Human Bullets. A Soldier's Story of Port Arthur (The pleasure of reading)

The first victory by an Asian power over a European one since the Mongol invasions of the 13th Century: that's why the impact of the Russo-Japanese War, dated 1904-05, was so huge. The great spirit of the Japanese people was a key factor in the victory, helped them to overcome an enemy who was superior in numbers and war technology. Human Bullets was written by Tadyoshi Sakurai, a junior officer in the Japanese campaign against Port Arthur, a free port owned by Russians in China. It's not only an engaging story of combat and a great source of insights about an immensely influentienal conflict, but also a fascinating introduction to the meanings of the traditional Japanese spirit. Japanese soldiers were in fact the emperor's human bullets, whose only goal was to strike the enemy despite of self-preservation. A fascinating glimpse into prevailing nationalistic and militaristic attitudes in early-twentieth-century Japan. Read more