Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire

9.5

2004•2h 45m

Commanding shoguns and samurai warriors, exotic geisha and exquisite artisans—all were part of the Japanese “renaissance”; a period between the 16th and 19th Centuries when Japan went from chaos and violence to a land of ritual refinement and peace. But stability came at a price: for nearly 250 years, Japan was a land closed to the Western world, ruled by the Shogun under his absolute power and control. Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire brings to life the unknown story of a mysterious empire, its relationship with the West, and the forging of a nation that would emerge as one of the most important countries in the world.

Seasons

3 Episodes • Premiered 2004

1. The Way of the Samurai

7.0

Tokugawa Ieyasu unifies Japan and establishes a dynasty that will rule Japan for over 250 years.

2. The Will of the Shogun

8.0

The grandson of Ieyasu, Tokugawa Iemitsu, tightens control over Japan's warlords and expels all foreigners.

3. The Return of the Barbarians

7.0

Isolated from the West, 18th century Edo flourishes culturally and economically, becoming one of the liveliest cities in the world. But foreign forces are coming.