History of Japan Episode 504 - The Great Change
Oct 13, 2023
Explore the transformative Taika Reforms of 645 CE and their significant impact on Japanese history. Discover how continental influences from China and Korea pressured Japan's leaders to centralize power. Unpack the political drama of the coup against the Soga clan and the aftermath that shaped succession struggles. Delve into the adoption of Chinese administrative models and the cultural shift towards a divine imperial authority. This riveting journey reveals complex motivations behind Japan's path to a centralized state.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Turning Points Driven By Outside Contact
- Aaron Manke frames three decisive turning points in Japanese history as changes triggered by outside powers.
- He highlights the Taika reforms of 645 CE as the first major example of foreign-driven transformation.
Continental Change Reshaped Japan's Choices
- The episode links Japan's internal reforms to political shifts on the Asian continent, especially China.
- Manke notes continental centralization made new forms of government and threat visible to Japanese elites.
Yang Jian's Usurpation And Sui Reunification
- Aaron tells the rise of Yang Jian who usurped Northern Zhou and founded the Sui dynasty in 581.
- He uses this story to show how China reunified and became a powerful continental actor again.
