History of Japan

This week in the Revised History of Japan: in a bid to strengthen the power of the imperial family, Emperor Kanmu moves the imperial capital one more time to some newfangled place called "Heian-kyo." Plus, the political battle between the imperial family and the Fujiwara clan takes a few more twists. Show notes here.

Apologies for the delayed publication! This week on the podcast: the Nara Period! Japan has a new capital, and surely that means politics are about to change and become more stable, right...? Show notes here.  

Part four of our Revised Introduction to Japanese History is all about the Taika Reforms of 645 CE: what drove them, why do they matter, and why does the more traditional answer to those questions leave some important gaps in our understanding? Show notes here.  

Part 3 of our Revised Introduction to Japanese History: the emergence of recorded history in Japan brings with it some more clarity on what's happening, but also new uncertainties. Show notes here. 

For part 2 of our Revised Introduction to Japanese History: what do we know about the origins of Japan's imperial family? And how does that knowledge line up with the mythology built around the family's rise? Show notes here. 

Delve into the complexities of determining the beginning of Japanese history, from limited written records to early human habitation. Unravel mysteries of Japan's past, including the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities. Explore the significance of metalworking and early diplomatic relations with China. Focus on the ruler Himiko and the traditions of sake brewing, shedding light on gender politics. Explore the significance of tumulus burial mounds and the rise of small kingdoms in Japan during the Kofun era.

This week, it's a listener question episode! Let's talk about the topics I'd like to cover, a D&D party made of Japanese prime ministers, the future of the show, and more. Transcript and show notes at this link Support the show on Patreon

This week on the podcast: Why are Japan and South Korea’s governments so worked up about some uninhabited rocks in the middle of nowhere? Well, because sometimes those rocks stand for much, much more. Sources, show notes, and transcript at this link Support the show on Patreon

Once again, Isaac underestimates how many episodes it will take to cover something, and so one more time, we're talking travel in Japan! Show notes here.

This week on the podcast, a trip to two seats of the Imperial government. Also on the agenda: A really big Buddha statue, plenty of sake, and some very hungry deer. Map and photos at this link Support the show on Patreon