History of Japan

Latest Episodes:

Episode 441 - The Dreamer Jun 10, 2022

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This week, we're taking a look at the life of one of Japan's most famous artists: Miyazaki Hayao. How did he become as famous as he is, and how do his films reflect the politics of the age he grew up in?

Show notes here.

Episode 440 - Tipping the Balance Jun 03, 2022

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The Jokyu Rebellion is one of the more minor conflicts in Japanese history; yet it also represents a tipping of the political balance of Japan that, eventually, will profoundly reshape the country. This week, we explore one of the chronicles of that conflict to see what we can learn about it, and about medieval Japan more broadly.

Show notes here.

Episode 439 - From the Deep, Part 2 May 29, 2022

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This week: whaling during the modern era in Japan, and the circumstances that have led to Japan being one of the only first world countries that still hunts whales. Show notes here.

Also: allergies are still a bit rough; excuse any scratchiness, please!

Episode 438 - From the Deep, Part 1 May 20, 2022

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This week, we're taking on whaling in Tokugawa Japan. What is 'traditional' whaling in Japan? How and why did people take to the seas to hunt whales? And how is all of this wrapped up in the modern debate around whaling in Japan?

Side note: wet weather in Seattle is giving me mad allergies, so apologies if I sound extra sniffly or anything.

Show notes here.

Episode 437 - The Fist of the Buddhas, Part 2 May 13, 2022

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This week: where does our stock image of the sohei come from, and why does it tell us more about Japan after the age of warrior-monks than anything else?

Show notes here.

Episode 436 - Fist of the Buddhas, Part 1 May 06, 2022

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This week: what does the historical record have to say about the veracity of the image of the warrior-monk, or sohei, that is so pervasive in pop cultural understandings of medieval Japan?

Show notes here.

Criminal Records Podcast - The Yakuza Rocket Launcher Case Apr 29, 2022

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There's no regular History of Japan episode this week. Instead, here's a wonderful episode of my other podcast, Criminal Records, about three things of deep concern to any self-respecting podcast audience: organized crime, the drug trade, and rocket launchers!

See you all next week.

Episode 435 - The Wrong Kind of Hero, Part 3 Apr 22, 2022

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This week, we're wrapping up our look at Sakamoto Ryoma's life and legacy to see how he was transformed from loyalist ronin to posthumous legend. Plus, some quick thoughts on his legacy and enduring popularity. Programming note: no new episode next week! Show notes here.

Episode 434 - The Wrong Kind of Hero, Part 2 Apr 15, 2022

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This week: Sakamoto Ryoma commits fully to the loyalist cause, but ends up on a turbulent journey that will take him from Kyoto to Edo--and transform him into a very different man.

Show notes here.

Episode 433 - The Wrong Kind of Hero, Part 1 Apr 08, 2022

Show notes

This week, we return to the turbulent age of the Bakumatsu--the collapse of the Tokugawa state--with a biography of one of the era's most intriguing figures, Sakamoto Ryoma. Who was Ryoma, where did he come from, and how did he get swept into the complex politics of the time?

Show notes here.

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