Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire
★ 9.5 · 2004 · 165m · 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
1. The Way of the Samurai56m · Tokugawa Ieyasu unifies Japan and establishes a dynasty that will rule Japan for over 250 years.
2. The Will of the Shogun56m · The grandson of Ieyasu, Tokugawa Iemitsu, tightens control over Japan's warlords and expels all foreigners.
3. The Return of the Barbarians56m · 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.More Like This
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