Shig is the story of how a young American citizen became caught up in the atmosphere of pre-war Japan, surrendered himself to the vortex of ultra-nationalism, became "110% Japanese," and volunteered unquestioningly as a kamikaze. <p> This remarkable posthumously published story of life between two countries has a message for both those in Shig's "motherland," the United States and his "fatherland," Japan. He tells exactly how all too easily one can step forward to volunteer for madness, embracing one's own destruction and of all that should be held most dear. His message is that enduring peace can only come through cross-cultural respect and understanding.