Scope & Content (Historic): Documentary: Reviews its history, and philosophical and religious concepts. Reel 1 describes its history and descent of its emperor; importance of Shintoism; rise of Shogun and their Bushido code; isolationism; and trade agreement made by Comdr. Matthew Calbraith Perry; and government reorganization. Reel 2 traces its modernization through World War II.

Government control of education; social and economic distinctions; invasion of Formosa, 1894, and Korea, 1910; Russo-Japanese War, 1904; World Wars I & II; bombings of Pearl Harbor and Japan. Gen. Jonathan Wainwright's surrender; Japanese atrocities; Manila's destruction; battles of Corregidor and Okinawa; Gen. Douglas MacArthur's return to Philippines.