Time and Tide

Always seeking the ideal master, samurai Todo Takatora was a skilled castle builder, a man of flexibility and rationality who saw the changes to come.

400-year-old Matsue Castle retains its original keep, a National Treasure. Black and imposing, it stands like a battleship. Why did the lord build such an enormous keep on such a small site?

Wakayama Castle was a crucial castle for Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu who both guided Japan to peace. Its location south of the economic center of Osaka near the Pacific Ocean was strategic.

Japan's capital moved some 20 times before settling in Kyoto for over 1,000 years. Religion, natural disaster and power struggle compel an emperor's agonizing decision. Kyoto's origins, uncovered!

Odawara Castle was built to protect the capital of the Edo shogunate. But its history stretches even further back. Learn the fateful story of Odawara Castle from the remains of stone walls and a moat.

Painted as a foolish ruler in works of fiction, fifth Tokugawa shogun, Tsunayoshi. But is this depiction justified? Even he has wisdom to share.

The fox, or KITSUNE also holds an identity as a supernatural creature commonly depicted at shrines, known for its ability to masquerade as humans to deceive them, or to provide divine messages.

From the 3rd to the early 7th century, Japan produced terracotta figures known as haniwa in many forms. These mysterious objects hold the key to Japan's birth as a unified nation.

Yoshimune, the shogun who saved the city of Edo. Through disaster and economic strife, alongside its people, his wisdom shaped the future of the place now called Tokyo.

With flashy armor and cunning tactics, samurai Maeda Toshiie struck fear in the heart of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and left a lasting cultural influence.

This castle, 200 km north of Tokyo, was a battleground in Japan's last civil war in the mid-19th C. Modern warfare did not bring it down. We look at the secrets to the its strengths and its lords.

Okayama Castle is unique and puzzles visitors. The keep shows a different face, depending on the direction, and each floor is a different shape. We look at how this mysterious castle was built.

Influential ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige's "100 Famous Views of Edo", a series of prints encoding his view of the changing face of Japan.

Whether outnumbered or laying siege to a seemingly impenetrable fortress, master strategist Kuroda Kanbei used his wits to win on the battlefield.

KIJIMUNA of Okinawa, a red-haired child spirit in banyan trees, brings fortune to fishermen but punishes betrayal, embodying nature in local life.

In this episode, we search for the Yarokamizu, told of in the Kiso River region of Aichi as a yokai that raises awareness of environmental disasters, and also recognized as a local deity.

Japanese fireworks have long enchanted people with their spherical shape and range of colors. We trace the rise of fireworks in Japan and also examine the 400-year-old mystery of the senko hanabi.

Sake is gaining attention worldwide for its rich and complex flavors. We explore various aspects of Japan's national drink, from the koji that determines the flavor to medieval innovations that laid the foundation for sake-making today. We also shine a light on heated sake, or kanzake, and examine the science behind how heat affects its flavor profile.

Starting with Ieyasu, the Tokugawa Shoguns made clever use of falconry beyond mere hunting. Uncover their deep connection with these majestic birds.

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.

Uesugi Kenshin—Japan's fiercest warrior—fought not for glory, but to restore order. We learn from the wisdom of this supremely successful commander.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

Samurai Yagyu Munenori faithfully served three generations of Tokugawa shoguns, spreading his Yagyu Shinkage-ryu sword fighting school across Japan.

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.

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.

Solidifying Tokugawa shogunate rule, "born shogun" Iemitsu, third of his line, paved the way for dramatic change via political reform and new ideas.

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.

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.

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?

Sushi is an iconic dish of Japan, with nigirizushi being the most popular style. We take a look at its evolution and the creation of key ingredients.

This episode features the aquatic Namikozo, which warns locals in the area of the Enshu-nada Sea of coming changes in the weather by beating its drum to give waves a distinct, rumbling tone.

The Yokai Ubume was said to be a ghostly woman appearing at night, asking passersby to hold her child under threat of death. We examine how this terrifying figure came to be seen as a sympathetic one.

In this episode, we pursue the shape-shifting trickster Mujina. This being associated with raccoon dogs is known on Niigata Prefecture's Sado Island as both human and animal, yokai and deity.

Sawajima Yuichi investigates matchmaking in the Edo period. Matchmaker Oume is known for her skill in finding successful matches. Discover what it was like finding a partner in old Tokyo.

Clad in shining gold, Kinkakuji stands out even in Kyoto Prefecture. What inspired the samurai who built this stunning temple?

