History of Japan

Latest Episodes:

Episode 294 - What Goes Up, Part 5 Jun 21, 2019

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This week, the effects of the collapsing asset bubble spread as the extent of the damage caused is revealed; Japan's financial and political leaders scramble to respond, while refusing to admit the scale of the crisis. Plus, the legacies of the bubble era for Japan today.

Episode 293 - What Goes Up, Part 4 Jun 14, 2019

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This week, it all starts to come crumbling down. Japan is plagued by scandals that destroy public confidence at the system right as some begin to look around and say, "hey, does this all seem a bit unsustainable or is it just me?"

It's not just them.

Episode 292 - What Goes Up, Part 3 Jun 08, 2019

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The Plaza Accord was supposed to fix the US-Japan relationship. How did that work out?

Episode 291 - What Goes Up, Part 2 May 31, 2019

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This week, we're going to talk about life in the bubble era by looking at three snapshots of that experience: a movie, a book, and a poem.

Episode 290 - What Goes Up, Part 1 May 24, 2019

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This week, we turn our attention to the 1980s. Japan and the United States find their relationship wracked by increasing tensions over political and economic relations, and turn to the solution of an agreement designed to ease the pressure of Japan's economic growth. The result? Japan's infamous Bubble Era!

Episode 289 - The Right Tool for the Job, Part 2 May 17, 2019

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This week, we're going to talk about the impact that the gun had on Sengoku Era Japan, and the ways that it both reinforced and undermined the political trends of the time.

Episode 288 - The Right Tool for the Job, Part 1 May 10, 2019

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This week, we discuss the history of one of the most important technologies in Japan: the gun. How did it get to Japan and spread around the country so quickly?

Episode 287 - The Drunken Demon May 03, 2019

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This week, we're taking a look at a specific oni tale, and probably the most famous one; the story of the Demon King of Mt. Oe, Shuten Doji. What's his story? How did he get punked by five of Japan's most famous warriors? And why are we still talking about him so many years later?

Episode 286 - On the Outside Looking In Apr 26, 2019

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This week we talk oni, the demons of Japanese folklore and legend. What makes oni different from Western style demons? What are some of the most famous oni stories? And how has the image of the oni changed over time?

Episode 285 - Rags to Riches, Part 3 Apr 20, 2019

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This week: how did the Hojo go from the zenith of their power to utter destruction in a single generation? The answer: a difficult neighborhood, dangerous neighbors, and bad decisions.

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