Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire

2004 9.5

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.

Play

1
The Way of the Samurai
2004-05-26
Tokugawa Ieyasu unifies Japan and establishes a dynasty that will rule Japan for over 250 years.
2
The Will of the Shogun
2004-05-26
The grandson of Ieyasu, Tokugawa Iemitsu, tightens control over Japan's warlords and expels all foreigners.
3
The Return of the Barbarians
2004-05-26
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

Luke S. Roberts Himself - UC Santa Barbera

Richard Chamberlain Narrator

Michael Auslin Himself - Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Michael Cooper Himself - Former Editor, 'Monumenta Nipponica'

Beatrice M. Bodart-Bailey Herself - Otsuma Women's University

Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire

Episodes

The Way of the Samurai

The Will of the Shogun

The Return of the Barbarians

Cast

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