The Samurai Banner of Furin Kazan (Tuttle Classics) [Paperback]

Yasushi Inoue (Author), Yoko Riley (Author)

Book Description

Series: Tuttle Classics | Publication Date: September 15, 2005

Originally published in Japanese in 1959, this classic novel by Yasushi Inoue takes place during the Japanese Warring Era (1467-1573)-a time when Japan was ruled by three young powerful warlords: Takeda Shingen, Iwagawa Yoshimoto, and Hojo Ujiyasu. The story focuses on Takeda Shingen and his one-eyed, crippled strategist, Yamamoto Kansuke. The brilliant strategies of Kansuke, inspired by his passion for war and his admiration for his enemies' war tactics, are beautifully expressed throughout this book.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Yasushi Inoue (1907-1991), is widely recognized as one of Japan's greatest modern novelists and was honored as a "Living National Treasure." He was the recipient of every major prize in Japanese literature.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing; Tra edition (September 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804837015
• ISBN-13: 978-0804837019
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #634,981 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars With a War Lord in 16th Century Japan, March 1, 2006

By 

James Paris "Tarnmoor" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Samurai Banner of Furin Kazan (Tuttle Classics) (Paperback)

Yasushi Inoue's SAMURAI BANNER OF FURIN KAZAN is written from the point of view of a short, old, and ugly samurai named Yamamoto Kansuke who serves as the chief military strategist for Takeda Haronobu, War Lord of Kai. He has an unerring gift of foreseeing how military strategies will turn out, and of fine-tuning the tactics required to position Takeda to win in any given situation.

Well, almost any given situation. Kansuke also advises Takeda on matters of the heart, and here he is on shakier ground. While he has the best interests of the Takeda clan at heart, women have other goals in mind that he perceives only dimly, being a bachelor. As Takeda tires of his marriage. he takes on two concubines in Princes Yuu and Princess Ogoto; and the problems posed by these two beautiful young women almost prove to be his undoing.

The most powerful enemy of the Takeda clan is Uesugi Kenshin of the nearby state of Echigo. His constant feints remind me of a superb defensive chess player who is familiar with the concept of "reculer pour mieux sauter" -- to retreat to gain running room for leaping forward. In the end, there is a final showdown at Kawakajima in the contested province of Shinano.

Inoue ends with an ironic epilogue in which he sees all the efforts of the 16th century war lords come to naught as Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu finally succeed in unifying Japan in the next generation, leading to the 300-year Tokugawa Shogunate that lasted well into the 19th century.

The title of the book comes from Takeda's battle flag, whose Chinese characters say, in effect:

Be as swift as the wind
Be as silent as the wood
Attack as fiercely as fire
Be as composed as the mountain

This is a wonderful historical novel for anyone who, like me, loves the classic samurai films of Japan. It helps to provide the right historical context for the films. Inoue has done better, especially in LOU LAN AND OTHER STORIES, but this one is well worth reading as well.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Gem of A Read, May 16, 2006

By 

China Mike (East Asia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Samurai Banner of Furin Kazan (Tuttle Classics) (Paperback)

Although a work of historical fiction, this novel provides an insightful look into one of the most interesting characters during the Sengoku Jidai,Takeda Shingen. It is sad that very little is offered in English regarding the life of one of the most talented generals and administrators of the Warring States Era in the form of a historical text. However, this book allows us to understand the uniqueness of this famous daimyo and one of the key figures that was instrumental in his rise to power:Yamamoto Kansuke. Even less information is available in English regarding this obscure individual, save for his involvement in the Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima. However, amongst Japanese history enthusiasts, Kansuke was the intelligence behind the Takeda and their rise to power during this turbulent era. Kansuke's loyalty to his young lord is similar to that of an overbearing father offering unwanted guidance to a son as he ventures out to battle, whether it is on the field, his own seat of government, or his love affairs. The character of Kansuke is truly an intriguing one, and especially Inoue's depiction of him makes this novel well worth the read.

To supplement your enjoyment of this book, I would also recommend reading Kawanakajima 1553-1564 by Stephen Turnbull.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Samurai Banner of Fu Rin Ka Zan, January 3, 2007

By 

D, Murphy "D. Murphy" (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Samurai Banner of Furin Kazan (Tuttle Classics) (Paperback)

It is not as easy to find good samurai literaure as one would imagine.
This book- 'The Samurai Banner of Fu Rin Ka Zan' by Yasushi Inoue would be a delightfully fascinating find for anyone truly interested in the genre.
It is written in a such a way that one can visualize the story as vividly as if watching a well made, well acted movie epic, and it is just as engaging. One does not need any previous knowlewdge about who Takeda Shingen or Yamamoto Kantsuke were for one to get drawn into the plot.
It is surely informative, but it is also fun to read, and at the end it leaves the reader wanting for more.
I wholeheartedly recommend it.