History of Japan

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This week, we cover an obscure bit of samurai history: the Keian Incident, a planned coup against the Tokugawa Shoguns that was foiled by a lucky bit of happenstance. What can we learn from something that, in a certain sense, didn't actually happen?

This week, we profile one of the great Western interpreters of Japan: Lafcadio Hearn. How did some Anglo-Greek kid end up in Japan by way of New Orleans, and why do we still care about him today?

This week, we round out our look at the celebrated women of Heian Japan with two very different careers: that of the celebrated poet Akazome Emon and the recluse known either as Takasue's daughter or Lady Sarashina. Plus some final thoughts on women in the Heian era.

This week: the start of a two-part series on women in Heian Japan. What makes the social position of women in the Heian Era so distinct from later points of Japanese history, and from the East Asian cultural sphere more generally? How do we know what we know about the lives of women? And what can we learn from the story of one particularly badass woman: the poet and "femme fatale" Izumi Shikibu?

This week, we cover the true story of North Korea's abduction of Japanese civilians. Who was taken, and why? What do we know about their lives in the north? And how does their disappearance still affect the relationship between Japan and North Korea today?

Explore the tumultuous economic landscape of Japan in the early 1990s as the asset bubble collapses, revealing shocking damage. Discover how over-leveraged real estate investments led to a banking crisis reminiscent of the U.S. housing collapse. Learn about the government's inconsistent responses and the creation of 'zombie firms' amid financial turmoil. Delve into Japan’s cautious post-war economic strategy and the lasting echoes of the lost decades, affecting today’s workforce and employment practices.

The podcast explores the collapse of Japan's economic bubble, highlighting the psychological drivers behind unsustainable growth. It delves into the Recruit scandal, revealing corruption that shattered public trust. Political instability is also examined, with frequent leadership changes and scandals exacerbating the crisis. The influence of the Bank of Japan's policies and the internal dynamics with the Ministry of Finance are discussed, showcasing the complexity of the financial turmoil and the conflicting responses from leaders amidst growing inflation concerns.

Explore the unique cultural climate of 1980s America, from fashion to evolving roles in society. Discover the complexities following the Cold War and Japan's emergence as an economic powerhouse. Delve into the controversy surrounding Japanese investments in the U.S. and the resulting anti-Japanese sentiment. A pivotal state dinner showcases the contrasting health of leaders, reflecting the tensions in U.S.-Japan relations. This deep dive reveals the intricate dynamics that shaped both nations' paths.

Dive into the fascinating world of Japan's Bubble Era through captivating media analysis. Explore culinary satire in Itami Juzo's film 'Tampopo,' highlighting cultural disconnects with Western customs. Discover how 'A Taxing Woman's Return' reveals the rise of new religions amidst economic inequality in the 1980s. Delve into the influential voices of Morita and Ishihara, addressing nationalism and societal impacts. Finally, reflect on a poignant poem that captures the irony of technological convenience, liberating yet isolating, during this transformative time.