Design for Death

This documentary uses newsreel footage and reenactments to chronicle the history of Japan, so those in the post--World War II U. S. could understand the nation against whom they had fought a bitter war. Japan's feudal period and samurai culture from the 11th and 12th centuries are explored, as well as the later decision to isolate the country, to avoid spreading Western concepts of personal freedom. Shinto religion and government-fostered nationalism bring Japan to the tragedy of the world war. …