Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are an iconic symbol of Japan. Yet many mysteries continue to swirl around them. For one, it turns out that "Someiyoshino," the variety most widely seen in Japan, didn't exist until the Edo period. Are "Someiyoshino" all clones? Was the culture of cherry blossom viewing popularized by an Edo period shogun? And how was a new species discovered by investigating ones said to bloom twice? We meet with experts in their fields to get to the truth about these much-loved blossoms.

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are an iconic symbol of Japan. Yet many mysteries continue to swirl around them. For one, it turns out that "Someiyoshino," the variety most widely seen in Japan, didn't exist until the Edo period. Are "Someiyoshino" all clones? Was the culture of cherry blossom viewing popularized by an Edo period shogun? And how was a new species discovered by investigating ones said to bloom twice? We meet with experts in their fields to get to the truth about these much-loved blossoms.

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."

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Uesugi Kenshin—Japan's fiercest warrior—fought not for glory, but to restore order. We learn from the wisdom of this supremely successful commander.

Uesugi Kenshin—Japan's fiercest warrior—fought not for glory, but to restore order. We learn from the wisdom of this supremely successful commander.