Books To Read if You Love Shōgun

Based on William Scott Wilson’s translation and adapted by Sean Wilson with illustrations by Chie Kutsuwada, this graphic novel brings the influential samurai treatise Hagakure to life. The book features a young samurai learning Bushido from an older Zen monk through tales of warriors and justice. This adaptation offers manga fans, martial arts enthusiasts, and students of Japanese culture a dynamic and visually engaging introduction to the philosophy of the Way of the Warrior. The edition includes an illuminating afterword by translator William Scott Wilson.

Inazo Nitobe’s influential book on Bushido, the samurai Way of the Warrior, reveals it as the key to understanding “the soul of Japan.” Throughout history, some books have profoundly changed perspectives, inspiring debate, revolution, and transformation. Penguin’s new Great Ideas series presents selections from great thinkers whose ideas have shaped civilization and our understanding of ourselves.

Ryotaro Shiba’s account reveals how Perry’s arrival ignited the end of Japan’s Tokugawa shogunate, climaxing in 1868 with the Meiji Restoration. This event restored a young emperor, leading to a political and cultural revolution. Yoshinobu, the last shogun, faced Tokugawa defeat and enacted sweeping reforms, which triggered the Boshin Civil War. His eventual peaceful surrender eased the transition to imperial rule. Yoshinobu retired to Mito, became a Meiji-era prince, and lived quietly until his death in 1913.

The Life-Giving Sword by Yagyu Munenori, a renowned 17th-century swordsman and Zen practitioner, offers profound insights on sword training as a spiritually transformative practice. Munenori, a rival of Miyamoto Musashi and adviser to two shoguns, integrated Zen principles into his martial approach. His key concepts — “life-giving sword” (controlling through spiritual readiness) and “No Sword” (mental freedom from the sword) — extend beyond martial arts to business and human relations, making it essential reading for martial artists and strategic thinkers.

Musashi is a classic samurai novel detailing the real-life exploits of Japan’s most famous swordsman. Emerging from the chaos of the 1600 Battle of Sekigahara, Miyamoto Musashi begins a tumultuous journey marked by defeat, capture, and solitary confinement. After intense study and self-discipline, he perfects a unique two-sword fighting style and becomes a formidable warrior. His quest for mastery reveals that the Way of the Sword involves not just combat but the pursuit of personal and peaceful governance. Rich with unrequited love, revenge, and dedication, Musashi is a vivid, epic tale of honor and transformation.

Natsume Soseki’s Kokoro, meaning “heart,” is a poignant exploration of friendship between a young man and an enigmatic elder, “Sensei.” In this translation, Sensei reveals his tragic past and moral anguish, reflecting the cultural shifts in early 20th-century Japan. The novel, Soseki’s last before his death, delves into the complexities of guilt and understanding across generations.

Antony Cummins and Yoshie Minami revive the teachings of the samurai school Natori-Ryu in The Book of Samurai series. This first installment translates two secret scrolls: the Heika Jodan, which offers 290 lessons for samurai preparation during peace, and the Ippei Yoko, guiding students in wartime conduct. Together, these scrolls provide an in-depth exploration of samurai warfare, reintroducing the practical wisdom of these Japanese warriors to contemporary readers.

Andrew Rankin’s comprehensive survey examines seppuku (hara-kiri) from ancient to modern times, presenting thrilling samurai stories and detailed insights into the ritual. He covers aspects like location preparation, selecting a second, attire, shaving, and cutting techniques. Drawing from original sources, including medieval war tales and execution handbooks, Rankin offers unique information previously unavailable in English, providing an in-depth understanding of this historic practice.

In The Satsuma Rebellion, award-winning writer Sean Michael Wilson and manga artist Akiko Shimojima depict the 1877 uprising led by Saigo Takamori against the Meiji government’s enforced modernization. Through thrilling battles, castle sieges, and the samurais’ last stand, they illustrate the rebels’ defeat and its impact on Japan’s transition to modernity. This historically accurate volume, part of the Illustrated Japanese History series, combines engaging storytelling with striking visuals to capture a pivotal moment in Japanese history.