What a wonderful book. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. The story of Master Ozawa is told with such honesty and sincerity that I could almost feel his hunger as he struggled to make his new life in the U.S.. Like a true Samurai he overcame all obstacles that presented themselves and was triumphant, always maintaining his honor and integrity. I think I'll buy another copy to loan out and read, and put my autographed copy in a safe.
I read Osamu Ozawa's story while camping with Boy Scouts. The boys wondered why I read so much-- it was because I couldn't put this book down.
Osamu Ozawa's life was tumultuous--he survived a plane crash on the runway during the Battle of Okinawa. He went from poverty to riches in Japan, then moved to America, where he became so poor that he didn't have enough to eat. The first thing he did after being paid to teach classes for Chuck Norris was to buy a bowl of fried rice. He said it was one of the best meals he had ever eaten. He was a samurai, and asking for a hand-out would have been dishonorable to Osamu.
The book taught me that failure is a natural part of success. Osamu experienced both so many times in his life that I'm beginning to understand that failure is a learning experience. Failure often leads to success.
Osamu died in April, 1998. After reading this book, I'm sorry I didn't get to meet him.
