Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire . The Program

Celeb Gist



Commanding shoguns and fierce samurai warriors, exotic geisha and exquisite artisans—all were part of a Japanese renaissance 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.

Program OneEPISODE ONE: THE WAY OF THE SAMURAI
Tokugawa Ieyasu unifies Japan and establishes a dynasty that will rule Japan for over 250 years.

Program TwoEPISODE TWO: THE WILL OF THE SHOGUN
The grandson of Ieyasu, Tokugawa Iemitsu, tightens control over Japan's warlords and expels all foreigners.

Program ThreeEPISODE THREE: THE RETURN OF THE BARBARIANS
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.

IMAGE CREDITS
Top: Tokaido Road/Tokaido Hiroshige Museum.


PREVIEW
Episode One: The Way of the Samurai
56k | 200k
Episode Two: The Will of the Shogun
56k | 200k
Episode Three: The Return of the Barbarians
56k | 200k

(Click 56K for modem access or 200K for cable/T1/DSL connections. Requires installation of the Real Player)

STATIONS & SHOWTIMES
Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire premieres in May 2004. Check local listings.

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