Host Peter Barakan delves into various aspects of Japanese culture; exploring practices, history, and modern innovations in such areas as ramen, rice, sushi, geisha, bonsai, and so much more. Local experts discuss their passions at fascinating length, and American Japanophile Matt Alt experiences the food, practices, and cultures in each episode in depth. Viewers will finish each half hour episode with a new understanding of an area of Japanese life through demonstrative videos and explanations, all delivered respectfully and true to the Japanese way of life.
In Japan in the year 1600, at the dawn of a century-defining civil war, Lord Yoshii Toranaga is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him, when a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village.
Former U.S. Army Captain Nathan Algren is hired to train the newly created Imperial Japanese Army, but he becomes trapped in a struggle between modernization and traditional samurai culture.
Ryōmaden is the 49th NHK Taiga drama. It was shown on NHK from January 3 to November 28, 2010 spanning 48 episodes. The story centers on the life of 19th-century Japanese historical figures Iwasaki Yatarō and Sakamoto Ryōma. It has been announced that the series will be aired in several other countries, for example Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
The 47th NHK Taiga Drama is a life story of Princess Atsu, who was born in Kagoshima Prefecture, then called Satsuma, and became the wife of Tokugawa Iesada, the 13th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. She accedes to the highest rank in Ooku, the inner palace of the Edo castle where women related to the reigning shogun resided. Iesada dies soon after their marriage and Atsuhime assumes the name Tenshoin at the age of 23. She exerts herself for the Tokugawa clan and for the nation during the upheaval in the Meiji Restoration, headed by those from Satsuma.
Following the ascension to power of Taira no Kiyomori, the Minamoto clan is exiled. Minamoto no Yoritomo meets Masako, the sister of Hōjō Yoshitoki and later marries her. Following this marriage, the gears of Yoshitoki's destiny begin to turn.
In the 17th century, two Portuguese Jesuit priests travel to Japan in an attempt to locate their mentor, who is rumored to have committed apostasy, and to propagate Catholicism. They are shocked by the persecution of Christians and struggle with their own faith as they witness the torture and martyrdom of believers. Through betrayal and imprisonment, they are tested in their resolve to remain steadfast in their beliefs. Ultimately, they must confront their own crisis of faith while facing the oppressive forces of the shogunate.
Follow the adventures of a samurai shogun as he explores the rich history of Japan in this animated TV show from 1981. With action, adventure, comedy, and fantasy elements, Manga Mito Kômon offers an entertaining and educational journey through Japanese history.
After the Onin War, the world is plunged into chaos. Amid this situation, heroes of the warring states begin to emerge in an attempt to unify the country and rule in these turbulent times. In the mid-1540s, there is a young wandering samurai in Mino which is strategically located between the East and West. His name is Akechi Mitsuhide. At this time, there is plenty of internal strife within the Toki clan which rules Mino. Surrounded by the Oda of Owari, the Imagawa of Suruga and the Asakura of Echizen, Mino has constantly faced the risk of invasion. Mitsuhide is pulled into battle and destroys the enemy. His bravery as well as stratagem catches the attention of Saito Toshimasa, the chief retainer of the Toki clan, and he is singled out. This man who is also known as Saito Dosan will go on to takeover the Toki and make Mino his own.
In the turbulent times of 1860s Japan, a former assassin named Kenshin Himura seeks redemption for his past by vowing to protect the innocent. But when his past catches up with him, he must once again wield his sword to face his demons and protect the ones he loves.
Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan is a docudrama TV show that delves into the rich history of feudal Japan during the Sengoku period. Through detailed reenactments and expert insights, the series brings to life the intense battles and political struggles of warlords and samurai warriors.
Shinsengumi! is a Taiga drama television series produced by Japanese broadcaster NHK. It was a popular drama about the Shinsengumi, a Japanese special police force from the Bakumatsu period.
In the final installment of the trilogy, renowned samurai Miyamoto Musashi seeks to avenge the death of his love and confronts his rival, Sasaki Kojiro, in a dramatic duel on Ganryu Island. Along the way, Musashi faces various challenges and reflects on his journey as a swordsman.
The drama series depicts the life of Tokuzo Akiyama, head chef of the Imperial Household Ministry’s Imperial Cuisine Division during the Taisho (1912-1926) and early Showa (1926-1989) eras. Based on a true story and book by Hisahide Sugimori, 'The Emperor’s Cook' follows the life of country boy, Akiyama, who arrives in Tokyo in pursuit of the culinary arts. Driven by a deep love for his wife and family, a great reverence for his teachers, strong reliance on friends and an abiding love for cooking, Akiyama eventually rises to become 'the Emperor’s cook'.
Set in the 19th century Japan, the samurai from a remote village participate in a marathon as a test of their skills and loyalty to their leader. The race becomes a battleground as rivalries and old secrets threaten to unravel everything. It's a story of honor, courage, and sacrifice.
Yoshitsune is a Japanese television drama series originally broadcast between 9 January and 11 December 2005, with a three-part special compilation being aired from 24 December to 25 December 2005. The 44th Taiga Drama, the original work is by Miyao Tomiko, screenplay by Kaneko Narito and starring Hideaki Takizawa.
The story takes place during the battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, focusing on the perspective of the Japanese soldiers defending against the United States. It follows the journey of Private Saigo and his comrades as they face the harsh realities of war, including poor conditions, heavy casualties, and the struggle for survival. Despite the overwhelming odds, they display courage and determination in the face of adversity. The film explores themes of honor, sacrifice, and the human toll of war.
Men Behind the Sun is a shocking and disturbing portrayal of the war crimes committed by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II in Manchuria. The movie follows a group of Chinese prisoners of war who are subjected to horrific experiments and tortures in a secret Japanese laboratory, highlighting the brutality and dehumanization of war.
Lord Oda Nobunaga plans to control Japan where rival warlords battle by waging war against several clans. His vassal Araki Murashige stages a rebellion and promptly disappears.
Explore the richness and depth of the Japanese language and discover how words and expressions reflect history, culture and the natural world.