What popular novel was based on an Englishman who went to Japan in 1600 and became a Samurai?

I saw the miniseries when it first came out, at the time, it was a good watch..

Player #22958942, The book is better IMO

Missy101, IMO the book is almost always better. more detail.

I saw this mini series when I was a young boy and immediately fell in love with Japan. I was fortunate enough to live there for 16 years as an adult.

I read this book in 1981 I was 21, it was a page turner over 800 pages, brilliant book. The film was rubbish, Richard chamberlain isn't the best actor but probably cheap.

Player #18820985, lucky you, I've never been to Japan, and doesn't look as I ever will!! yes I too watched the TV series on the BBC, and I agree with you, it was brilliant, tho they could've had an English actor doing the role, instead of Richard Chamberlain, coz he's an American is he not? not that I've got anything against the guy personally. cos he's lovely, I believe..

Shotgun the book was excellent!! Big book...wanted more when it ended!!!