Samurai and samurai culture are the titular motifs of the novel and represent Manjiro’s dreams as well as his desire to change. Manjiro is a poor fisherman unable to become a samurai as they are nobility. But as he explores and experiences unexpected things, he develops confidence. This motif supports the theme of The Importance of Openness to New Experiences, as Manjiro’s commitment to change and experience new things opens the door for him to become a samurai at the novel’s end.

Through this motif, Preus explores the values Manjiro holds and the culture into which he was born. Part of the motif is the disconnection between Manjiro’s ideal and the reality of samurai behavior. While Manjiro is aware that most samurai “beat up on poor peasants like us” (13), he believes that he can be different. Change is integral to the motif; not only does Manjiro need to change to become a samurai, but he also wants to change the image of what a samurai is. The samurai code of honor shapes Manjiro’s view of the world. While he was not born into the samurai class, the Whitfields offer him the chance to be a loyal, heroic adventurer who also succeeds in school.