History of Japan
Isaac Meyer
This podcast, assembled by a former PhD student in History at the University of Washington, covers the entire span of Japanese history. Each week we'll tackle a new topic, ranging from prehistoric Japan to the modern day.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 19, 2015 • 29min
Episode 129 - The Fall of the Samurai, Part 12
Choshu vs the Tokugawa, round 2! Only two years after being defeated by the Tokugawa, Choshu is back at war with Japan's leading family. This time, they've got far more cards to play, though. Can Choshu defeat the Tokugawa and put them into a slow death spiral from which they will never recover? Hint: yes!
Dec 12, 2015 • 28min
Episode 128 - The Fall of the Samurai, Part 11
The podcast discusses civil wars, gunrunning, and financial tips leading to the fall of the Tokugawa. Topics include power struggles in the Tokugawa Bakufu, Show-Tai Uprising, American surplus rifle sale, military modernization, and arms deals in 19th-century Japan.
Dec 5, 2015 • 28min
Episode 127 - The Fall of the Samurai, Part 10
1864 is probably the most important year in the Meiji Restoration that nobody really has heard of; the Tokugawa will come as close to winning their fight for control of Japan as they ever will, and the shishi movement will end up on the ropes. So, how did the Tokugawa stage such an effective comeback, and why did Tokugawa victories end up laying the groundwork for Tokugawa defeats down the line? All that and more, this week!
Nov 28, 2015 • 25min
Episode 126 - The Fall of the Samurai, Part 9
This week, we'll move into the tumultuous events of 1863. Challenges foreign and domestic are going to upset the balance of power that has existed since the death of Ii Naosuke, and drive Japan ever closer to civil war.
Nov 21, 2015 • 32min
Episode 125 - The Fall of the Samurai, Part 9
Exploring the power struggles in the Tokugawa bakufu and the rise of Tokugawa Yoshinobu. Yoshinobu's diplomacy with Western countries and challenges in balancing modernization. The emergence of radicalized samurai in Kyoto and the Shogun's visit preparations.
Nov 13, 2015 • 31min
Episode 124 - The Fall of the Samurai, Part 8
Discussing the rise of the radical shishi groups in Japan after the death of Ii Naosuke, and the violence they introduced to Japanese politics. Analyzing the power vacuum and leadership void that followed the assassination, leading to a fundamental change in Japanese politics. Exploring the emergence of the discontented lower-ranked samurai forming militant groups with the goal of overthrowing the Tokugawa government, and the contrasting reactions of different domain governments to the Shishi activism.
Nov 7, 2015 • 28min
Episode 123 - The Fall of the Samurai, Part 7
Explore the rise of Yi Nausuke in Tokugawa government, Anse purges to eliminate threats, Samurai encountering America's culture shock, Revenge plot against powerful figure E, repercussions of assassination in Japan's political landscape
Oct 31, 2015 • 31min
Episode 122 - The Fall of the Samurai, Part 6
Discover the opposition against the bakufu, factions forming over the Harris Treaty, imperial court involvement after a millennia, diverse responses of Daimyo to treaties, contrasting beliefs of influential figures, succession crisis post-Tokugawa Iesada, and power struggles for authority in Tokugawa-era Japan.
Oct 10, 2015 • 29min
Episode 121 - The Fall of the Samurai, Part 5
Explore the pivotal figures of Sakuma Shozan and Yoshida Shoin in 1850s Japan, advocating for modernization and navigating the clash between tradition and Western influences. Delve into the radical ideologies of leaders during the Meiji Restoration and witness the reevaluation of Eastern ethics and Western science in the face of foreign crises.
Oct 3, 2015 • 30min
Episode 120 - The Fall of the Samurai, Part 4
Explore Japanese reactions to Perry and Harris, Battle lines drawn for Japan's future, Struggle for negotiation mandate, Diplomatic intrigues in Japan and China, Impact of trade treaties and religious freedom in Japan.
