This book, first printed in Japan in 1971 under the copyright of Fumiko Yoshikawa, written by Eiji Yoshikawa, chronicles a fictional version of the life of Miyamoto Musashi, as he strives to become the greatest swordsman who ever lived, taking nature as his most severe teacher.

This massive tremendously popular novel and was first run as a serial in a newspaper in the late 1950s and early 1960s, I think. There is also a trilogy of films based upon it, starring Toshiro Mifune. When I have time, I'll see what information I dredge up about them and update this write-up.

The serial first appeared in a Japanese newspaper between 1937-39. This makes it even more interesting, I think, coming at a time right before the peak of Japan's power in World War II. Japanese culture at the time was propagating a myth of itself as being destined to rule at least all of Asia - the rising sun being the dominant image. This myth was believed by most ordinary Japanese at the time, and most were willing to die for it. Those who could not go to war felt deprived and left out. A prime, if extreme, example of what this kind of culture can do to someone who survives it is the life and death of Yukio Mishima.

Although "Musashi" does not seem to directly propagate the aforementioned myth (so far - I'm 600 pages through), it does provide an excellent window into part of the national psyche of the time.

武蔵

One of the 68 ancient provinces of Japan, Musashi province comprised an area that is modern-day Saitama and Tokyo Prefectures. Hokusai's famous 36 Views of Mount Fuji are set in Musashi province.