History is always a process of (re)assessment and 2025 is a good time to revisit new approaches to the history of Asia. These three books revisit well-worn paths of historical analysis and offer new insights into the making of modern Korea and Japan. No matter whether you are more interested in the Korean and Japanese history or the East Asian relations in general, these books offer interesting viewpoints on the most debated historical issues. If you enjoy historical facts that go against the conventional knowledge, these books will interest and instruct you. You might want to find some time to read them with an open mind and take notes as you go through the different points of view that they present.
Reading these books will not only help you gain knowledge but also help you become a more intelligent and educated person who can contribute to meaningful conversations about the subject of Asian history. They stimulate the mind and involve the reader in thinking critically about historical events and the ways in which historical narratives are constructed.
1. Anti-Japan Tribalism: The Source of the Korean Crisis by Lee Young-hoon, Jang Young-dal, and Kim Byung-jik
This informative book re-examines South Korea’s story of Japan’s annexation and the authors are critical of the country’s narrative on comfort women. As Anti-Japan Tribalism presents a new strategy for a more rational approach to Japan and its relation to Korea it questions many misconceptions and historical distortions surrounding the issue of comfort women. This book is best read with an open yet critical mind because it questions well-known historical events. If you are interested in political history and the formation of national identity, then it might be useful to read it in parts and also look for counterarguments in order to form your own opinion. To gain a better understanding of this book and the Japan-Korea relationship, it can also be paired with scholarly articles.
2. Uncomfortable and Unconvenient: Beyond Japan’s Comfort Women Paradigm by Nishioka Tsutomu
This fascinating book focuses on one of the most controversial subjects in East Asia – the comfort women issue. In this book, Nishioka Tsutomu points out that most historical accounts have been politicized and, therefore, inaccurate. Inconvenient and Uncomfortable tries to find a middle ground between the two parties and offers facts which support the arguments put forward. It also focuses on the historical factors that are usually not discussed, and the book aims at contributing to the dialogue between Japan and its neighbours to promote reconciliation and understanding.
This book is suitable for readers who like historical debates. If you are new to the topic, you may want to start with the primary sources and official documents in order to understand the general context. It may be useful to read this book in a location where you can stop and think or even discuss with others the claims and arguments which the book presents.
3. The Japan–South Korea Identity Clash: East Asian Security and the United States by Brad Glosserman and Scott A. Snyder
The authors explore how historical memory and national identity fuel tensions between these two key U.S. allies. The book examines how deep-rooted perceptions of history, victimhood, and pride shape public opinion and policymaking, making cooperation difficult despite shared security interests. It also highlights how these tensions impact regional stability and the role of the U.S. in navigating this complex relationship.
This book is essential for understanding why Japan-South Korea relations remain strained. It goes beyond political disagreements, revealing the deeper emotional and historical factors at play. Well-researched yet accessible, it’s a great read for anyone interested in East Asian politics, diplomacy, or global security. If you want to grasp why the past still shapes today’s headlines, this book is a must.
These three books are useful for anyone who wants to get involved in the shifting debate on Asian history. Whether you support or oppose their views, they present alternative points of view that challenge the established perceptions and force the reader to appreciate the Japanese role in the region’s history. The issue of comfort women, historical relations, and the formation of national identity remain significant in shaping Asia’s history and future. In 2025, it is crucial to gain more understanding of Asia’s history, and these books are a good place to start. Please do take time to read them and ponder over the different viewpoints that you will be encountering. In doing so, you will be able, not only to answer any questions about Asian history that you may be asked, but to do so with confidence.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
