During the Meiji Era, of 1868-1912, British influence in Japan was stronger than that of any other foreign power. Although role models were sought from Englishmen and Scotsmen, whether diplomats, engineers, educators or philosophers, the first priority for the Japanese was to achieve a transfer of industrial and technical skills. As important customers, who brought good profits to British industry, the Japanese were accommodated when they stipulated on awarding a contract that their own people should work in office, shipyard or factory. Much new research material discovered in Japan, England and Scotland has enabled the detailed examination of a relationship - with Britain as Senior and Japan as Junior partner - which lasted until 1914. It was on these foundations that Japan was able subsequently to build a great industrial nation.

List of Maps - List of Tables - List of Illustrations - List of Plates - Preface - Author's Note - List of Abbreviations - PART I THE BRITISH IN JAPAN: A SEARCH FOR OPPORTUNITY - Diplomats and Consuls - Traders and Bankers - Engineers for Lighthouses, Railways, Telegraphs and Mines - The Makers and Operators of Ships - Educators for Engineers - British Life in Japan - PART II THE JAPANESE IN BRITAIN: A SEARCH FOR EXPERTISE - The Iwakura Mission - Towards an Educational Philosophy - Students - In the Shipyards - Japanese Life in Britain - PART III THE FACILITATORS - Networks, Commercial and Academic - Licencers and Licensees - Exhibitions, Designers and Architects - A Co-partnery: on Japanese terms? - Appendices - Notes and References - Bibliography - Index