Iconic Japanese armor, worn for defense. 16th-century helmets featured outlandish shapes like a giant crescent moon or the ears of a rabbit. Behind its creation, we uncover the spirit of the samurai.

The kimono is admired worldwide yet remains a mystery to many. In this episode, we unravel truths about the traditional garment and its styles.

Sawajima Yuichi—a time-traveling reporter working for Time Scoop Inc. Journeying through the ages, he gathers footage of people who didn't make it into the history books. This time, he meets some tokitaiko-uchi, who would let people know the time by striking a drum. Until the late 19th century, Japan used a seasonal time system: Day and night were each divided into six equal periods between sunrise and sunset. To stay accurate, the tokitaiko-uchi used incense clocks. In one castle, three of them worked in shifts, but when one suffers from night blindness, he finds himself in danger of losing his job. Watch Sawajima's report to see how things work out!

Sakamoto Kyu's famous song "Ue wo Muite Arukō" a big hit in the U.S. despite being sung in Japanese, reached No. 1 in the U.S. in 1963. Why was this song the only one that made it to the top in the U.S.? There was the drama of Japanese Americans in a small town in California who were encouraged by this song! How did this song change the destiny of Sakamoto Kyu and his own tumultuous life, and how did he meet A Taste of Honey, who covered "SUKIYAKI" and made it a big hit?

16th-century samurai fought over a divided Japan. Takeda Shingen was one of the strongest. Known for his furin-kazan swift attack strategy, masterfully incorporating a strong cavalry and stealthy ninja warriors. He totally defeated future shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. He also exerted political power, mining gold to amass enormous wealth, implementing flood control and improving rice production. This much-loved military commander who greatly influenced the later Edo period still has wisdom to share.

In this episode of YOKAI: Exploring Hidden Japanese Folklore, we seek out a mermaid-like yokai, the Himeuo. In the early 19th century, it was said to have appeared in the ocean off Nagasaki Prefecture, one of Japan's few locations of foreign trade at the time. It reportedly warned of the outbreak of illness, but guided that those who drew its form would be saved. What was the significance of this location, and of its piscine form? Yokai researcher Michael Dylan Foster dives into the depths of the Himeuo.

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are an iconic symbol of Japan. Yet many mysteries continue to swirl around them. For one, it turns out that "Someiyoshino," the variety most widely seen in Japan, didn't exist until the Edo period. Are "Someiyoshino" all clones? Was the culture of cherry blossom viewing popularized by an Edo period shogun? And how was a new species discovered by investigating ones said to bloom twice? We meet with experts in their fields to get to the truth about these much-loved blossoms.

Sawajima Yuichi travels through time gathering footage of people who didn't make it into the history books. This time, he investigates people obsessed with "tocha." In the late 15th century, betting on being able to differentiate the flavor of different green teas was a popular pastime. With high stakes and prizes like fine china and money up for grabs, people would get hooked, and things would often escalate – people's greed would sometimes lead them into tough situations. We get a close-up view of a competition between two legendary tocha competitors.

In the 16th century, Tokugawa Ieyasu put an end to the era of ceaseless civil wars and upheavals and ushered in a time of peace that unified Japan. As the father and first leader of the Edo shogunate, he built the foundations for a period without war that lasted 260 years. From the struggles of his youth to the great battle in his later years that determined the fate of the country, as well as the secrets he employed to build the great city of Edo, we peer into the samurai wisdom of Ieyasu.

Picasso's masterpiece, "Guernica." It was painted by Picasso on the eve of World War II, angered by the bombing of the Spanish city of Guernica by Nazi Germany. However, since its first exhibition, it took 16,131 days for the painting to reach Spanish soil. That's a total of 44 years. Many obstacles prevented the "Return of Guernica." The antagonism between the dictator Franco and Picasso, the graffiti on Guernica during the Vietnam War... This film explores the tumultuous fate of the painting and the thoughts of the people who were involved in this painting!

Hikone Castle is one of few castles in Japan that remains relatively unchanged since it was built in the early 1600s, and it has been designated a National Treasure. The castle employs numerous ingenious devices to deter enemy attacks. It is a sturdy fortress, yet boasts a grand, decorative facade. What is fascinating is that much of the materials and buildings were recycled from other nearby castles. But why? History and castle buff Chris Glenn delves into and reveals Hikone Castle's secrets.

