Daughters of the Samurai

"Daughters of the Samurai" tells the true story of five young girls sent by the Japanese government in 1871 to the United States to learn Western ways and help shape Japan's future. Among them, three women—Sutematsu Yamakawa, Shige Nagai, and Ume Tsuda—became American celebrities and formed meaningful cross-cultural bonds, while their subsequent return to Japan marked their commitment to transforming women's education. Based on extensive archival research and personal letters, this captivating narrative offers a vivid glimpse into a pivotal moment of cultural exchange and change.