“In this deeply researched, richly textured and often moving family history, Haruko Fukuda gives for western readers a series of unique insights into the Japan of the last century and a half.” – David Kynaston
“Japan’s lordly samurai thought money beneath them, but Haruko thought for herself. Coming to England, she got herself into Cambridge (to read History) and went on to a dazzling career in international finance and then public service. Her book is fascinating, illuminating and touching.” – Christopher Fildes
A vivid, personal and revealing excavation of the forgotten worlds of 20th-century Japan.
In MY FAMILIES AND OTHER SAMURAI, Haruko Fukuda weaves together intricate threads of Japan’s modern history, offering a glimpse into the lives of members of her family – the last of the samurai – as they deal with momentous change. With meticulous research and insightful analysis, Fukuda guides us through the pages of history, unearthing hidden narratives, revealing a remarkable interplay of tradition and progress, and shedding light on the untold stories of Japan’s elite.
