This work is a detailed study of the modern Shinto, the religion of Japan, in both its state and sect forms, and is of particular interest for its account of the evolution of Shintoism into a vital political force in the period leading up to World War II.

This text contains descriptions of the Japanese enthronement ceremonies. It covers the rituals, costumes, offerings, equipment, music, seating plans and buildings in which the ceremonies are held, giving their present function and past history. It examines the underlying importance of the rites.

First Published in 1996. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

This classic work, long out of print, was the first detailed study of modern Shinto, the religion of Japan, in both its state and sect forms, and is of particular interest for its account of the evolution of Shinto into a vital political force in the period leading up to World War II. After describing the early and medieval forms of Shinto, Holtom outlines the way in which traditional Shinto - unorganised and neglected at the time of the Meiji Restoration - was subsequently used by the new government as a force for reunifying the country through 'integrating the national mind and glorifying the national destiny'. Following the legal separation of state and sect Shinto in 1882, Holtom shows how state Shinto grew steadily with the growth of modern Japan, becoming in his words 'a factor that could not be safely overlooked in making an inventory of the important items involved in the extension of Japanese political control and cultural influence on the Asiatic Continent and elsewhere'. With Japan in the ascendant and Shinto enjoying a renewed prominence, this book is as important now as when it was written.

This guide to smart learning is suitable for all pupils at Key Stage 3, but is focused on preparation for 13+ entrance exams. It offers a holistic approach to study to give pupils the essential skills and tools they need to learn and revise efficiently, cope with stress effectively and feel confident and fully prepared to do their very best in exams. - Information to help pupils learn how to learn in the best way for them - Preparation techniques to make the most of their revision time - Revision tips, exam techniques and presentation skills for the array of assessments at Key Stage 3/13+ "I would highly recommend this book to parents looking for an accessible guide to help their children with revision and preparation for Common Entrance examinations and beyond." Specialist teacher assessor and former prep school learning support and study skills teacher.

This book maps constructions of Kaliningrad's identity at three 'sites' (Moscow, Brussels and Kaliningrad) as it seeks to address the questions: (1) Can Russian and EU perspectives and policies towards Kaliningrad serve as an 'indicator' for Russian-EU relations? (2) What role do the inhabitants of Kaliningrad see for themselves in EU-Russian relations? It explores the circumstances under which the northern part of East Prussia became Kaliningrad and provides a brief Soviet-era history before discussing its 'contested past. It is argued that Russian discourses present 'warrior' and 'merchant' conceptions, while the EU's discourses talk of 'integration' but impose 'isolation'. This book not only offers a comprehensive account of the positions taken by Russian and EU authorities, but also breaks new ground by introducing responses to these positions from Kaliningrad and analogies drawn with Hong Kong and Gibraltar. While the book is intended to contribute to academic debates in political geography, foreign policy analysis and international relations, it is also of interest to policy-makers and analysts interested in the 'Kaliningrad Puzzle'.

Although there is often opposition to individual wars, most people continue to believe that the arms industry is necessary in some form: to safeguard our security, provide jobs and stimulate the economy. Not only conservatives, but many progressives and liberals, support it for these reasons. Indefensible puts forward a devastating challenge to this conventional wisdom, which has normalised the existence of the most savage weapons of mass destruction ever known. It is the essential handbook for those who want to debunk the arguments of the industry and its supporters: deploying case studies, statistics and irrefutable evidence to demonstrate they are fundamentally flawed, both factually and logically. Far from protecting us, the book shows how the arms trade undermines our security by fanning the flames of war, terrorism and global instability. In countering these myths, the book points to ways in which we can combat the arms trade's malignant influence, reclaim our democracies and reshape our economies.