AllMovie

This program explores the mystery and the exoticism of Nippon. Part of the Great Cultures series, this installment journeys through the land of emperors, geishas, shoguns, and samurai, as well as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Shinto. From its agricultural economy and fishing villages to the expansion of industrialization and the rise of urban dominance, this two-hour documentary surveys the unique islands that embody the Land of the Rising Sun, the beauty of its landscapes, and the unique history of its inhabitants. Also in the Great Cultures series are programs on Egypt, China, Soviet Union, and the Aborigines.