In 1871, five young girls were sent by the Japanese government to the United States. Their mission: learn Western ways and return to help nurture a new generation of enlightened men to lead Japan. Raised in traditional samurai households during the turmoil of civil war, three of these unusual ambassadors--Sutematsu Yamakawa, Shige Nagai, and Ume Tsuda--grew up as typical American schoolgirls. The passionate friendships they formed reveal an intimate world of cross-cultural fascination and connection. Ten years later, they returned to Japan--a land grown foreign to them--determined to revolutionize women's education.--Provided by publisher.

Prologue - -- Samurai daughter - -- The war of the Year of the Dragon - -- "A little leaven" - -- "An expedition of practical observers" - -- "Interesting strangers" - -- Finding families - -- Growing up American - -- At Vassar - -- The journey "home" - -- Two weddings - -- Getting along alone - -- Alice in Tokyo - -- Advances and retreats - -- The Women's Home School of English -- Endings.