History of Japan

Latest Episodes:

Episode 216 - The Scourge of the Gods, Part 7 Nov 04, 2017

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This week: why is a military failure worth 7 episodes of our time? The legacy of the Mongol invasions of Japan, explained.

Episode 215 - The Scourge of the Gods, Part 6 Oct 28, 2017

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The 1281 invasion is at the gates (or the seawall, I suppose). How will round 2 play out?

Episode 214 - Scourge of the Gods, Part 5 Oct 21, 2017

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This week, we prepare for round two. How are the Japanese getting ready for another invasion, and how does that new invasion begin?

Episode 213 - The Scourge of the Gods, Part 4 Oct 14, 2017

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This week, we cover exciting topics like meteorology and internal Mongol family politics! But wait, there's also a bit of Zen theology dashed in to spice things up!

It's an eclectic week on the podcast for sure!

Episode 212 - The Scourge of the Gods, Part 3 Oct 07, 2017

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This week I promise we'll actually get to the 1274 invasion. But first, how were the samurai who defended Japan organized, and what weapons did they use?

Episode 211 - The Scourge of the Gods, Part 2 Sep 30, 2017

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This week: why did Kublai go to Japan? A quick overview of the tensions that led to the first invasion, and a look at the armies of Mongols and Chinese that would fight it.

Episode 210 - The Scourge of the Gods, Part 1 Sep 23, 2017

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This week: where did the Mongol Empire come from, and who was in charge when they decided to come after Japan? Also, why is the Kamakura shogunate the most convoluted form of government in a history of convoluted governments?

Episode 209 - Across the Sea, Part 5 Sep 09, 2017

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Today, we wrap our look at immigrants from Japan with a brief discussion of Nikkei communities in the Philippines and China, and with a look at Japan's own attempts to have Nikkei return "home."

Episode 208 - Across the Sea, Part 4 Sep 02, 2017

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This week: why did the American government think it was necessary to round up Nikkei on the West Coast? And what did that policy mean for the people who actually lived it?

Episode 207 - Across the Sea, Part 3 Aug 26, 2017

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This week, we're headed south to take a look at Nikkei communities in Brazil and Peru.

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