Time and Tide (2020)

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.

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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.

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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.

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."

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.

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.

The title role in the TV series "Shogun," based on James Clavell's eponymous novel, was modeled on Tokugawa Ieyasu. We reveal his secret strategy for building Edo, Nagoya, Osaka and Nijo-jo Castles.

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.