A History of Japan

Let's take a closer look at the reforms introduced by King Tenji and Emperor Tenmu to see what they intended to accomplish, at least on paper. I put a handy diagram of the newly-organized Yamato State in the supplemental post. Support the show  My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Kobo , Apple Books , Bookshop.org , and many ot...

As Crown Prince Otama takes the throne, he adopts a new title which remains in use in Japan to this day and becomes Emperor Tenmu. Check out the supplemental post for images of the first and second Tenno, as well as a poem written by Empress Jito. Support the show  My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Kobo , Apple Books , Bookshop.o...

In the aftermath of the Isshi Incident, High Prince Naka and his co-conspirators set to work reforming the government to more closely resemble the splendor and grandeur of the courts of Korea and China. Check out the supplemental post for drawings of Queen Kogyoku and King Tenji! Support the show  My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon , Barnes & Noble...

Though the Soga Clan's origins are shrouded in mystery, by the 500s they had established themselves as one of the most powerful clans in Yamato. By the 600s they were wielding power even over the sovereigns themselves, going so far as to assassinate the kings who displeased them. In this episode, we'll follow their meteoric career, as well as examine the factors that led to their dramati...

Crown Prince Shōtoku cast a long shadow over Japanese history and influenced its society for centuries to come. In this episode, I attempt to separate the man from the myth as best as I possibly can. For paintings and statues of the Crown Prince, check out the supplemental post! Support the show  My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon , Barnes & Noble ,...

Baekje was arguably Japan's most treasured foreign relation on the Korean Peninsula, so naturally the Yamato Court answered the call when Baekje needed them most. Whether they were able to reverse the considerably bad fortune which their ally had suffered in recent years, however, was a different matter. To see some images of the incredible treasures which Baekje produced, check out the suppl...

The Sui Dynasty came to an end, but unified China did not. The Tang Dynasty solidified the gains made under the Sui and soon turned their eyes toward expansion and conquest. Their actions would eventually change the Korean peninsula forever. For maps and some pretty cool artwork from the Tang Dynasty, check out the supplemental post! Support the show  My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade,...

We turn our attention to the Korean Peninsula back to the mid-500s, a dramatic time for the kingdoms of Baekje, Silla, and Koguryo. As war engulfed the peninsula, however, a new power was rising to their west which would ultimately upset the balance and change history forever. For some cool maps and pictures of the various treasures of the three kingdoms of Korea, check out the supplemental post!...

A new religion arrives on Japan's fair shores - but will it be welcomed or ostracized? The Soga and Mononobe clans end up on opposite sides of the issue and must fight one another for the future of their nation. For pictures of some of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, check out the supplemental post! Support the show  My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available...

Before we learn how Buddhism changed Japan, I thought it would be useful to learn about its own history. From the tale of Sakyamuni to the halls of power in China and Korea, this religion has been all over the world and continues to inspire even today. For pictures of the earliest stupas still standing, Indo-Greek statues, and beautiful east Asian temples, check out the supplemental post! Support...

Now that we understand the general backdrop of the Kofun Period, it's time to learn what we can of the early Yamato Court who claimed authority over the nation. We also explore the seeds of the Soga-Mononobe conflict which would later lead to bloodshed and a dramatic battle for the soul of the nation. If you'd like to see some maps to better understand where this is all taking place, I&a...

Let's explore the creative side of the Kofun Period! We'll take a look at haniwa statues, various styles of pottery, and even tomb paintings as we seek to better understand and appreciate the ancient people of Japan. For lots of cool photos of the items discussed in this episode, check out the supplemental post ! Merch Store open now: https://ahistoryofjapan.threadless.com/ Support the s...

In this episode, we'll take a closer look at the leaders of Kofun Period Japan and the sources of their political power. If you want to see detailed photos of haniwa statues, take a look at the supplemental post! Merch Store open now: https://ahistoryofjapan.threadless.com/ Support the show  My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon , Barnes & Noble ,...

Let's take a closer look at the weapons, armor, and tactics of the Kofun Period and also take a look at Japan's involvement in the conflicts among the powers of the Korean Peninsula. For a closer look at the arms and armor we discuss here, check out the supplemental post . Merch Store open now: https://ahistoryofjapan.threadless.com/ Support the show  My latest novel, "Califia'...

The development of the Korean States during the 200s-400s had a massive impact on Japan as four major polities emerged on the Peninsula. In this episode, we'll learn about the states of Koguryo, Baekje, Silla, and the Gaya Confederacy, as well as what we think happened regarding Japan's involvment in their inter-peninsular squabbles. If you'd like to see some sweet maps as well as a...

The 200s-400s was a busy time in China, full of dramatic rises and falls of many dynasties and conquerors. What effect did this tumultous time have on the Korean peninsula and Japan? For maps and pictures of artifacts from the Jin Dynasty, check out the supplemental post ! Merch Store open now: https://ahistoryofjapan.threadless.com/ Support the show  My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade,...

During Japan's Kofun Period (250-552CE), communities were periodically organized to build massive tomb mounds which still pepper its landscape to this day. What was the purpose of these massive monuments and what can we discover about the society that created them? In this episode, we'll explore the growth of power in Kofun Japan using archaeology, scholarship, and even a few written sou...

In this special bonus episode, I will read aloud a translation of the Gishi-Wajinden. This is the portion of the Records of Wei that involves third-century Japan. You can read a translation of it here . Supplementary post is here . Support the show  My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Kobo , Apple Books , Bookshop.org , and many ot...

For your listening pleasure, I read excerpts from the Analects, the Tao te Ching, the Han Feizi, and, for good measure, The Art of War. Check out the supplementary post for links to freely available translations of these works online! Support the show  My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Kobo , Apple Books , Bookshop.org , and many...

According to the Records of Wei, a leader emerged at the end of the Yayoi Period who successfully united thirty of Japan's chiefdom under her own leadership. Who was Queen Himiko, and where was her elusive capital of Yamatai located? Check out the supplemental post for a pretty cool statue of Queen Himiko in modern-day Saga prefecture. Support the show  My latest novel, "Califia's C...

Ancient East Asia was a rich tapestry of various beliefs, customs, religious rituals, and spirituality. In this episode, we explore the various practices of the Yayoi regarding divination, shamanism, and ocean voyages. Check out the supplemental post for pictures of the Izumo Shrine and Ise Shrine referred to in this episode! Support the show  My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," i...

Against a backdrop of disunity and warfare, three philosophies would stand the test of time and continue to influence government, religion, and worldviews today. Join me as we explore Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism and the underlying assumptions which supported their adoption in ancient China. Support the show  My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon , B...

Global trade is a concept nearly as old as civilization itself. Ancient China utilized trade networks as a means of learning about other cultures, adopting and sharing new ideas, and promoting friendly tributary relations with their neighbors. The Han Dynasty, however, would push trade to its limits, eventually exchanging goods from as far away as western Europe. Check out the supplemental post fo...

In this episode, we explore the changes that began to occur in the southern and northern regions of the Korean Peninsula during the Yayoi Period, as well as the impact those changes had on Japan and China. Support the show  My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Kobo , Apple Books , Bookshop.org , and many other online platforms! 

War rages across Zhou Dynasty as the former states become kingdoms and set their eyes toward national domination. Ultimately the kingdom of Qin would claim the throne for themselves, thanks in part to the reforms of legalist scholar Shang Yang. After the Qin's collapse, the Han Dynasty would rise from their ashes and rule China for four hundred years. Don't forget to check out the supple...