When I Was a Boy in Japan

More about the book

Set in Meiji Japan during the 1870s and 1880s, the narrative follows Sakae, a child navigating the clash between traditional samurai culture and the encroaching influence of Western values. Growing up among the remnants of the shogunate, Sakae's experiences reflect the tension between old and new as he grapples with the impact of foreign science and commerce on Japanese life. His story is told with charm and tenderness, highlighting the enduring influence of traditional values on his upbringing and education.