Blocker (philosophy, Ohio State University) and Starling (Kobe Shoin Women"s University) argue for classifying aspects of Japanese thought as philosophy. Taking a comparative approach, they trace the development of Japanese philosophy from the seventh century to the present. They also describe its similarities and differences with other philosophies of both Eastern and Western societies. Chapters describe the Buddhist phase, the rise of Tokugawa Confucianism, Japanese society"s first encounters with modernity, and the period after modernity. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)