History of Japan

Latest Episodes:

Episode 246 - There and Back Again Jun 30, 2018

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This week, we cover the story of Engelbert Kaempfer, who wrote one of the most thorough and best known accounts of Japan for Western consumption before the Meiji era. How did this random German dude end up in Japan? What did he write about it? What did he think of it? And why do we care?

Episode 245 - The Summer of Rage, Part 2 Jun 23, 2018

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This week, we cover the Miike coal mine strike of 1960. As labor and management do battle over the future of the mines, how will the future of the country be shaped by their clash?

Episode 244 - The Summer of Rage, Part 1 Jun 16, 2018

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This week, we look at the contentious summer of 1960, in which the disputes of postwar Japan boiled over into some of the most intense protests in the country's history. How do these conflicts shape modern Japanese society?

Episode 243 - Heavyweights Jun 09, 2018

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This week, the origins and history of Sumo.

Episode 242 - Castaway Jun 02, 2018

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This week, the story of Nakahama Manjiro, the castaway turned American whaler turned gold miner turned samurai turned English professor.

Episode 241 - All in the Family, Part 3 May 26, 2018

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This week, we conclude our up close look at the Shimazu family and Satsuma domain with a consideration of how the domain fit into Edo society, and its position in modern Japan.

Episode 240 - All in the Family, Part 2 May 19, 2018

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This week, we cover the sengolu era history of the Shimazu clan, and their meteoric ascent from minor lords to major ones in the span of a few decades. Plus, the Tokugawa and the Shimazu, the role of sugar in the Shimazu clan's fortunes, and the invasion of the Ryukyu islands. It's a packed episode!

Episode 239 - All in the Family, Part 1 May 12, 2018

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This week, we start a short series on the history of one of the most influential fiefdoms in Japanese history (Satsuma) and the family who ruled it (the Shimazu). How did this little chunk of land on the edge of Japan grow to national importance?

Episode 238 - Hell is Empty May 05, 2018

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This week, we tackle the evils of Unit 731 -- its history, its experiments, and its ultimate escape from any real justice.

Episode 237 - Princess, Lover, Soldier, Spy Apr 28, 2018

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This week, we take on the scintillating story of the Manchurian princess Kawashima Yoshiko, who grew up in Japan before becoming an agent for Japanese intelligence.

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