The novel by one of the most famous Japanese writers E. Yoshikawa is based on real historical events of the 17th century. The main character of the novel, Miyamoto Musashi, is a real historical figure, like most of the characters in the novel. The events of Japanese history are depicted with documentary accuracy, they cover one of the most dramatic periods of the struggle for power between individual princes and the subsequent reunification of the principalities. This is the time of samurai and free robbers, the time of constant wars and the power of the shogunate, the time of feudal fragmentation and the creation of a single ruling class. E. Yoshikawa's novel fits completely into the traditions of Japanese literature.