History of Japan

This week on the podcast, something a little different: My first time traveling purely as a tourist in Japan, with a very special guest star. Photos and a map of spots we discussed at this link Support the show on Patreon

This podcast explores the intriguing gang case in feudal Japan, the history of gang violence in Osaka, the rise and actions of the Seven's Gang, the different system of jurisdiction in Osaka, the uncomfortable design of the interrogation courtyard, the romanticization of the Five Men of Naniwa, and the missed opportunity to create a true crime puppet show history.

Explore the rise and demise of radio in Japan, from the birth of NHK to sports broadcasting. Discover the influence of MetLife broadcasts on Raji-O-Taiso, the challenges faced during live broadcasting, and the early history of radio dramas in Japan and their lasting legacy. Get ready for the 500th episode and upcoming question and answer session with shout outs and sponsored ads.

Discover the intriguing history of the record player in Japan, from its early prototypes to modern-day pop culture. Explore the evolution of sound recording technology and its reception in Japan, alongside the rise of naniwabushi and early music stars. Uncover how phonographs became accessible in the early 20th century, despite economic hurdles, and their role in fostering music appreciation. Finally, delve into how wartime influence shaped the music scene and the significance of the phonograph as a tool for personal expression.

Dive into the fascinating evolution of communication technology in Japan! Discover how the telegraph transformed the nation during its modernization, featuring key figures who played pivotal roles. Learn about the introduction of the telephone, which faced societal reluctance amidst crises, but ultimately emerged as a symbol of progress. Explore the darker side of communications as they became tools for colonial manipulation in the 1930s, highlighting the duality of connection and control. It's a captivating look at how technology shaped a nation!

This week: Tokugawa Ienari is often considered the worst shogun of the Tokugawa era. Where does his reputation come from, and is it entirely deserved? Sources, show notes, and transcript at this link Support the show on Patreon

This week: Osaka enters the modern era. How did the nation’s kitchen become the “capital of smoke,” and how did the city’s government attempt to remake it for the modern era? Show notes and episode transcript at this link Support the show to get access to ad-free episodes and bonus content on Patreon

Apologies for the delayed release! I had some computer issues on my end, but they are now resolved. This week is all about Osaka during the late Edo years, as the system of the Tokugawa shoguns began to fall further and further out of equilibrium. How did the "nation's kitchen" weather attempts to alter the system of rice-based taxation that was the backbone of Tokugawa Japan? And why was it the site of the first anti-shogunate rebellion in centuries? Show notes here.

I'm very excited to announce my work with Paradox Interactive on a new piece of content for the excellent Europa Universalis IV! Join me as I talk with Alvaro Sanz, one of the fine folks at Paradox, about the project and about video games, history, and all the fun intersections thereof.

This week: it's the height of the Edo period, and you sail into Osaka's harbor. What sorts of things might you see? Show notes here.