The Japanese sword, a formidable weapon now appreciated as a work of fine artisanship. The samurai particularly valued Muramasa blades. Over 400 years ago, shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu himself wielded a Muramasa as he secured his leadership over a unified Japan. But his sword was also thought cursed. The Tokugawa shoguns passed the weapon down over the generations. But why? Japanese sword expert and former British Museum curator Paul Martin explores the mystery of this legendary cursed blade.

Matsumoto Castle, a designated National Treasure, stands on a plain in Nagano Pref. encircled by rugged mountains. The black-lacquered keep from 1590 comprises five structures and resembles a bird extending its wings. Its reflection in the moat draws scores of photographers to its beauty, but the castle was built for war and has excellent defenses. History and castle buff Chris Glenn uncovers how Matsumoto Castle evolved during the transition from a period of civil war to times of peace.

Sen no Rikyu is credited with perfecting the Japanese tea ceremony. He infused his principles into the ritual and established the wabi-cha style. We meet a tea bowl maker whose family has produced the tea ware developed by Rikyu for over four hundred years. And a visit to the tiny tea house Rikyu designed provides insight into its psychological effect. We search for the truth about the renowned tea master who inspired rulers and placed an emphasis on spiritual connection.

"The Floating World" is an unprecedented history animation series that transforms manga-like woodblock prints depicting the daily life of old Japan into a time traveling adventure. Prof. Frederik Cryns, who specializes in the historical interaction between the West and Japan, timeslips to mid-19th century Japan on his visit to an old district in Tokyo. He discovers the resilience of the local people, whose unique and peculiar worldview depicted in the prints enabled them to overcome the crises.

Sawajima Yuichi travels through time gathering footage of people who didn't make it into the history books. This time, he visits a mid-19th century English school. When Japan opened its ports to foreign trade, international exchange began to boom, and so too did the demand for foreign language speakers. Places like Yokohama saw a flood of language schools. The year is 1872. Kenkichi is a young man with dreams of international business. One day, he meets Rachel, a beautiful American language teacher. Their feelings for each other begin to bloom, but will the course of their love run true?

In this episode of YOKAI: Exploring Hidden Japanese Folklore, we journey to the Shima Peninsula of Mie Prefecture, where legend tells of the Tomokazuki. When shell divers descended into the ocean, it is said they'd be met by another diver who held out an abalone to them. If they accepted it, they'd be seized by the doppelganger and dragged into the depths. What reason could the Tomokazuki have for this behavior? Yokai researcher Michael Dylan Foster gets beneath the surface of the creature.

In this episode of YOKAI: Exploring Hidden Japanese Folklore, we follow the cry of the Konakijiji, a Yokai that resembles an old man but with a voice like a weeping infant. It's said to lure passersby into lifting it up, then suddenly become so heavy that it crushes them to death. By traveling to its home territory of Tokushima Prefecture, Yokai researcher Michael Dylan Foster learns of the Konakijiji's legend born among the nearby mountains.

In this episode of YOKAI: Exploring Japanese Folklore, we track down the legend of the ferocious Ushioni, a Yokai with the hulking body of a bull and an ogre-like face. In certain regions of Ehime Prefecture, this imposing Yokai has come to be regarded as a guardian spirit watching over the local people. Yokai researcher Michael Dylan Foster travels among the villages of the region to understand how religious and cultural factors shaped the deep connection people held with cattle, and why a beast is now considered a protector.

Despite losing an eye to illness, samurai Date Masamune crossed swords with powerful foes. Feared by all as the "One-Eyed Dragon," he built a vast domain, while developing food and culture through his refined aesthetic sense, and going so far as to undertake trade negotiations with Spain to promote economic growth. We learn from his wisdom, both in life and in battle.

In the 16th century Sengoku Period, a small tea caddy, Tsukumo Nasu, came into the hands of three who sought to rule Japan. Its fate reveals the inner lives of warlords in a deadly struggle for power.

Mount Fuji is an icon of Japan. We explore how it attained its height and cone shape, where its water goes and the story behind the Fujiko faith.

