History of Japan

Latest Episodes:

Episode 373 - The First Frontier, Part 3 Jan 15, 2021

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This week, we're looking at the early decades of Japan's colonization of Hokkaido, and the means by which the island was radically remade within the span of a single lifetime.

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Episode 372 - The First Frontier, Part 2 Jan 08, 2021

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This week: how did the threat of Western imperialism change the relationship between mainland Japan and Hokkaido, and help set the stage for Japan's eventual colonization of the island?

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Episode 371 - The First Frontier, Part 1 Jan 01, 2021

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This week, we're starting a multi-part series on the history of one of Japan's major islands, and its first colonial frontier: Hokkaido. Today, we'll talk about the early centuries of history between the Japanese and the Ainu, the aboriginal people of Hokkaido.

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Episode 370 - The Poetess Dec 25, 2020

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This week, we're covering the life and career of a poet often overlooked despite her fame in her own lifetime: the shopkeeper's daughter-turned-nun-turned-haiku master, Kaga no Chiyo.

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Episode 369 - The Wandering Brush Dec 18, 2020

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This week, we're taking a deep dive into a distinctly Japanese literary genre (zuihitsu, or 'wandering brush') by looking at two of its most famous exemplars: the Hojoki, or Record of a Hut, and Tsurezuregusa, or Essays in Idleness. What lasts forever in this world? How should we strive to live? What should we do when confronted with gamblers on a losing streak? All this and more, coming up!

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Episode 368 - The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter Dec 11, 2020

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This week, we're talking about one of the most famous stories in Japanese history: the bamboo princess Naotake no Kaguyahime and her absolute wrecking ball-esque demolition of Japan's stupidest and most eligible bachelors before she returns back to her home on the moon.

Who says classical literature isn't fun?

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Episode 367 - Everything and Nothing Dec 04, 2020

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This week, we're talking about one of Japan's territorial disputes: the bitter debate over ownership of the Senaku Islands/Diaoyu Islands/Pinnacle Rocks. Where do these competing claims over a bunch of uninhabited islands in the middle of nowhere come from? And what has their impact been on Sino-Japanese relations?

Episode 366 - The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Part 2 Nov 27, 2020

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This week, we cover Sorge's career in Tokyo, and explore just how he was able to convince so many people that he was exactly what he was not -- a loyal Nazi here to report on Japan for the benefit of Hitler's regime. Plus, some thoughts on Sorge's significance in the history of the Second World War.

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Episode 365 - The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Part 1 Nov 20, 2020

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This week, we begin our exploration of the life and career of Richard Sorge, one of the most famous spies in Japanese (and arguably world) history. We're beginning this week with the story of his recruitment and his first trip to Asia -- a two year posting in Shanghai.

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Episode 364 - Abe, Part 4 Nov 13, 2020

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This week, we outline what Abe's vision to "restore beautiful Japan" meant during his second go-round in office, why he was able to stay in office so long, and what eventually brought him down (hint: it has a lot to do with the fact that many of you are much less likely to be listening to this while commuting than you used to be).

Show notes here.

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