A History of Japan

History Podcasts

A history of the people of Japan, from the prehistoric Jomon period to the modern era. WARNING: This podcast occasionally touches on subjects of human sexuality, suicide, violence, and torture.

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Location:

United States

Description:

A history of the people of Japan, from the prehistoric Jomon period to the modern era. WARNING: This podcast occasionally touches on subjects of human sexuality, suicide, violence, and torture.

Language:

English

Contact:

5595931130

Episodes

China's Famous Visitors - BONUS EPISODE

1/30/2023
Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta were two travelers whose journeys to China made them famous. In this episode, we will explore their accounts and examine the criticism of their skeptics. Support the show

Duration:00:16:40

The Golden Age of Renga - BONUS EPISODE

1/23/2023
Just like the political upheaval during the Muromachi Period, there was also aesthetic upheaval. The world of Japanese poetry would soon be challenged by a new type of cooperative verse known as Renga. The consequences for its champions, however, would sometimes prove extremely dire. Support the show

Duration:00:13:05

Selections from the Kemmu Shikimoku and Jinno Shotoki - BONUS EPISODE

1/16/2023
In this special bonus episode, we will read the entire Kemmu Shikimoku and selections from Kitabatake Chikafusa's Jinno Shotoki. Support the show

Duration:00:22:01

The Onin War Part II: The Fire Spreads

1/9/2023
As the Onin War continued to ravage the capital, it sparked regional conflicts and forced the Shugo-daimyo and peasants to fend for themselves amid the civil war. When the war was over, the political power of the Shogunate reached an all-time low. Support the show

Duration:00:26:01

The Onin War Part I: A Family Dispute

12/22/2022
Ashikaga Yoshimasa wanted to retire from the office of Shogun, so he chose his brother Yoshimi to be his successor. In 1465, however, his wife gave birth to a son. As two powerful clans each threw their weight behind a different candidate, war became imminent. Support the show

Duration:00:28:09

The Rising Tide

12/19/2022
After Yoshimitsu, the Ashikaga Shoguns would all try their hand at keeping the powerful shugo-daimyo clans in line. Ashikaga Yoshinori went to extreme lengths to dominate them, but paid the ultimate price. Support the show

Duration:00:26:24

The Pax Ashikaga

12/15/2022
In the closing years of the reign of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the Shogun would continue to reach ever higher for honors and titles which were usually reserved for sovereigns. He would also continue to refine Japan's aesthetic tastes by patronizing Noh performances. Support the show

Duration:00:27:54

The Joseon Dynasty

12/12/2022
As the Yuan Dynasty fled China, two factions emerged in the Korean government - one which supported Yuan restoration and one which acknowledged the new Ming Dynasty. As a result, the Goryeo Dynasty collapsed and in its place arose the Joseon Dynasty. Support the show

Duration:00:29:38

The Rise of the Ming Dynasty

12/8/2022
As the Yuan Dynasty lost ground against rebel uprisings, a leader of the Red Turbans would eliminate his rivals until finally driving the Yuan out of Khanbaliq and founding the Ming Dynasty. Support the show

Duration:00:28:25

The Fall of the Mongols

12/5/2022
After Kublai Khan's death, the Yuan Dynasty was divided by two rival factions - one who wanted total Mongol traditional rule and one who preferred Confucian government. The economic turmoil caused by these feuding parties gave rise, in part, to the Red Turban Rebellion. Support the show

Duration:00:26:18

Shikata Ga Nai

12/1/2022
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu retires... or does he? The Ouchi clan seizes its moment but faces off against the Shogun's private army - the Hokoshu. We also explore the differences and similarities between the Muromachi Bakufu and the Kamakura Shogunate. Support the show

Duration:00:25:14

A Nation Somewhat United

11/28/2022
The reign of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was remarkable for many reasons, including the conclusion of the Nanboku-cho period. As the Southern Court finally capitulates, however, they soon learn that the Bakufu has no intention of enforcing their end of the peace treaty. Support the show

Duration:00:26:48

A City Divided

11/17/2022
Within a decade, Heian-kyo would undergo multiple possessions by both the Northern and Southern Court. As Ashikaga Yoshimitsu is installed as the third Shogun, his regent Hosokawa Yoriyuki solidifies the Bakufu's status as a legitimate funcitoning government. Support the show

Duration:00:26:46

A House Divided

11/14/2022
The rivalry between the Ko brothers and Ashikaga Tadayoshi comes to a head and results in a stunning reversal for the Northern Court. However, Ashikaga Takauji would not be quick to forgive his brother for his betrayal. Support the show

Duration:00:21:31

A Nation Divided

11/10/2022
The Southern Court attempts to mount a nationwide uprising against the Ashikaga Shogunate, sending their agents to Tohoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu as the Bakufu struggles with internal dissention and rivalries. Support the show

Duration:00:27:33

Revenues and Expenditures

11/7/2022
Leaving the fighting of the Nanboku-cho wars aside for the moment, we take some time to examine the economics, aesthetics, and social developments of the early Muromachi period. Support the show

Duration:00:24:55

The Northern and Southern Courts

11/3/2022
After Emperor Go-Daigo's flight to Yoshino, the nation was split in a civil conflict which would last for decades called the Nanboku-Cho Wars. Support the show

Duration:00:24:24

Takauji's Triumph

10/31/2022
Although Ashikaga Takauji had been chased out of Honshu for the moment, he was safe among allies in Kyushu where he planned to make a dramatic return. Emperor Go-Daigo, determined to remain in the capital, ordered his loyalists to attack Takauji as he made his return, resulting in a crushing disaster for his cause. Support the show

Duration:00:19:09

Takauji's Treason

10/27/2022
Having left the capital without permission to quell a pro-Hojo rebellion in Kanto, Ashikaga Takauji compounded the situation by refusing to return to Heian-kyo. The resulting civil war pitted the loyalists of Emperor Go-Daigo against the frustrated samurai who followed the Ashikaga brothers. Support the show

Duration:00:23:47

The Kemmu "Restoration"

10/24/2022
Emperor Go-Daigo took the throne and immediately tried to establish himself as the sole ruler of Japan. While his taxation of trade and mercantile approach to imperial governance were very practical, those he appointed to reward the samurai who had fought on his behalf were inexperienced and corrupt. Support the show

Duration:00:26:26

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