The Chrysanthemum Throne

The Chrysanthemum Throne

by Gary Van Haas

With all the recent Japanese quake and tragic tsunami and nuclear problem now in the forefront of the news, and THE CHRYSANTHEMUM THRONE book to movie now in theworks this new novel is now more relevant than ever! This rich, superbly written tale is a colorful, dramatic account of the workings and inner sanctum of Japanese life and culture during Emperor Hirohito's reign in The Imperial Court. The story follows the emergence of Japan as a growing super power before and after WW II seen through the eyes of Hirohito's most trusted companion, Dr. Taki Akira. In the story, Taki is an orphaned boy brought into theImperial family by Emperor Meiji and his wife, eventually becoming a close friend and confidant of their son, Prince Hirohito, who will one day take the reins of the Imperial Throne. In his friendship with the Prince, they travel the world together, but Taki's loyalty is tested many times to the extent where he is finally forced to tell the Prince the truth about his pitiable behavior toward himself and others in their circle. As Taki grows older and weary of life in theImperial Court, he eventually leaves and strikes out on his own to live amongst common people where he meets a colorful cast of characters who teach him about real life and living in Japan under the Emperor's rule. As World War II breaks out, Taki is forced to join the Japanese army and conscripted to serve in Burma where he end up helping a group of starving and tortured British prisoners make their escape, and later is put through a grueling, incredible journey back to Tokyo where he finds his old friend Hirohito being used and manipulated by his Generals, where he is forced to intervene and put Hirohito back on the only path that will ultimately endthe war and save Japan, itself! 


About Author:

Gary Van Haas is a graduate of UCLA School of Journalism, who married his Greek wife and has spent the last twenty years living in Greece working as an Associate Production Coordinator, Stunt director, and Production Advisor for films being made in Greece. He is also a published novelist and has been a feature travel writer for the International Herald Tribune, Time, Newsweek, Odyssey, Conde Nast and Travel Magazine Mr. Van Haas is theauthor of THE IKON, which is a lively Greek island thriller set on Mykonos, and has recently completed another sequel thriller to his 'Garth Hanson' action adventure series called, MALABAR RUN, set in Goa, India, and also has a new book soon to be released called, IN SEARCH OF ANCIENT GREECE, which is said to be one of the most comprehensive and compelling travel-historical works completed to date. Gary will eventually use his past film production experience and talented hand at directing, as Gary's unique story telling abilities give him special insight into the film making process.