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.
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Murasaki Shikibu's Name
Murasaki Shikibu's real name is unknown, reflecting the lesser importance of women's names at the time.
She was likely nicknamed after a character in her novel, "Tale of Genji," or for the purple color associated with her clan.
insights INSIGHT
Early Japanese Literary Prowess
10th-century Japan's literary sophistication, exemplified by Murasaki Shikibu's psychological novel, is remarkable.
This contrasts sharply with the contemporary West, where such depth was less common.
insights INSIGHT
Oda Nobunaga: Brutal Strategist
Oda Nobunaga, a 16th-century warlord, embodied brutality and strategic brilliance.
He consolidated power through ruthless tactics, contrasting with the earlier cultural refinement of Murasaki's era.
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Written in the 11th century, 'The Tale of Genji' is a comprehensive narrative that explores the life of Prince Genji, the 'Shining Prince', against the backdrop of Japan's Heian period. The novel delves into Genji's numerous romantic entanglements, personal struggles, and the societal expectations he faces. It is a rich tapestry of themes including love, fleeting beauty, and the complexities of relationships defined by honor, desire, and tragedy. The story also provides a detailed insight into the culture of the aristocracy in early Heian Japan, including its forms of entertainment, daily life, and moral code. The novel is known for its poetic and aesthetic elements, incorporating over 800 waka poems, and its exploration of human emotions and the transience of life[1][3][5].
The Japanese mind
Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture
D. Roger
Roger J. Davies
An Artist of the Floating World
Kazuo Ishiguro
The novel follows Masuji Ono, a former artist, as he looks back on his life and career in the years immediately after World War II. Ono grapples with the consequences of his past actions, particularly his support for the militarist government, and the impact it has had on his reputation and personal life. The story explores themes of guilt, responsibility, and the changing attitudes towards art and artists in post-war Japan. Ono's narrative also delves into his relationships with his family and his struggle to find peace and acceptance in a rapidly changing world.
The life of an amorous man
Ihara Saikaku
Japan Story
In Search of a Nation
Christopher Harding
This book provides a cultural and political history of Japan, exploring its transformation from a closed society to a modern nation. Harding delves into various stories, including those of peripheral figures, to illustrate Japan's search for identity and its evolution over time.
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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