At the end of World War II, in August 1945, two young American soldiers become part of the U.S. Occupation duty in Japan, following their dangerous mission in the Philippine Island of Mindanao. With a reluctance to accept the culture thrust upon them, each experiences and unwillingness to accept the new duty expected of them. What did happen to them before the two atom bombs were dropped, undoubtedly had bearing on each of them. Once in Japan, they are separated, one sent to Osaka, the other to Kyoto. They do not appreciate this complex situation nor the Japanese people. Robert Stanley is the central figure from Texas. He is surprised that he is to be assigned to Military Government. His sincere friend, with whom he shared one ugly incident before their shipment to the conquered country, is Charles Yancey, a Kentuckian. Each encounters with romance and intrigue a destiny that does indeed reshape their complete change in attitude and personality. Written with a thorough knowledge of Oriental character and intricate historical data with fictitious incidents based on actual happenings, the novel is a serious approach to the start of military and political attempts to bring to Japan a foundation for her future.