Remember back when local TV stations would show those old Japanese samurai movies? Local veteran illustrator Scott Goto does. And now nostalgic fans of the genre and young martial arts enthusiasts are in for a treat with his newest picture book. Through his artwork, and in his own words, Goto has skillfully conveyed the unique look and feel of those samurai shows.

"Growing up, samurai movies, samurai TV shows, were always on around my grandmother's house, where I spent a lot of time," Goto said. "I was raised with that, along with pretty traditional Japanese grandparents."

Goto decided to try his hand at the topic when he realized there were not a lot of good picture books on martial arts available. Goto wanted to offer kids more than just folklore, so he touches on philosophical aspects, martial ethics, Japanese culture and history.

"A lot of people illustrate books about Asia in watercolor or pen-and-ink. They think that will automatically make it look Asian. One of my biggest goals, and challenges, was to make this feel Asian, not by the painting technique, and not by adapting a Japanese manga style or woodblock prints," Goto said.

"I tried to have the mannerisms of traditional Japanese people, even stereotypical Japanese people, from the movies. They carry themselves a certain way, they sit a certain way, which is what I tried to portray."

"Even in the text, when the characters are speaking, I tried to have that rhythm," Goto said. "There is a certain way Japanese people speak, even though a lot of people don't think about that. That's what I found missing in a lot of stories."

"The Perfect Sword" is about a boy named Michio who is serving as the apprentice to Sensei Masa, a master swordsmith. After crafting the perfect sword, Sensei must find the right owner. As news of the sword spreads, samurai begin to come to the shop in hopes of buying it. The first to arrive is Katsuo. Goto writes:

"I have easily defeated hundreds of men!" roared Katsuo as he sat with Sensei. "I have captured countless villages! All who see me run in fear! Only one as strong as I deserves such a perfect sword!"

"And what if," asked Sensei, "the villagers don't want to work for you?"

"Hah!" snorted Katsuo. "Then I burn their houses and destroy all they own for questioning me!"

"I'm sorry." Sensei calmly replied, "but you are far too cruel and arrogant for this sword. Thank you for stopping by."

Goto uses oil paintings to create powerful and dramatic illustrations. The book also includes notes on swordmaking in ancient Japan and a glossary. Kirkus reviews called the book "an attractive and informative introduction to sword-making in ancient Japan, with insight into the samurai code of honor."

Goto's deep, personal passion for the material permeates the work.

"I understand why they say you should write about what you love," Goto said.