This is the second episodes of an excellent three-part series on the Tokugawa period–from the late 16th century through the mid-19th century. While part one focused on the steps leading to the Tokugawa shogunate, part two is about the day to day life in the newly established regime. Most of this episode during the same time period as the TV mini-series “Shogun”. Topics covered were the reigns of Ieyasu, the growing influence of the English, court intrigues, Iemitsu and his drive to eliminate foreigners and foreign religions in Japan, the peasant revolt and the odd treatment of women along the road from Tokyo to Kyoto.
While this portion isn’t quite as interesting as part one, it is quite enjoyable and chock full of history. And, like the other episodes, is narrated by Richard Chamberlain (who starred in “Shogun”). Well worth seeing.
