Shibusawa; or, The passing of old Japan

"Shibusawa; or, The Passing of Old Japan" by I. William Adams details the life of Shibusawa, a nobleman's son, during Japan's shift from traditional ways. This story highlights the tension between personal desires and family duty. Shibusawa's conflict starts with his affection for a lowly gardener's daughter, Kinsan, just when he receives a marriage proposal from Takara, the Mikado's daughter. This sets the stage for a grand struggle where love clashes with honor and societal norms. The novel explores not just Shibusawa's choices, but also a crucial shift in Japanese culture, as old traditions give way to new influences.