THE TORII GATE, a novel set in present-day Japan, involves Japanese and Americans caught up in a right-wing conspiracy to overthrow the Japanese government. The conspirators believe that democratic rule runs counter to Japanese history and tradition, and is an alien import of American culture. They are set on overturning the government to restore Japan to its "essential Samurai traditions" and Emperor-worship, and at the same time to purge Japan of American influence. The story takes the six major characters through the coup and its aftermath. Not only are they involved with one another politically, but personally, as colleagues, friends, and lovers. In portraying their lives and the events in which they are caught up, the novel depicts the dilemmas facing modern Japan, simultaneously evoking its ancient history and its history since Japan's defeat in World War II.