Deborah DeSnoo

By 1690, Japan is a nation completely isolated from the outside world, except for a small community of Dutch traders. Among them is German Doctor Englebert Kaempfer, whose writings provide valuable insights on daily life in Japan. Culture and commerce flourish. But ruling daimyo warlords and their samurai armies continue to grow restless. The Shogun Tsunayoshi is a product of both classes. Under his rule, art and education excel, and "Laws of Compassion" are introduced. Samurai, geisha, courtesans, merchants, writers and actors are attracted to Edo, and the classes begin to mix. Japanese interest in Western science increases, making the policy of isolation more difficult. In 1853, Mathew C. Perry sails American ships into Edo Bay, and demands a formal opening of the nation. Realizing that resistance is futile, the Japanese negotiate treaties with the U.S. and other nations in the West. Ten years later, the samurai class is disbanded and the Tokugawa Shogunate ends. After 265 years of isolation, the modern era of Japan has begun. Watch Movies Online for Free on 10StarMovies.

In the early 16th century Japan is a warlike society ruled by samurai and their daimyo warlords. When Portuguese merchants arrive in 1543 they are the first Europeans to set foot in Japan. Missionaries quickly set out to convert the nation to Christianity. In the same year a samurai boy named Tokugawa Ieyasu is born to a low ranking daimyo family.To prove his familys loyalty to their ruling warlord Ieyasu is given as a hostage where he remains for most of his childhood. When he is finally freed he reclaims his familys domain and allies himself with the most powerful rulers in Japan: Oda Nobunaga and his successor Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Hideyoshi awards him a small fishing village named Edo later to be known as Tokyo and provides him with a vast area to rule. But Hideyoshi and Ieyasu are uneasy allies.On his deathbed Hideyoshi places Ieyasu in command until Hideyoshis true heirhis young son Hideyoriwill rule. When daimyo rebels challenge Ieyasus control Tokugawa Ieyasus samurai armies defeat them at the Battle of Sekigahara. The victory brings to Ieyasu the title of shogun. Ieyasus only remaining obstacle for total control of Japan is Hideyori. In 1614 Ieyasu renounces his allegiance to Hideyori and attacks Osaka Castle slaughtering more than 100000. It is the beginning of a dynasty that will endure for more than 250 years. Watch Movies Online for Free on 10StarMovies.