Focusing on the ancient, medieval, and early-modern eras, this collection considers the beginnings of Sino-Japanese Relations in the Ancient East Asian World, focusing on changes of the East Asian international system. It examines the establishment of the East Asian International Order in the 7th Century and the advance of Sino- Japanese relations in medieval times. It also considers the impact of initial contact with modern Western powers on modernization, and examines the points of rupture which deeply affected both cultures, for China the Opium War, and for Japan it the Black Ships of Commodore Matthew Perry and the Meiji Restoration. Based on research conducted jointly by Chinese and Japanese scholars, this collection provides a unique insight into the development of Chinese and Japanese culture from comparative perspectives, offering an in-depth study of the countries' political, religious and societal structures to deepen objective perception toward history and promote mutual understanding in East Asia.

Part One Transformations in the order and systems of East Asia.- The establishment of the East Asian international order in the seventh century.- The East Asian international order and China-Japan relations in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.- Part Two The transmission of Chinese culture and manifestations of the uniqueness of Japanese culture.- The Transmission and transformation of thought and religion.- Movement of people and goods.- Part Three Chinese and Japanese society-A comparison of mutual understandings and historical characteristics.- China and Japan-Mutual understandings.- A comparison of Chinese and Japanese political and social structures.