Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire The Return of the Barbarian (Season 1, Episode 3)
TV-PG
TV Episode | 56 min | Documentary, History

Primary photo for The Return of the Barbarian

Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire

The Return of the Barbarian (Season 1, Episode 3)

TV-PG

TV Episode | 56 min | Documentary, History

By 1690, Japan is a nation completely isolated from the outside world, except for a small community of Dutch traders. Among them is German Doctor Englebert Kaempfer, whose writings provide valuable insights on daily life in Japan. Culture ...See moreBy 1690, Japan is a nation completely isolated from the outside world, except for a small community of Dutch traders. Among them is German Doctor Englebert Kaempfer, whose writings provide valuable insights on daily life in Japan. Culture and commerce flourish. But ruling daimyo warlords and their samurai armies continue to grow restless. The Shogun Tsunayoshi is a product of both classes. Under his rule, art and education excel, and "Laws of Compassion" are introduced. Samurai, geisha, courtesans, merchants, writers and actors are attracted to Edo, and the classes begin to mix. Japanese interest in Western science increases, making the policy of isolation more difficult. In 1853, Mathew C. Perry sails American ships into Edo Bay, and demands a formal opening of the nation. Realizing that resistance is futile, the Japanese negotiate treaties with the U.S. and other nations in the West. Ten years later, the samurai class is disbanded and the Tokugawa Shogunate ends. After 265 years of isolation, the modern era of Japan has begun. Written by Anonymous See less

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Cast	+ Add Cast
17 cast members

Name	Known for
Michael Auslin Self - Nikko Toshogu Shrine Self - Nikko Toshogu Shrine See fewer	Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan (2021)
Beatrice M. Bodart-Bailey Self - Otsuma Women's University Self - Otsuma Women's University See fewer	Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire (2004)
Richard Chamberlain Narrator Narrator See fewer	The Towering Inferno (1974)
Michael Cooper Self - Former editor, 'Monumenta Nipponica' Self - Former editor, 'Monumenta Nipponica' See fewer	Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire (2004)
Ryonosuke Etoh Actress Actress See fewer	Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire (2004)
Mariko Fujiwara Actress Actress See fewer	Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire (2004)
Daisuke Igakura Actor Actor See fewer	Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire (2004)
Eiko Ikegami Self - Otsuma Women's University Self - Otsuma Women's University See fewer	Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire (2004)
James Kent Actor Actor See fewer	Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire (2004)
Isao Machii Actor Actor See fewer	Ozzy & Jack's World Detour (2016)
Alexei Podtheko Actor Actor See fewer	Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire (2004)
Luke S. Roberts Self - UC Santa Barbara Self - UC Santa Barbara See fewer	Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire (2004)
Toshihiro Satô Actor Actor See fewer	Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It (2019)
Cecilia Segawa Seigle Self - University of Pennsylvania Self - University of Pennsylvania See fewer	Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire (2004)
Makoto Takeushi Self - Edo Tokyo Museum Self - Edo Tokyo Museum See fewer	Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire (2004)
Shin Ya-nae Actor Actor See fewer	Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire (2004)
Hirofumi Yamamoto Self - University of Tokyo Self - University of Tokyo See fewer	Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire (2004)