Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire
Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire

Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire (2004)

9.5 (2 votes)
1 Season
May 26, 2004
English
Documentary War & Politics

Synopsis

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.

Network

PBS

Episodes

The Way of the Samurai
E1

The Way of the Samurai

May 26, 2004
56 min
7.0

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

The Will of the Shogun
E2

The Will of the Shogun

May 26, 2004
56 min
8.0

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

The Return of the Barbarians
E3

The Return of the Barbarians

May 26, 2004
56 min
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.

Cast

Details

Original Title

Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire

Status

Ended

Seasons

1

Episodes

3