ABSTRACT
This chapter maintains the focus on the practical aspects of textbook design, with specific reference to the way Japan is presented in Chinese history textbooks as an ‘other’. This discourse on Japan’s image is situated in the context of recent political developments and curricular changes. By looking in particular at textbooks developed for use in Shanghai, it also considers the recent pluralisation of the school textbook market in China, and the degree to which this has made possible the expression of regional perspectives on historical issues. The author suggests alternative ways of presenting Japan and briefly reflects on the project, in which he has taken part, to devise a tri-national (China-Korea-Japan) history textbook, and the ways in which this has been informed by European experiences in developing ‘common’ textbooks.
