Japan, Vol. 2: The Sword and the Crysanthemum (1987)

Genres - Culture & Society, Historical Film  |   Sub-Genres - Politics & Government, Social History  |   Run Time - 60 min.  |   MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Steve Blackburn

More so than many cultures, Japan is bound by tradition, and yet its people also create and embrace innovative technologies. Hosted by Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jane Seymour, this is the second volume in a four-part PBS documentary series that seeks to explain modern Japan and predict its future by referring to the nation's history and ancient culture. This second episode shows how the paradoxes that Americans sometimes perceive in Japanese attitudes and behaviors are mirrored by the extremes of two ancient and signature Japanese institutions -- the tea ceremony and the samurai.

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Keywords

culture [social culture], custom [habit or practice], heritage, Japan, lifestyle, Samurai, tea-ceremony, tradition, warrior