Arriving in Japan in 1895, the Salvation Army rose from a position of relative obscurity to national recognition within a space of twelve years. The cultural adaptation of mission and message was most directly influenced by the life and work of Gunpei Yamamuro (1872-1940), who helped transform the Army into an indigenous expression of Wesleyan-holiness mission, uniquely adapted to the needs of Japan's emerging industrialized society.

Salvationist Samurai is the first English-language work to clarify the role of Yamamuro in relation to the progress of the Salvation Army in Japan. In light of the recent centennial celebration of the Salvation Army in Japan, it is fitting that this illustrated work be published in commemoration of its most prominent representative.