Barakan Discovers

In the 19th century, writer Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) helped introduce Japan to the wider world. Peter Barakan visits Izumo to learn about the natural and unseen realms that Hearn treasured.

Minakata Kumagusu, a renowned ecologist, defended the sacred forests of Kumano in the Kii Mountain Range. He saved them from extinction by fighting the government near the start of the 20th century.  Join Peter Barakan as he follows Minakata's path and discovers a universe in nature.

Admired by John F. Kennedy, Uesugi Yozan transformed the fortunes of the struggling Yonezawa Domain. Peter Barakan visits Yonezawa, once called "an Asiatic Arcadia," to explore Yozan's legacy.

In 1843, after surviving a shipwreck, 16-year-old John Manjiro found himself in the US. He later played a key role in opening Japan's doors to the world. Peter Barakan visits Manjiro's hometown, Tosa.