Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire
2h 45min

Documentary

War & Politics

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.

Episodes

Cast

1. The Way of the Samurai

56min

26th May 2004

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

2. The Will of the Shogun

56min

26th May 2004

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

3. The Return of the Barbarians

56min

26th May 2004

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.

Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire
2h 45min

Episodes

Cast

1. The Way of the Samurai

2. The Will of the Shogun

3. The Return of the Barbarians

First air date

Last air date

Status

Type

Original language

Networks

Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire2h 45min

Episodes

Cast

1. The Way of the Samurai

2. The Will of the Shogun

3. The Return of the Barbarians

First air date

Last air date

Status

Type

Original language

Networks

Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire
2h 45min