Japan: Past and Present Series/Coming of the Barbarians (1540-1650)

In 1540, Portuguese navigators and Jesuit priests landed in a Japan of shogun and samurai, where the arts of warfare had been refined along with artistic and cultural traditions. Although Westernisms became popular in Japan, the Japanese soon recognized the long arm of colonialism. Christian priests and converts were persecuted and, in 1650, Japan shut tight its doors to the outside. Coming of the Barbarians examines this clash of cultures in the thoughtful style typical of the Japan: Past and Present series.