Table of Contents

List of Illustrations 
Acknowledgments 
Introduction 
1. The Consolidation of the Early-Modern Japanese State in the North 
2. Shakushain's War 
3· The Ecology of Ainu Autonomy and Dependence 
4· Symbolism and Environment in Trade 
5· The Sakhalin Trade: Diplomatic and Ecological Balance 
6. The Kuril Trade: Russia and the Question of Boundaries 
7· Epidemic Disease, Medicine, and the Shifting Ecology of Ezo 
8. The Role of Ceremony in Conquest 
Epilogue 
Notes 
Works Cited 
Index 

About the Author

Brett L. Walker is Assistant Professor of History at Montana State University, Bozeman.

Reviews

"The end result is this detailed and scholarly work, which will remain seminal reading for years to come for anyone interested in understanding the demise of the Ainu and the concomitant rise to power of the Japanese in Hokkaido and the northern islands of Sakhalin and the Kurils." - The Daily Yomiuri "One of the book's great strengths is the author's attention to detail, grounded in a mastery of the relevant primary sources, some of them published, but many available only in manuscript form. The writing is a model of clarity and logical exposition, and the text is further enhanced by a large number of maps and illustrations showing different aspects of Ainu life. The book is highly informative and consistently interesting, and will be read with pleasure by all students of Japanese history." - Monumenta Nipponica "The book not only makes a significant contribution to the meager literature on the history of Ainu-Japanese relations and transformation of Ainu society, but also provides important information on... Japan's relations with the outside world. People interested in early state formation have much to gain from reading this book. But most of all, it is a delight for those interested in cultural creativity and the power of invented traditions." - Journal of Japanese Studies"