I would watch some of these episodes on my local community college cable channel and was intrigued by the history. Though the series was made 20 years ago and much change has taken place, the series does an excellent job covering the older history of most of the Pacific Rim. Bear in mind that in 1992, Japan was just entering its "Lost Decade" after the economic rise of the 1980's. Taiwan and China were just beginning their meteoritic rise as economic players on the world stage. South Korea was coming into its own also. Many noted academic and political figures are interviewed and give commentary to add to the content.Peter Coyote's narration is excellent. Overall a very useful work for the local school, or just to learn more about this important region of the world.