New York Ballantine, (1992.). First edition - From the author of "A Patch of Blue." The title refers to the Kagami, or sacred mirror, which is said to reflect the sacred self. This novel portrays Japan in all its complexity as it follows the history of 3 families during the turbulent years after the 'opening of Japan' by Commodore Perry in 1853 through the World War I and the Great Earthquake of 1923.