It’s 1945, and the battle for Luzon is over. Under the forest, the fabled Yamashita treasure lies concealed. To the victors go the spoils. Or do they? Back in Tokyo, Toshio Hamazaki is ruthlessly determined to use this war loot to build his dream: the business empire Mabuhay. He surrounds himself with a few equally unscrupulous characters who will stop at nothing to get what they want.

Told over a period of three decades,this story of the group’s sinister, methodical quest, driven by greed and depravity- and the unseen suffering left in their wake - traces a journey of intrigue from Tokyo to the slums of Manila to Washington, D.C., to the Luzon jungle. Meanwhile, individual men and women are left with heartbreaking loss and the frustration of trying to follow the men’ maddeningly elusive trail.

Did postwar industrialists in fact benefit from stolen wealth? It’s a question that lingers to this day.

1945, Luzon, Philippines. The war is over. The guns may have fallen silent but a new battle is about to begin. The prize, stolen war loot, the fabled Yamashita treasure, which lies buried in secret sites under the vast rainforest. Told over a period of three decades, this is an epic saga, rich in historical references. The loves, fears, strengths and weaknesses of the characters are laid bare as they go about their nefarious business. A thrilling and enticing tale loaded with avarice, betrayal and murder. 

Rushton Medley grew up in Barnoldswick, a small mill town in the north of England. After studying economics and politics at the University of Hull, he moved to Hong Kong and spent the next ten years working and playing hard. He now lives in the beautiful Japanese city of Kumamoto where he writes, plays guitar, and enjoys the occasional glass of wine.