Sawajima Yuichi travels to the Warring States period, when three ninja receive a top-secret order to steal an enemy castle's architectural plans. Will they be able to accomplish their mission?
Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts the tallest, extant main keep in Japan. The elegant main keep and the sub-keeps are connected by corridors, forming a sturdy defense.
Himeji Castle with its white keep is one of Japan's most famous castles. But its beauty is deceiving. The paths to the keep follow the hill's gradient and hold many surprises for potential attackers.
Solidifying Tokugawa shogunate rule, "born shogun" Iemitsu, third of his line, paved the way for dramatic change via political reform and new ideas.
Kanazawa Castle has an elegant design not seen in other castles. It has plastered geometric-patterned walls; white, metallic roof tiles; and a diversity of stone walls. Money was no object.
In the 19th century, Japan opened its doors. The "Kimono Dress"—emblematic of a broader clothing revolution—sheds light on Japan's forward-looking strategy as it joined the global community.
Samurai Yagyu Munenori faithfully served three generations of Tokugawa shoguns, spreading his Yagyu Shinkage-ryu sword fighting school across Japan.
Japan's iconic ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai left an indelible mark on the art world. We trace the development of "The Great Wave" and the location that inspired "Rainstorm beneath the Summit."
The chonmage is the distinctive hairstyle of the samurai. Yet much about it remains unknown. Through interviews and experiments, we set out to discover the truth about when and how it came into being.
Sanada Yukimura remains a folk hero to this day. His clan used information and ingenuity to take on powerful foes, even the shogun Ieyasu himself.
Osaka Castle is one of Japan's largest, covering over 100ha. The 30m stone walls and 90m moat are impressive. Why was such a huge castle needed? Learn about the powerful daimyo who moved history.
Matsuyama Castle with its main keep, which is a designated National Cultural Asset, turrets, stone walls and gates tells us much about strong defenses and the daily life of the lord and his vassals.
In this episode, we take a look at the single-eyed Hitotsumekozo, which is feared in Kanagawa Prefecture as a Yokai that appears once a year to punish those who have committed bad deeds.
Uesugi Kenshin: Japan's fiercest warrior fought not for glory, but to restore order. We learn from the wisdom of this supremely successful commander.
A long-beloved tale dating back some 300 years, Kanadehon Chushingura tells the story of the famed 47 ronin as they avenge the death of their lord, helping us uncover truths about Japanese character.
