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Peter Tieryas
Great question! I loved Man in the High Castle growing up and appreciated the idea of an alternate universe where the Axis forces won, so that was the inspiration for United States of Japan. While they're related in the spirit of the themes, everything else is different, particularly as it focuses on the Japanese Empire and military. That includes the back story, characters, and settings (for example, San Francisco is abandoned from all the radiation of a Japanese nuclear attack in USJ whereas SF is the capital of High Castle) So in that sense, you don't need to read High Castle to read USJ- though I highly recommend it as a book. Thank you! =)
Danvic Aguilar
Spiritual sequel means it features many of the same elements, themes, and styles as its source material, thereby resulting in it being related or similar "in spirit" to its predecessor. But its doesn't mean that you have to read the High Castle to understand this. its not a Direct sequel.
Jeff
As Danvic Aguilar said, not a literal/linear sequel. The tone and settings is pretty similar and as the author said, it is a great book.
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