TV series
Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire
2004, English, on PBS. Created by Lyn Goldfarb & Deborah Ann DeSnoo.
Commanding shoguns and samurai warriors, exotic geisha and exquisite artisans—all were part of the Japanese “renaissance”; a period between the 16th and 19th Centuries when Japan went from chaos and violence to a land of ritual refinement and peace. But stability came at a price: for nearly 250 years, Japan was a land closed to the Western world, ruled by the Shogun under his absolute power and control. Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire brings to life the unknown story of a mysterious empire, its relationship with the West, and the forging of a nation that would emerge as one of the most important countries in the world.
- Seasons
- 1
- Episodes
- 3
- Episode length
- 165 min
- Status
- Ended in 2004
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Latest episode
S1 E3: The Return of the Barbarians
Aired 26 May 2004
Seasons 1
Cast & crew
- Lyn GoldfarbCreator
- Deborah Ann DeSnooCreator
- Luke S. RobertsHimself - UC Santa Barbera · 3 ep
- Richard ChamberlainNarrator · 3 ep
- Michael AuslinHimself - Nikko Toshogu Shrine · 3 ep
- Michael CooperHimself - Former Editor, 'Monumenta Nipponica' · 3 ep
- Beatrice M. Bodart-BaileyHerself - Otsuma Women's University · 3 ep
Details
- First aired
- 26 May 2004
- Last aired
- 26 May 2004
- Network
- PBS
- Language
- English
- Country
- United States
- Type
- Miniseries
- Rated
- TV-PG
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News & fan talk
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Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire: quick answers
Is Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire worth watching?
Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How many seasons of Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire are there?
Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire has 1 season and 3 episodes, about 165 minutes each.
Is Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire finished?
Yes. Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire ended in 2004, so you can watch the whole story.
Which OTT platform is Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire on?
Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire isn’t listed on any OTT platform in India yet. (Checked 14 November 2026.)
Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire is rated TV-PG. That rating means it is generally fine for children.
What shows are like Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire?
If you liked Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire, try WWII in HD, The World at War, The Civil War.
Who created Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire?
Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire was created by Lyn Goldfarb and Deborah Ann DeSnoo and stars Luke S. Roberts, Richard Chamberlain, Michael Auslin.