The novel by a classic of Japanese literature is dedicated to real historical events of the 16th century, when in Japan there was a fierce struggle for power between disparate samurai clans. The novel centers on the life of the legendary warrior Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who rose from the son of a simple peasant to the military ruler of Japan. The emperor himself granted him the highest court title - taiko. Hideyoshi, having become a samurai, spent the best years of his life in endless battles, perfecting his military skills, and eventually united the individual principalities and strengthened his rule over the country. His generous patronage of the sciences and arts at the end of his days led to the emergence of a phenomenon later called the Japanese Renaissance. E. Yoshikawa's novel fits completely into the traditions of Japanese literature.