Hi,
For me---it was the most fascinating book that I read about japan in the late 70's---. The Japanese culture----the state of govt---the rule of order and law---the loyalty to the emperor----and then the ultimate sacrifice of life for the greater good.
Being in Pakistan at that time----I had no clue what ancient japan was---.
I was shocked to learn that japan had an extremely advanced weapons ( guns ) industry---that was banned by the emperor in the late 15th or early 16th century---so when the first black ships anchored in japan----there were no guns in japan---they were destroyed---that was around 16th century.
I hope you enjoy the book----or you can watch the TV series---by the same name----with Richard Chamberlain.
@MastanKhan ,
Thanks buddy for the recommendation. I'll definitely check this book out! During the 15 to 16th century, Japan had opened up western trade , specially to Dutch and Spanish traders. Much from the West came to Japan ; technology in terms of muskets, cannons (both of which were used in the latter stage of the Senggoku Jidai (Age of Civil War, Strife)). Interestingly enough, one western ideology that spread to Japan like wildfire during this time was Christianity. It had grown so fast that even a Daimyo had converted to Christianity. His name was Takayama Ukon, who was Daimyo of Yamato Province and Lord of Sawa Castle. When the Tokugawa Shogunate closed trade with the westerners, the Shogunate also persecuted the Christians in Japan, killing tens of thousands when they refused to give up their Christian faith. Christianity was outlawed and banned in the country for a long time, tho many Japanese practiced their Christian faith in secret.
Last edited: