A Daughter of the Samurai

Etsu Inagaki's life unfolds against the backdrop of a declining samurai lineage, shaped by traditional values and the tumult of early 20th-century Japan. Her journey from a conservative upbringing to an arranged marriage in America reveals the cultural clashes and misunderstandings that arise between Japanese and Western societies. Through personal anecdotes, she explores themes of love, duty, and family ties while reflecting on the sweeping social changes of the Meiji period. Her narrative offers a unique perspective on the transition from feudal traditions to modern life.