Hello askhistorians, I've recently taken an interest in japanese history and would like to expand my reading beyond the Wikipedia and Samurai Archives Wiki articles I've read so far. So, what are some good beginner-friendly books about this subject that you would recommend? My main area of interest is pre-Edo japan, especially the Heian and Muromachi periods, but I would gladly read anything about earlier periods as well. I am also very interested in cultural history, so anything focusing on religion, philosophy or art and literature throughout the periods would be nice too. Thanks in advance!
PS: I've done some researching and found some titles like: A History of Japan to 1334 and A History of Japan, 1334-1615 by George Sansom; Japan in the Muromachi Age by John W. Hall and Takeshi Toyoda; and A Companion to Japanese History edited by William M. Tsutsui. Are those any good? Are there better or more up-to-date books out there?
Glad to see I'm not the only one who likes Japan!
https://www.amazon.com/Brief-History-Japanese-Civilization/dp/0495913251
This is what I'd recommend you begin with. The Sansom Trilogy you mentioned is considered a classic. But it is a bit dated and a few minor dates are wrong. Read it anyway, it's excellent and you'll encounter him being referenced as you read more up to date material. I would also suggest you check the works by Friday and Turnbull, although do some reviews before you pick up a Turnbull book--he's received criticism.
Th Cambridge History is dense but a favorite of mine. I highly recommend it. Also you should check out War and State Building in Medieval Japan, and any biographies of Japanese leaders. If you have an interest in the Warring States message ParallelPain. He's the mod on this sub for that era.
Happy reading!
Edit: The World of the Shining Prince by Ivan Morris for the Heian Jidai. You may also want to read The Tale of Genji. But it is gigantic, so be warned.