Samurai rose to be global emblems of honour and courage, but their story doesn’t always match the myths they told about themselves, as a British Museum exhibition shows

JOHN HANNAH introduces a high-seas pirate saga

The Nagato area flies under the radar of everyone but Japanese travellers, who have long seen the appeal of its onsen towns, craggy isles and fishing heritage

Adam LeBor on TV ● HOW TO REVIEW ...

Explore a little-visited region where Shinto gods congregate and masked dancers tell ancient legends

Robert Hutton on Cinema THE HAROLD PINTER THEATRE ...