Kotsuji's Gift: The Daring Rescue of Japan's Jewish Refugees by Jundai Yamada recounts the extraordinary story of Setsuzō Kotsuji, a Japanese scholar who played a pivotal role in saving thousands of Jewish refugees during World War II. The book details how Kotsuji, initially trained in Shinto and later a Christian, used his knowledge of Hebrew and his influential position to secure visa extensions, travel arrangements, and Torah study opportunities for Jews fleeing Nazi persecution. His courageous actions included intervening in the arrest of a Jewish student in Kobe and publicly opposing anti-Semitic propaganda, despite facing torture and threats to his life.

The volume is divided into Kotsuji's own memoir and Yamada's commentary, offering both personal insight and historical context. After the war, Kotsuji's spiritual journey led him to convert to Judaism in Israel, where he reunited with many of those he had helped save. His story, largely unknown in Japan, is brought to light by Yamada, who aims to share Kotsuji's legacy with a wider audience. The book highlights themes of resilience, gratitude, and the profound bonds formed through acts of compassion, underscoring Kotsuji's unique place in Jewish history.