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.