Wow, I did not get to Japan until 1988. The "ty" in my name doesn't really stand for anything, but the "majes." is an anagram of my name. So maybe "ty" means "thank you." :-P
Re pre-communist China, I just happened to read a true murder story set in Peking in the 1930s. (Link below)
Not only was it a good story and a great mystery, but it also gave me an excellent impression of China in those times.
Highly recommended.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight_in_Peking
Midnight in Peking
Midnight in Peking is the true story of the murder of a young British woman in Peking in January 1937, written by Paul French. It was first published by Penguin Australia in association with Penguin China in 2011 and has since been published by Penguin Books in the UK and by Penguin Group USA. It has appeared on international best seller lists including the New York Times Best Seller List and the South China Morning Post Best Seller List. Additionally the book was adapted for radio by BBC Radio 4.
The victim was Pamela Werner, 19-year-old daughter of retired British consul E. T. C. Werner and academic resident in Peking.
Congrats on having 3000 followers, wow.
I will check out your recommendation on Midnight in Peking