Historical Fiction Author

Kazuko Nishimura

THE GIRLFRIENDS OF
THE RISING SUN

We were dubbed ‘Nadeshiko,’ a flower that symbolizes purity and is characterized by decorum, humbleness, and kindness—the personification of an idealized ‘Girlfriend of Japan.’ …Though in reality, our task was to care for the young men who were awaiting their turn to leave the airbase on one-way missions—the Kamikaze pilots.

THE GODDESSES OF JAPAN

Discover the epic saga of the oldest, continuous hereditary monarchy in the world—the 2600 years old, Chrysanthemum Throne of Japan. “The Goddesses of Japan” is a history-based book that takes you on a journey through the rich tapestry of the formation of the Land of the Rising Sun.

THE BRIDES OF THE RISING SUN

A nation dominated by a rigid samurai code of honor and power-hungry warlords, Japan’s transition to modernization, would not be achieved without bloodshed imbued with stoicism, resilience, bravery, deception, treason, and lots of romance. The most rapturous insight of this historical period, is the presence of a Westerner who was instrumental in the political machinations that brought down the Shogun and ushered the country into a sort of capitalism.

THE GODDESSES OF BRAZIL

In March 1500, the Portuguese Conquistador, Pedro Álvares Cabral and his fleet head to India to set up a trading port. Cabral returns home with the discovery of a huge land, which is eventually named Brazil. The land is fertile and populated by natives who resist being enslaved. Portugal imports a huge number of black slaves from Africa as labor. The blacks fight chains and manacles and set up the legendary Quilombo dos Palmares.

THE BLACK QUEEN
OF DIAMONDS

“Chica da Silva” was born nameless to an African slave, her life predestined for hardship and obscurity. Yet, her story is one that shatters preconceptions, a saga where diamonds and a black slave intertwine in an extraordinary dance of fate. In a society rigidly defined by race and class, Chica ascended from the shackles of slavery to become a queen in all but name during Eighteenth-Century Colonial Brazil.

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HIMIKO, THE WARRIOR QUEEN

Cocooned in the indulgences of the Yamato Court, Empress Himiko is suddenly thrown into the war environment, where she has to mature fast and lead an army into battle in order to honour the name of her deceased husband, her country and her unborn child...

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SECRETS OF THE MIGHTY AMAZON

In the depths of the Amazon forest, where few had set foot, there are secrets that are better kept in the jungle. Oblivious to this curse, impetuous conquistador Francisco de Orellana, explore the forbidden forest and encounters the Amazonian princess...

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The most current TV hype is a renewed cinematic exploration of James Clavell’s “Shogun,” a seminal work by the British author, set against the backdrop of feudal Japan in the early 17th century, and based on a true story. This ambitious TV series not only promises to captivate audiences with its intricate plot and rich historical context but also aims to delve deeper into the cultural and political nuances of the period. At the heart of this narrative is the unlikely journey of an English navigator who finds himself entwined in the complex political fabric of Japan and the powerful daimyo who would become Shogun.

Lord Yoshii Toranaga

In this adaptation, Hiroyuki Sanada, a celebrated Japanese actor and a key member among the series' producers assumes the lead role as Lord Toranaga, or Tokugawa Ieyasu, as he is known historically. Ieyasu is the formidable daimyo who would eventually unify Japan and establish the Tokugawa shogunate. His strategic mind, political acumen, and complex relationship with the English pilot, John Blackthorne are central to the narrative, offering a deep dive into the psyche of one of Japan's most influential figures.

John Blackthorne, aka "Anjin-san"

In the series, the character of John Blackthorne, or Anjin-san is inspired by the historical figure William Adams, an English navigator who became the first British person to reach Japan. Portrayed by the talented actor Cosmo Jarvis, this character embodies the clash and fusion of Western and Eastern cultures. The actor's portrayal captures Blackthorne's transformation from a shipwrecked foreigner to a respected samurai, navigating the treacherous waters of Japanese politics and culture.

James Clavell

James Clavell (1924–1994) was a British (Australian-born) novelist, screenwriter, director, and World War II veteran whose experiences as a prisoner of war in Changi Prison, Singapore, profoundly influenced his writing. "Shogun," published in 1975, is part of his Asian Saga series, which includes other notable works like "Tai-Pan" and "Noble House." Clavell's storytelling is characterized by his deep fascination with Asian cultures and histories, blending historical facts with fiction to create compelling narratives that have captivated millions worldwide. The new "Shogun" series not only pays homage to Clavell's masterpiece but also offers a modern interpretation that explores themes of power, loyalty, culture clash, and personal transformation.

Shōgun, the book

Through the lens of its main characters, the series provides a window into a pivotal era in Japanese history, marked by the end of the Warring States period and the rise of the Tokugawa shogunate.
As we eagerly anticipate the series' next episodes every week, let's remember the enduring legacy of James Clavell's "Shogun" and its impact on historical fiction. The novel, and now the series, serves as a bridge between cultures, inviting audiences to explore the depth and complexity of human nature against the rich tapestry of Japan's past.

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