本文嘗試從思想史的視野探討觀察戴季陶（戴傳賢，1891-1949）的《日本論》（1928年首度出版）一書的意義。本文論證指出，戴季陶的《日本論》，是他以先前在1919年撰述的〈我的日本觀〉為基礎，更進一步表達他觀察日本的心得。可是，戴季陶的《日本論》更也展現著透過分析日本，從而反省中國問題之所在，並透露對於中國未來前景的期望。因此，戴季陶的《日本論》其實也是在建構對於理想中國的一種「認同」(identity)。

This paper examines the historical significance and the main concern of Dai Ji Tao's Theory on Japan which was published in 1928. This book was built upon an earlier work of his "My View on Japan" which was published in 1919. He further elevated his original work by further discussing the problems China faces, and how Japan can serve as a model to address China's pressing issues, and thereby showing his hope for China's future. Thus, Dai's Theory on Japan is also a work that professes the creation of a Chinese identity.