolizes the state and transformation of the Qing Dynasty, as a key theme.

Table of Contents:

* [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 an antithesis to the Ming Dynasty? * [Impact on Contemporary Society] * Chapter 3: Did the Opium War change the order and system of the Qing Dynasty? * [Impact on Posterity] * Chapter 4: How has modern China changed from the Qing era?

*A trial reading of this book and other titles in the "World History Literacy" series is available on "NHK Publishing Digital Magazine."

Author:

Takashi Okamoto (okamoto takashi) Professor at Waseda University, Emeritus Professor 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 with all credits acquired. Holds a Ph.D. in Literature. Specializes in Oriental history and modern Asian history. His books include "Modern China and the Customs," "Between Vassalage and Autonomy," "The Birth of China," "Introduction to World History," "Modern Japan's View of China," "The Inexplicable China Through History," "The World History of Monarchical Titles," "The Logic of East Asia," "Twenty-Four Histories," and "Salt Administration, Customs, and State." His edited works include "The World History of Suzerainty," "Diplomacy and East Asia," and "NHK 3 Months to Master MOOK: Learn More Deeply - World History from an Asian Perspective."

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, softcover * Page Count: 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/

For information on previous titles in the series, visit the following page:

The key to understanding the present world lies entirely within history! "World History Literacy" series compilation.