Zakari is a story of a boy shipwrecked in Japan in 1855. It is a story of a young man undergoing physical, mental and spiritual changes ina foreign country that is itself undergoing rapid changes after forced exposure to the technically stronger Western nations. There is tension and confusion as Zakari strives to succeed even though he is caught up in intrigue and is used as a pawn by major historical figures. He finally finds love, rank and family. Then, after losing everything, is confined to his lands, his usefulness, for the time, over. He is recalled to take part in the revolution that sees the Emperor Meji restored as supreme ruler and takes part in the rapid Westernisation of Japan.