Narrated by Richard Chaberlain, Released 2003
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. 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.