"Human Bullets: A Soldier's Story of Port Arthur" by Tadayoshi Sakurai is a gripping firsthand account of the harrowing experiences of a soldier during the Battle of Port Arthur. Sakurai's narrative immerses readers in the brutal realities of war and the indomitable spirit of those who endured it. This book is a poignant and eye-opening read for anyone interested in the personal stories of those who have faced the crucible of conflict.

The impact of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904?5 was incalculable. It was the first victory by an Asian power over a European one since the Mongol invasions of the thirteenth century. Japanese victory was ascribed to the "spirit" of the Japanese people, which helped their soldiers to overcome superior numbers and technology. A fascinating glimpse into prevailing nationalistic and militaristic attitudes in early-twentieth-century Japan, Human Bullets is also an engaging story of combat and an excellent source of insights about a relatively obscure but immensely influential conflict. ø Tadyoshi Sakurai was a junior officer in the Japanese campaign against Port Arthur, Russia?s ice-free port in China. His account is an interesting introduction to the concept of yamato-damashii, or "traditional Japanese spirit." This spirit was something greater than mere high morale. Japanese soldiers were the emperor?s "human bullets." Like bullets, they were unconcerned with victory, comfort, or self-preservation, existing only to strike the enemy.

First published in 2008. This unique work, the personal story of a Japanese soldier in the Russo-Japanese War, holds a fascination that goes far beyond the historical insights it offers. The author paints a moving picture of the lives and deaths, joys and sorrows of the men who took Port Arthur in the bloodiest battle of this short war. The tale is told vividly and simply and is a rare revelation of the thoughts and experiences of a Japanese soldier of remarkable intelligence.

A Soldier's Story of Port Arthur. A young Japanese lieutenant's account of his involvement in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904, first published in this English translation in 1907.

"This little book of Lieutenenant Sakurai's will, oerhaps, help to set us right in regard to the spirit in which the Japanese soldier fights. The story was told originally, not for a foreign audience, but to give to his own countrymen a true picture of the lives and deaths, the joys and sorrows, of the men who took Port Arthur"--Page vii.