JAMES R. OLSEN
I write on a variety of subjects, taking the time to research them thoroughly so that my work accurately presents the subject at hand. I usually find a way to incorporate some poetic prose and metaphysics to capture just how it feels and what it means. Eric Larson is my writing hero.
IN PROGRESS
Mister Zero Eyes
What if Japan won the Battle of Midway?
If you liked The Man in the High Castle and appreciated the historical accuracy of Master and Commander, this book is for you.
MEET THE CHALLENGE • MEET THE CHARACTERS
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BOOKS
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Mister Zero Eyes
Bushido courage, loyalty, and honor were foremost on the mind of Imperial Japanese Navy Lieutenant Takeo Yamata when he took off in his Zero Fighter in the Attack on Pearl Harbor. He was wounded and could not fly anymore, so he was appointed to Admiral Yamamoto’s staff as an Intelligence Analyst.
Because of that, Takeo learns the Midway Plan is flawed and fails to persuade Yamamoto’s staff.
Until the day the fleet will set sail to its doom, when he appeals directly to Yamamoto in an act of insubordination and offers to commit seppuku.
Because of that, Japan wins the Battle of Midway.
Because of that, Yamamoto is ready to make peace with America, which was his plan all along.
Except that the Japanese Army has a history of brutality toward civilians and prisoners.
Because of that, Takeo sees American news showing Japanese as merciless butchers and an America that will never make peace until Japan is in ruins.
Because of that, Takeo sees Japan must reform to embody the Bushido virtue of Benevolence. THIS IS TAKEO’S FINAL QUEST
FIRST OF A THREE-BOOK SERIES
Will Japan be the Decronian colonist that Julianna finds herself in, in The Man in the High Castle?
Or, after kicking out all of the European and American colonists in December 1941 and early 1942, will Japan create an authentic Asians-for-Asians Coprosperity Sphere?
This is Japan’s Redemption Story.
MEET THE CHARACTERS
Takeo: Ride with Takeo in his Zero Fighter, whose hard-nosed military logic is guided by the Shinto Spirits and the refined artistry of Geishas.
Akiko: Dance with Akiko, Takeo’s sister, a well-known Geisha as she
anticipates what authentic truth needs to be told and conveys it with exquisite poetry and art.
Mameyu: Be guided by the wisdom of the Mother of the Giesha house, who seems to know everyone.
Tomioka: Sit with a wise old Shinto Priest and learn the Way of the Shinto Spirits and the meaning of the I Ching oracle.
Yamamoto: Sail with the Admiral to victory and join him in his fight against the violent politics of militarist Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the word count? A: 95,000 words. Q: What is the Genre A: Historical Fiction/Alternative History Q: What is the tone? A: The tone juxtaposes cinematic with the formal intimacy of Japanese society at the time. Emotionally sincere, with a strong sense of atmosphere and place. The language and behavior patterns are informed by historical Japanese and Americans expressing themselves at the time — based on first-person narratives and quotes, including English-language translations of Japanese sources. Q: Intended Reader and Comps? A: Adult readers who like historical fiction that is authentic to the time and place. Alternative histories that fit this bill for this time period that became TV series are The Man in the High Castle, SS-GB, Fatherland, Plot Against America. Also comparable is historical fiction such as the series Master and Commander, and most of the works of Bernard Cromwell. Readers of Non-fiction narrative history such as Band of Brothers will be interested in this book. And Shogun, the 1975 book that is rooted in Japanese culture — a popular miniseries in 2024. Q: Are there content warnings? A: Yes. Military and political violence; two non-graphic depictions of sexual assault and incest; non-graphic ritual suicide; references to the mass Rape of Nanking and war crimes; non-graphic torture. Q: Is there a synopsis, and are there sample chapters? A: Yes. Please contact me. Q: When will the full manuscript be completed? A: By the end of October.