Musaši – Jošikawa Eidži (2021)

The extensive work Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa remains, seventy years after its creation, the most popular Japanese historical novel. The story takes place at the beginning of the 17th century, after the prolonged wars that plagued the entire country. The Tokugawa clan took control of the Japanese islands, establishing a new order and allowing for a peaceful life for more than two and a half centuries. However, the land was flooded with wandering samurai without masters, longing for glory and wealth. The main hero, Miyamoto Musashi, was initially one of them. However, from an unruly youth, he evolved into a true samurai through careful study of the way of the sword. He did not desire the offered position with a powerful lord and set out on a path of self-improvement, aiming for perfect awakening and honing his swordsmanship to the limits of possibility. Musashi gradually triumphed over all opponents, but it was not his strength that was decisive; it was his pure heart and indomitable determination. He defeats all the famous warriors and creates his own school of fighting with two swords, which he later elucidated in his famous Book of Five Rings. However, the novel's Musashi is not just a heartless warrior; he is a man who loves so deeply that he denied himself his love until the decisive duel with the strongest...