The Rest Is History

277: Japan: Samurai and Shoguns

Dec 9, 2022

Join Chris Harding, a leading cultural historian of Japan and author of 'Japan's Story,' as he dives into the fascinating history of Japan. Discover how samurai evolved from mere bodyguards into cultured warriors and the intriguing dynamics of power during the Heian period. Explore the dramatic fall of Oda Nobunaga and Japan's choice for isolation. Harding also discusses the Edo period's vibrant cultural scene, including the transformation of kabuki theater and its impact on modern Japan, from manga culture to post-war recovery.

01:05:14

Episode guests

Dr Chris Harding

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

The Floating World of Murasaki Shikibu

01:22

The Importance of Tezuka Asamu in Japanese Culture

01:23

Intro

2min

Evolving Japan: From Court Culture to Samurai Power

18min

The Fall of Nobunaga and Japan's Isolationist Era

4min

Cultural Reflections of the Edo Period through Literature

3min

The Transformation of the Floating World: Culture and Entertainment in Edo Japan

2min

Kabuki to Capitalism: Japan's Cultural Evolution

29min

Exploring Japan's Cultural Richness: From Samurai to Cinema

2min

In today's episode, Tom and Dominic discuss the history of Japan through six characters, with leading cultural historian of Japan, Chris Harding, as they cover feuding lords and buddhist monks, both world wars, Japanese medieval poetry, Manga culture, and much, much more.

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*The Rest Is History Live Tour 2023*:

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Twitter:

@TheRestHistory

@holland_tom

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