!["fugu" pivo](http://photos.travelblog.net/373019/986892/s/9470521-quot-fugu-quot-pivo-0.jpg ""fugu" pivo")
In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol...more history