At age twenty-one, a Japanese soldier, Sutezou Kawabata was sent to war. For four years, he endured hunger, disease, battle, and the loss of friends in China, North Korea and the Phillipines during World War II.

Half a century later, he wrote his memories of the war in Japanese and handed over to his grandchildren, determined to leave behind a record of what he and his comrades endured.

Twenty years after Sutezou's passing, his memoir is now translated into English and retold by his granddaughter, Yukiko Kawabata. In reshaping his words for today's readers, she has sought to preserve the authenticity of his voice while making his story accessible to younger generations. Through his recollections, we glimpse not only the hardships of survival, but also the bonds of friendship, the sorrow of separation, and the quiet hope for peace.

This rare personal account brings history to life with honesty and humanity, ensuring that one soldier's story will not be forgotten.