Shibusawa; or, The passing of old Japan

A vivid portrait unfolds of a Japan still wrapped in the rituals of ancestor worship and the rigid hierarchy of the daimyō. The narrative guides listeners through the lush gardens of Kanazawa, where cherry blossoms sway over the polished verandas of a powerful feudal lord’s estate. Within these confines, the customs of marriage, law and loyalty are dictated by centuries‑old precepts, offering a window into a world both refined and insulated.

Against this backdrop, the story follows the birth of a young prince in April 1834, son of Lord Maido, ruler of one of the shogun’s most prosperous provinces. As the newest member of an unbroken line of daimyo, he inherits great wealth and responsibility, yet a stirring new spirit begins to stir within him. The early chapters trace his childhood observations—sunsets over tranquil waters, quiet moments of contemplation—and hint at the subtle forces that will challenge the old order and set the stage for Japan’s gradual opening to the wider world.