Kingdoms Of The East Plot
Over six weeks and covering 2,500km, Peter travels to South Korea, the birthplace of the Joseon dynasty and the longest reigning. In Japan, he discovers the mighty Tokugawa Shogunate and in Hokkaido, home to the Ainu, he goes in search of wild bears. Finally, to the southern Ryukyu Kingdom, home to enterprising merchants.
The Mark Of Empire Kingdoms Of The East aired on December 10th, 2022.
Kingdoms Of The East Episodes
1. Warriors Of Tokugawa
Peter Lee tries his hand at samurai swordsmanship and makes supersized sushi, as he uncovers the legacy of the mighty Tokugawa Shogun that unified Japan 400 years ago.
2. Joseon’s Defenders
Peter joins a deep-sea archaeology expedition, as he uncovers the legacy of the Joseon Dynasty in South Korea. And tries his hand at archery, a skill that was a key weapon in defence.
3. Merchants Of Ryuku
Peter Lee learns the art of kobudo fighting and searches for underwater artefacts in Japan’s Ryukyu islands, as he traces the history of the vibrant kingdom of merchants.
4. Descendants Of Ainu
Peter visits Hokkaido to learn about the indigenous Ainu, trying out ancient crafts and venturing deep into nature to discover how their culture was almost lost after years of oppression.
