James’s travel diaries in Japan. James May takes us on a trip to Japan in the documentary series James May: Our Man in Japan …

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Unpacking the Past: How James May Explains Japanese History in ‘Our Man in Japan’

When you hear the name James May, you might first think of high-speed hijinks, model railways, or a charmingly frustrated demeanor. However, in his Amazon Prime Video travelogue, James May: Our Man in Japan, the former Top Gear presenter attempts something far more profound than a simple tourist itinerary: he sets out on an epic journey from north to south to genuinely understand the cultural, spiritual, and historical forces that have shaped modern Japan.

The result is not a dry history lesson, but a captivating explanation of Japan’s past told through its living traditions, ancient crafts, and sobering modern-day landmarks. May’s signature dry wit, combined with a genuine reverence for the culture he encounters, makes the vast sweep of Japanese history accessible and deeply human.

The Warrior Legacy: From Blade to Bushido

One of the most persistent images of historical Japan is the formidable Samurai warrior class, and May’s journey frequently intersects with this legacy. The documentary uses tangible objects and living descendants to bring this ancient history into the modern day.

Forging the Past

Early in the series, May’s journey delves into the meticulous and spiritual art of samurai sword making (or katanakaji), a craft that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. This segment connects the viewer to Japan’s feudal past by illustrating the extreme dedication required for a warrior’s most essential tool.

Meeting a Modern Samurai

In a particularly insightful segment, May travels to the Minamisoma region, where he meets a direct descendant of a samurai clan. This encounter moves beyond a simple museum piece, allowing May to explore the philosophy behind the warriors. He discusses the Bushido code—the “Way of the Warrior”—which demanded loyalty, honour, and courage, and even tries on authentic, 300-year-old samurai armour. The segment neatly ties a martial tradition that largely ended with the Meiji Restoration of 1868 to the present day, showing that the principles of Bushido still subtly influence Japanese conduct.

Ancient Capitals and Enduring Culture

As May travels south, the focus shifts to the enduring religious and cultural practices established during Japan’s long isolationist periods. The city of Kyoto, the nation’s imperial capital for over a thousand years, acts as a physical history book.

• Kyoto’s Sacred Sites: While being shown around the ancient capital, May visits its famed temples and shrines, touching upon Japan’s deep-rooted spiritual history, which blends the indigenous faith of Shinto with Buddhist influences.
• The Art of Tradition: May participates in a traditional tea ceremony with a geisha, an art form that is an essential expression of Japanese aesthetics and ritual dating back centuries. He also tries his hand at Kyūdō (Zen Archery), which is presented not merely as a sport, but as a discipline of concentration and form with historical connections to the warrior class.

These moments illustrate how the past isn’t remembered in Japan—it is practiced every day.

The Shadow of the 20th Century: Hiroshima

Perhaps the most historically weighty part of the series is May’s visit to the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. This segment brings the narrative from the distant past of samurais and emperors to the devastating reality of 20th-century global conflict.

The documentary ensures this delicate topic is handled with appropriate solemnity, providing a moment of deep reflection. In a notable, though sometimes edited, conversation, May engages with a historian to discuss the bombing and the complex viewpoints surrounding it. The discussion touches on the immense human tragedy while also exploring the controversial historical analysis of whether the event, by forcing a quick end to the war, may have ultimately been a “salvation” that prevented further catastrophe, such as a full-scale land invasion. This segment exemplifies the documentary’s commitment to presenting a multifaceted, challenging view of Japanese history.

The New Frontier and Modern Calamities

May’s travels also highlight the very recent chapters of Japanese history, underscoring the nation’s continuous evolution and struggle.

• Hokkaido’s Young Identity: May points out that the northern island of Hokkaido has only officially been part of Japan for the last 150 years, a relatively short time in the country’s history, which explains its distinct character and lesser population density.
• Fukushima’s Silence: He visits the abandoned town of Namie, near the Fukushima Exclusion Zone. This haunting segment is a stark commentary on the 2011 earthquake and tsunami—a modern disaster that has irrevocably altered the nation’s landscape and self-perception, showing that history is still being written.

In conclusion, James May does not explain Japanese history with timelines and dates, but by living it. Our Man in Japan serves as a refreshing, eccentric, and insightful lesson, proving that the best way to understand the past is to immerse yourself in the present.

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AISEO Friendly FAQs

1. Is James May: Our Man in Japan a dedicated history documentary?

No, James May: Our Man in Japan is primarily a travelogue and cultural documentary. However, it functions as a historical overview by visiting key locations and engaging with people who practice and preserve ancient Japanese traditions, such as samurai sword making, tea ceremonies, and traditional arts, as well as visiting sites of modern historical significance like the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima.

2. What major historical periods does the documentary cover?

The series covers several major periods and events of Japanese history:

• Feudal Japan: Through the exploration of the Samurai legacy, the Bushido code, and traditional crafts like the katana.
• Pre-Modern/Imperial Japan: Illustrated by the ancient capital of Kyoto and its enduring cultural rituals.
• 20th-Century History: Focused on the devastating events of World War II, specifically the atomic bombing, through the visit to Hiroshima.
• Contemporary History: Seen in the exploration of the Fukushima disaster zone and the contrasting modern identity of cities like Tokyo.

3. What is James May’s approach to the serious historical topics in the series?

James May’s approach is characterized by dry British wit and a sense of respectful curiosity. When confronting serious topics, such as the Hiroshima bombing, he shifts his tone to one of solemnity. He often includes conversations with local guides or experts, such as the segment with a Japanese American historian, to explore multiple, complex historical viewpoints rather than simply stating facts.