Using the 2024 FX mini-series Shogun as a springboard, this course explores Japan's transformation from civil war to peace between the 15th and 18th centuries. While tales of samurai valor captivate modern audiences, the true history behind them is equally compelling. We will examine the Warring States Period, the rise of unifiers like Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu, and the cultural, political, and social changes that followed. We will also study the roles of merchants, peasants, women, and outcasts in shaping this dynamic era. Topics will include warfare, diplomacy, foreign relations, city planning, and the arts. For fans of the series or those new to Japanese history, this course offers a rich, accessible introduction.