History of Japan

Latest Episodes:

Episode 256 - The Wrestler Sep 15, 2018

Show notes

This week, we take a look at the history of pro wrestling in Japan, and its unlikely progenitor: a Korean-born sumo wrestler named Rikidozan.

Episode 255 - The Beautiful Island, Part 4 Sep 08, 2018

Show notes

This week, we close out our time with Taiwan with a look at its return to the Republic of China, and at the modern day relationship between the "renegade province" and Japan.

Episode 254 - The Beautiful Island, Part 3 Sep 01, 2018

Show notes

This week, Japan's attempt to assimilate Taiwan finds some success, and one big stumbling block: the Musha Incident, the last and largest rebellion against Japanese rule on the island. Plus, the beginnings of Taiwan's mobilization for war.

Episode 253 - The Beautiful Island, Part 2 Aug 25, 2018

Show notes

This week: now that Japan has conquered Taiwan, what are they actually going to do with it?

Episode 252 - The beautiful Island, Part 1 Aug 19, 2018

Show notes

This week, we start a history of the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. How did Japan come to conquer the island, and what did its conquest entail for the Japanese and for the inhabitants?

Episode 251 - Homosexuality in Japan Aug 11, 2018

Show notes

This week, we take a look at the history of gay and lesbian relationships in Japan. How has the social position of homosexuality changed over time in Japanese history? What evidence can we use to "read out" the history of a non-mainstream culture?

Episode 250 - Today is the Victory Jul 28, 2018

Show notes

This week, we take on the legend of Miyamoto Musashi. How is it that a person we know very little about came to be a legend? Could it be, perhaps, that the very fact that we know so little about him for sure is part of the allure of his legend?

Episode 249 - Every Day is a Journey Jul 21, 2018

Show notes

This week, we delve into the life, legacy, and style of Matsuo Basho, Japan's most famous poet. Who was he? How did he develop his unique style? How did Japan's most famous haiku poet end up writing before the invention of the word "haiku"? All that and more!

Episode 248 - Family Matters Jul 14, 2018

Show notes

This week we take on the history of the von Siebold family -- father Philip Franz, son Alexander, and daughter Kusumoto Ine. How does the story of this unusual family fit in to the story of 19th century Japan?

Episode 247 - Edokko Jul 07, 2018

Show notes

This week, we're very lucky to have a chance to speak with Mr. Isaac Shapiro. Mr. Shapiro grew up in wartime Japan, and shares his experiences here with us today. You can check out his book, Edokko: Growing Up a Foreigner in Wartime Japan on Amazon!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected