You are holding in your hands a historical novel by the outstanding Japanese writer Kaga Otohiko, named after its main character. Takayama Ukon (1552–1615) is a legendary figure. A major military leader, participant in several battles that determined the fate of Japan during the period of civil strife. A talented architect who created many impregnable castles and fortifications. One of the largest tea masters. Finally, Takayama Ukon is a zealous Christian who did not compromise his beliefs in the face of the brutal repressions against Christians that swept across Japan in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

Thanks to the skill and erudition of the author, the fates of dozens of people are skillfully woven into the fabric of the novel contemporaries of Ukon from different countries of the world, many chronicles, biographies, historical documents and information about works of art of that era. All this makes Kaga Otohiko's novel a real encyclopedia of traditional Japanese culture.