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Japan
Episode 4 of 4
For 250 years, Japan has thrived, largely cut off from western influence – until US gunboats arrive. In the face of an industrialised west, how will reformers, the shogun and the samurai class react?
A look at the dramatic collision between Japan’s samurai class and the industrialised west in the mid-19th century, explored through the characters of US naval commander Commodore Matthew Perry, eager to establish a US-Japan trade route; the shogun, the Japanese ruler, aiming to keep his grip on power; and the samurai Saigo Takamori, a Japanese warrior and reformer dedicated to protecting Japan’s independence.
On TV
Monday
21:00
BBC Two except Wales & Wales HD
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Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Narrator | Sophie Okonedo |
| Shogun | Yuya Sato |
| Saigo | Joshua Jo |
| Director | Patrick Dickinson |
| Producer | Jack Levy |
| Production Manager | Emma Hyland |
| Series Producer | Anthony Mitchell |
| Executive Producer | Alexander Leith |