Kawate Haruo knew that his father, Masao, a second-generation Japanese American, returned to Japan after World War II. That, however, was about all he knew of it. After Masao's death, Haruo found a letter to an American attorney, Wayne Collins, seeking restoration of his American citizenship. Haruo met with Collins' son and with a Japanese American whose father chose to stay in the U.S. He discovered that Masao had suffered especially harsh treatment during the war, leading him to renounce his American citizenship. Follow along as Haruo pieces together the facts of his father's life, 80 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

A documentary on the Belarusian writer Svetlana Alexievich, produced in 2000. Belarus, the focus of her work, was the site of fierce fighting between the Soviet Union and Germany during World War II. Its people also suffered tragedies during the Soviet war in Afghanistan and after the Chornobyl nuclear accident. When the program was made, Alexievich had already spent some 20 years recording the voices of the voiceless people behind these troubling events. These are the voices of the "little people" that would disappear in the oblivion of state history if they were not recorded. Ten years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, people were beginning to change. The "little people" were beginning to use the word "I" and to speak of themselves as individuals. The program brings alive these voices from the depths of history, filled with love and sorrow.

A documentary on the Belarusian writer Svetlana Alexievich, produced in 2000. Belarus, the focus of her work, was the site of fierce fighting between the Soviet Union and Germany during World War II. Its people also suffered tragedies during the Soviet war in Afghanistan and after the Chornobyl nuclear accident. When the program was made, Alexievich had already spent some 20 years recording the voices of the voiceless people behind these troubling events. These are the voices of the "little people" that would disappear in the oblivion of state history if they were not recorded. Ten years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, people were beginning to change. The "little people" were beginning to use the word "I" and to speak of themselves as individuals. The program brings alive these voices from the depths of history, filled with love and sorrow.

A young boy carries on his back the lifeless body of his younger brother, in the devastated city of Nagasaki after the atomic bomb. An American military photographer, Joe O'Donnell, took a picture of him standing stoically near a cremation pit. No one knows the boy's name, but the photo has become an iconic image of the human tragedy of nuclear war. This program follows the continuing efforts to deepen understanding of the photograph, while exploring the fate of thousands of "atomic-bomb orphans" and their struggles to survive the aftermath of World War II.

In the chaos following the Second World War, children were born to Occupation soldiers and Japanese women. Many of them grew up without knowing their parents. An institution called "Boys Town" was created in Kanagawa Prefecture to house these orphaned school-aged youths. Its graduates continue to experience discrimination and prejudice in higher education, employment and personal relationships. As they approach the final stages of life, they continue to ask themselves, "Who am I? Where did I come from?" We follow their search for answers.

Castles offer insights into Japanese history and spirituality. Tower keeps, or Tenshu, first appeared in Japan when a powerful lord fortified his castle with a tall tower during the turmoil of 500 years ago. Their stone-walled bases were built without binding agents, their designs held devices to defend the castle during sieges, and their grandeur exuded power and authority. History and castle buff Chris Glenn reveals the Tenshu's secrets, focusing on designated-National-Treasure Inuyama Castle.

The date was August 12, 1985. JAL Flight 123 had crashed, leaving just 4 survivors. In this special documentary, a nurse reveals her story for the first time on TV, a newspaper photographer who filmed the crash site shares his experience, and the victims' families and police talk about their pursuit of the accident's cause and who takes responsibility. Join us for an up-close look at the people who faced the unimaginable weight of the loss of human life at the site of the terrible crash.

Sawajima Yuichi—a time-traveling reporter working for Time Scoop Inc. Journeying through the ages, he gathers footage of people who didn't make it into the history books. This time his mission is to find Yureki-sanka, people who traveled Japan teaching mathematics during the Edo period (1603-1868). They taught Wasan—a distinct style of math that exploded in that era—to the common people. When a difficult problem was solved, the question and answer were written on a votive tablet and dedicated to a local shrine or temple. These tablets were known as Sangaku. In the countryside of northern Japan, 2 mathematicians engage in a battle of wits, with the leadership of a village math school at stake. Watch as a thrilling Sangaku challenge unfolds.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sent geopolitical shockwaves across the globe. To understand better what lies behind the distressing scenes of destruction, we speak with 3 key experts who help us unravel the historical roots of the crisis: Belarusian Nobel prize-winning author Svetlana Alexievich, French economic theorist and policy advisor to successive French presidents Jacques Attali, and American political scientist Ian Bremmer. Guided by their insights, we search for clues to help predict how events might unfold.

The Asama-Sanso Incident occurred on February 28, 1972, after members of the United Red Army barricaded themselves up at a lodge in Karuizawa. After 10 days, riot police began their siege, and soon Asama-Sanso was full of bullets, high-pressured water, and tear gas. What really happened on that day? We hear the untold stories of the incident with eyewitness accounts of those involved, including the riot police captain, newscasters, and one of the United Red Army members.

