Ugly Ducklings: Japan's Liberty Ship Equivalents of World War II Book

This is a brief history of modern Japan, very focused on cause and effect, beginning with the decentralized pre-19th-century era following through the centralization of the Tokugawa period, then the restructuring after the arrival of Commodore Perry and the opening of Japan to foreign commerce. This is largely a narrative of Japan trying to catch up with Western industrialization, taking things a little too far as it struggled to find its new identity, purpose, and place in the international political order, and, more recently, seeking to define its future as it has now caught up with other leading powers (at least in economic terms) and now has the potential to set an example. This leaves me curious to learn more about the related people and events of the past but also hopeful to see Japan rise among its peers in the future as a leading nation. I am impressed with Japan's ability to adapt and recover, to address issues with competence and efficiency, if sometimes unsure of the best path forward.