History of Japan

This week on the Revised Introduction to Japanese History: Japan joins the ranks of the great powers by building its own colonial empire. How did Japan come to be a great colonial power, what made its empire different from the others of the age, and more importantly: what made it the same? Show notes here.

The podcast dives into Japan's swift economic transformation during the Meiji era. It explores how the country shifted from isolation to a significant player in the world economy, altering its national identity. The discussion includes the tension between modernization and traditional values, highlighting influential figures like Fukuzawa Yukichi. Additionally, it covers the emergence of new religious movements during this period, blending local beliefs with Western ideologies. The complexities of trade imbalances and social unrest add depth to this fascinating historical narrative.

Exploring the political reforms and power struggles during the Meiji era in Japan, including the challenges faced by the Shinto Nationalists. Internal divisions within Japan's ruling coalition, debates over Westernization, and conflicts over the adoption of Western political models. Establishment of a national diet parliament, conflicts between political parties, and opposition to government policies leading to protests in Tokyo.

This podcast delves into the dramatic downfall of the Tokugawa shogunate in just two years, showcasing the power struggles, alliances, and pivotal battles that shaped the transition from feudalism to imperial rule in Japan. From unequal treaties to the rise of loyalist movements, listeners are taken on a journey through the complexities and uncertainties of the Bakumatsu period.

Explore the rise and fall of Imperial Loyalism in early 1860s Japan, triggered by the assassination of Ii Naosuke. From failed coups to diplomatic standoffs, witness the strategic shifts and resilience of loyalists in their quest for change. Discover the tumultuous political landscape and the clash of ideologies in a pivotal moment of Japanese history.

This week on the Revised Introduction to Japanese History: the beginning of the end of the Tokugawa shogunate. Commodore Perry's expedition to Edo will begin a process of radical political change as a teetering Tokugawa shogunate is forced to confront a challenge of Western imperialism that it will not prove equal to resisting. Show notes here.

This week on the Revised Introduction to Japanese History: crises about during the late Edo period. A crisis of samurai identity! Questions around vengeance, honor, and duty! And of course, the most confounding subject of them all: macroeconomics. But hey, I'm sure we can figure this all out as long as no pesky Americans show up to ruin things, right? Show notes here.

Japan's Sakoku policy during the Edo period is explored, revealing the nuanced foreign relations often mistaken for isolation. The influence of Dutch trade is pivotal, transforming Japanese medicine through significant texts. Tensions with Russia and encounters with the British Royal Navy expose vulnerabilities in diplomatic strategies. Finally, the role of the Tokugawa Shogunate is discussed, showcasing cultural and political changes that paved the way for Japan's modernization and future imperial ambitions.

Discover a day in the life of Tokugawa Japan as the podcast delves into urban and rural dynamics, social hierarchies, women's agency, education accessibility, entertainment options including Kabuki theater, and insights into urban nightlife and social issues of the Edo period.

Discover how Tokugawa Ieyasu established a stable political framework that lasted over 200 years. Uncover the balance of power between the shogunate and daimyo, including military regulations and economic shifts. Learn about the decline of the Red Seal system and its effects on trade. Explore the changing dynamics of power from the imperial court to the shogunate, and see how wealth shifted among merchants, creating tensions in traditional hierarchy. Finally, understand the economic struggles faced by samurai as inflation climbed.