The Warring States period was a time of bloody conquest in Japan. Its final battle, is depicted in astonishing detail in "The Siege of Osaka" folding screen. Other such screens only feature samurai, but this one is different. It contains images of suffering; graphic depictions of theft, rape and abduction that can be hard to look at. Who painted it? And why? Professor Frederik Cryns, expert in the history of the period, uncovers the secrets of this unique work of art.

In 2021, 76 years after the destructive power of the atom bomb was unleashed on the city of Nagasaki, NHK and the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum asked survivors to create pictures of their memories of the catastrophic event. With limited records existing of the bombing's immediate aftermath, the hope was that survivors' handcrafted depictions of what they witnessed would help ensure the horrors of nuclear war were not forgotten. For many though, it presented an opportunity to finally open up about the traumatic experiences they had been silently carrying all their lives.

With a Japanese father and an American mother, the renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi desired to create a cenotaph in Hiroshima in memory of the A-bomb victims. But his design was rejected, allegedly because of his American nationality. Materials from the project in the current European retrospective of his work encourage us to consider the meaning of peace at this time of division and conflict. The program presents fresh perspectives on his struggles to serve as a bridge between his 2 homelands.

A remarkable painting was created toward the end of World War II: a 3-meter-wide canvas covered with images of working women. The painting was the work of an all-female team of painters formed in 1944: the Women Artists Service Corps. The painting shows women on the home front as shipbuilders, postal workers, tram drivers—roles traditionally performed by men. The vibrant colors of the piece are in direct contrast to the somber war paintings made by male artists. The burden on men during the war gave women a chance to take on new roles outside of the home. To the prominent female artists involved, it was a perfect chance to showcase their skill. What did the war mean to these women? Photographer Oishi Yoshino zooms in on these artists, delving into a largely untold story of women painting war. (Narrator: Hannah Grace)

In Japan, the term nito-ryu, or two-sword style, is often used to describe someone with dual talents, such as baseball player Ohtani Shohei. The word was initially used to describe the fighting style of a legendary swordsman who lived over 400 years ago: Miyamoto Musashi. He fought over 60 duels and was never defeated. His success is attributed to his philosophies. Join us as we discover the truth about this legendary warrior and his philosophies, which remain relevant today.

A divided 16th century Japan, a time known as the Warring States period, gave rise to samurai leaders central to history. Oda Nobunaga is one example. He is a legacy of innovation. He revolutionized tactics with the introduction of firearms, enacted economic reforms, and his design for Azuchi Castle would forever change how Japanese castles were constructed. Why does he remain such a popular figure? Modern-day Japanese leaders and admirers share what they've learned from this legendary samurai.

In Japan, strange phenomena are said to be the work of creatures known as yokai. Their legends continue to be told in regions all over the country, and relate diverse local histories. One is the Zashiki Warashi, who brings good fortune to households, but signals decline when it leaves. Its tale conveys the harsh environment endured by the people of Tohoku, and the bonds of family that endured them. In this episode, yokai researcher Michael Dylan Foster explores the legend of the Zashiki Warashi.

Sawajima Yuichi—a time-traveling reporter working for Time Scoop Inc. Journeying through the ages, he gathers footage of people who didn't make it into the history books. This time, he visits the mid-16th century during Japan's Warring States period to report on the use of yabumi, top-secret messages tied to arrows. If a castle was under siege, you could get vital information in, or a plea for aid out. Saburota, a retainer of the Yamana family, must fire a yabumi into the besieged castle of Lord Takenaga, an important ally. The path is fraught with danger ... will he be able to succeed?

"Fist of the North Star" is the gold standard of action manga and remains popular over 30 years since it ended. This is the dramatic story of how three men came together to create a masterpiece.

Yokota Megumi was 13 when North Korea abducted her. This is the story of the Yokota family's over 40-year struggle to bring their daughter home as the dark side of North Korean agents comes to light.

Sawajima Yuichi—a time-traveling reporter working for Time Scoop Inc. Journeying through the ages, he gathers footage of people who didn't make it into the history books. This time, he visits the 18th century to report on "heoi-bikuni," an unusual type of nun that specialized in taking the blame for other people's social blunders, such as public flatulence. Toshi, the daughter of a wealthy family breaks wind at a tense moment, and shuts herself away in embarrassment. Her parents call in Myosei, a heoi-bikuni, for assistance. Can she heal the wounded heart of a young lady?