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The EssayJapan in Five LivesEpisodes

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  1. Himiko: Shaman Queen

    The early powerful ruler who summoned spirits as well as armies.

  2. Murasaki Shikibu: Imperial Insider

    The 11th-century courtier who wrote what is thought to be the world's first novel.

  3. Oda Nobunaga: Warlord

    The terrifying warlord who brought much of Japan under his control

  4. Tezuka Osamu: Godfather of Manga

    The creator of Atom Boy, who brought Japanese cartoons to the world.

  5. Daimatsu 'The Demon' Hirobumi

    The brutal coach who achieved a gold medal for Japan at the 1964 Olympics.