Set on an island in the South Pacific during the final days of World War IIwhen the tide has turned against Japan and the war has unmistakably become oneof attr... » 

Set on an island in the South Pacific during the final days of World War IIwhen the tide has turned against Japan and the war has unmistakably become oneof attrition The Breaking Jewel offers a rare depiction of the Pacific Warfrom the Japanese side and captures the essence of Japans doomed imperialaims. The novel opens as a small force of Japanese soldiers prepares to defenda tiny and ultimately insignificant island from a fullscale assault byAmerican forces. Its story centers on squad leader Nakamura who resists theAmericans to the end as he and his comrades grapple with the idea of gyokusaitranslated as the breaking jewel or the pulverization of the gem thepatriotic act of mass suicide in defense of the homeland.Well known for his antiestablishment and antiwar sentiments Makuto Odagradually and subtly develops a powerful critique of the war and the racialistimperial aims that proved Japans undoing. «