1.
period drama, historical drama
A film, TV show, or theater production set in a historical period, typically pre-Meiji Japan. Often features samurai, feudal lords, and life during the Edo period.
Usage
Typically refers to Japanese historical dramas set before the Meiji era (pre-1868), especially the Edo period. Iconic examples include 水戸黄門 and 大河ドラマ (NHK's year-long historical drama series). The genre is most associated with television, but also includes film and kabuki-influenced theater.