The author of the article examines the latest trends in the Japanese historians’ studies of the origin and authorship of Koyogunkan. , which can be considered to be an important source of study of Japaanese history during the Sengoku period (the last third of the XV - the end of the XVI century). In Japanese academic circles Koyogunkan has been perceived for a long time as an unreliable source. Lately a definite withdrawal from such interpretation can be seen: in spite of some inaccuracies in chronology, Koyogunkan has been recognized in many aspects as a valid historical record, the potential of which has not yet been fully disclosed. The issue of attribution of Koyogunkan remains unresolved in full measure. In recent years arguments have been given in favor of an earlier origin of Koyogunkan . Prospective authors and compilers of this narrative have been associated with the samurai who served the house of Takeda. Japanese historians believe that Koyogunkan provides valuable information for the study of ideology and mentality of warriors during the Sengoku period.

The article analyzes the scale of external migration that took place during periods of Yayoi-Kofun. The author reviews the problem of periodization of Japan's early history. The estimate of migration, given by Hanihara Kazuro in 1987, is being revised.

The article is devoted to the history of Japanese intervention in Siberia. Being based on documents from regional archives and publications in rare editions, the issue of completion of the Japanese intervention in the Baikal region and Transbaikalia in late 1919 - 1920 is discussed in detail. The documents introduced to scientific circulation point to regional features of the history of Russian-Japanese relations. The author makes an attempt to turn away from previous political approach, to consider historical events from different sides, to show their inconsistency.

The article reviews main periods of development of Japanese cinema industry since 1950. The author uses a quantitative criteria, drawing special attention to statistics. The role of familiar cultural symbols and elements in Japanese Box Office success is being analyzed. Position and prospects of promotion of Russian cinema in Japan are also being considered.

The Jikkinshō Setsuwa collection [Collected Admonitions in Ten Sections, 1252] contains stories and discourses interesting to researchers from the point of view of history of some concepts, which play a significant role in Japanese culture as a whole. Being based on this source, the article presents a range of meanings of the word “megumi” [kindrness], its correlation to the concepts of “empathy” ( yū / yasashi ) and “forethought” (yōi). It also shows a series of examples for “education of kindness” - what we need to learn in order to respond to the needs of our counterpart and act on her/his behalf.

The article is devoted to the problem of sustainability of the political power system that has evolved in Japan after 2012. The author makes an attempt to examine the factors of the paradoxical popularity of Abe cabinets against the background of the split in public opinion towards the key issues of state policy. Among these factors, the article highlights Abe’s skillful use of the slogan style of communication with society, the mobilization of media capabilities to create an image of Abe as the ‘savior’ of Japan in the face of globalization challenges and threats, as well as systemic weakness of the opposition. However, the LDP faces a serious management crisis and in future will be forced to seek a new formula for transferring power to the next generation of political leaders.