History of Japan

Latest Episodes:

Episode 363 - Abe, Part 3 Nov 06, 2020

Show notes

This week: how did Abe Shinzo get back into the PM's office, why did he not fall flat on his face once again once he did, and what are some of the distinguishing features of his policies? We're covering everything from LDP internal elections to macroeconomic policy to social conservatism, so buckle up -- this is gonna be a fun one.

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Episode 362 - Abe, Part 2 Oct 30, 2020

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This week, we chronicle Abe Shinzo's meteoric rise up the ranks of the LDP and the Koizumi cabinet, culminating in his first tenure as Prime Minister -- followed by his equally meteoric ascent back down the ranks, as his first attempt at governance will blow up in his face.

Show notes here.

Episode 361 - Abe, Part 1 Oct 23, 2020

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This week, we're starting our retrospective on the career of Japan's former Prime Minister, Abe Shinzo. We begin with a look at his family history and his career through one of the most tumultuous eras of Japan's modern politics -- the 1990s.

Show notes here.

Episode 360 - A Nation in a Nation, Part 4 Oct 16, 2020

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This week, we wrap up our look at Soka Gakkai with the history of its split from Nichiren Shoshu. Plus, we take some time to look at the various controversies surrounding the group and what they say about Soka Gakkai's position in Japanese society.

Show notes here.

Episode 359 - A Nation in a Nation, Part 3 Oct 09, 2020

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This week, we're talking about some of the major projects of Ikeda's time as leader of Soka Gakkai, including both the foundation of Soka Gakkai's political party and the construction of the Sho Hondo, a grand new hall for Nichiren teachings.

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Episode 358 - A Nation in a Nation, Part 2 Oct 02, 2020

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This week, we continue our look at the history of Soka Gakkai during the tenure of Toda Josei. We'll also turn to the rise of the most influential figure in the movement today (and arguably its most influential leader ever): the third president of Soka Gakkai, Ikeda Daisaku.

Episode 357 - A Nation in a Nation, Part 1 Sep 25, 2020

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This week, we're starting a multi-episode series on one of Japan's most famous organizations: the study society-turned-religion-turned-political-party known as the Value Creation Society, or Soka Gakkai.

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Episode 356 - Women in Edo Japan Sep 18, 2020

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This week: how do historians learn about the lives of everyday people? Let's take a look at how it's done by thinking about a group of people often overlooked in histories of the Edo period even though they made up half the population: women.

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Episode 355 - Tales of Moonlight and Rain Sep 11, 2020

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This week, we're talking about one of Japan's most famous collections of supernatural tales, the fantastic Ugetsu Monogatari (Tales of Moonlight and Rain) from 1776.

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Episode 354 - Elementary, My Dear Okamoto! Sep 04, 2020

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This week, we're talking about popular literature, with a specific focus on one of Japan's most famous pieces of detective fiction -- the Hanshichi Torimonocho.

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