I loved reading this graphic history of Japan. What initially attracted me to the book is the color palette. The book has line drawings colored in a cool pink. Pink is my favorite color. The book tells the Japanese saga from its misty origins up to the present day. Epic battles, noble Samurai and duplicitous leaders are all portrayed in modern manga fashion. The stories in this book include:
- The Birth of Buddhism and the transition from hunters-gatherers to agricultural societies of ancient times;
- Savage battles between the Taira and Minamoto clans that led to the powerful warlord Minamoto no Yoritomo naming himself Japan's first Shogun;
- A decade-long struggle for domination of Japan in which thousands of Samurai fought and tragically lost their lives; known as the Onin Wars.
- Loyal Samurai who vowed to avenge the death of their master, choosing honor over surrender and being forced to commit mass ritual suicide as a result;
- A dramatic last stand by Samurai loyal to the Shogun who revolted against the new Meiji government and its plans to finally modernize Japan; known as the Satsuma Rebellion.
This history is told with plenty of portraits, manga stories, maps and informational sidebars that bring the entire sweep of Japanese history into life in one easy-to-read book. I have been using it along with other Japanese travel guides to prepare for my October trip. One place that I will be visiting is a samurai village. Without knowing much about the samurai, this book helped me decide to spend some time there.
4 out of 5 stars.
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