Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan

This episode we talk about the first recorded instance of Buddhism--or at least the worship of the Buddha--in Japan, and we look at some of the politics and issues surrounding its adoption, as well as some of the problems in the story we have from the Chronicles.  We also look at what legend says happened to the oldest Buddhist image and where you can find it, today.  Hint: It is in a place that o...

This episode we look at the transmission of Buddhism through the 1st to 5th centuries from India, to the Kushan Empire, and across the Silk Road to the Han and succeeding dynasties, and even to Baekje, on the Korean peninsula. For more, especially photos, please check out https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-84   Rough Transcript:   Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.   My name i...

As we begin to talk about the arrival of Buddhism on the Japanese archipelago we start out with a look at the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, and his teachings. For more, check out our webpage at https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode- Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.  My name is Joshua, and this is Episode 83: Shakyamuni, aka the Historical Buddha. First a quic...

This episode covers the fate of Nimna, aka Mimana or Imna, and the general destruction and subjugation of the various states on the Korean peninsula between Silla and Baekje, along with the rise of Silla as a a true power.  Using references in the Samguk Sagi along with the Nihon Shoki we will try to puzzle out just what was happening in this chaotic but important period. For more, see https://sen...

This episode we start our look at the reign of Ame Kunioshi Hiraki Niha, aka Kinmei Tennō. We'll start off with a look at his ascension to the throne and some of the politics that we can see going on in the court. We'll also discuss some of the theories regarding this reign, particularly its chronological placement in the Chronicles, which may not be exactly as it seems. Still, we are in what many...

Quick bonus episode talking about my own recent travels around the Nara Basin with some suggestions for those interested in ancient Japanese history. For photos, check out:  https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-nara-part1 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.  My name is Joshua, and this is a special episode: Traveling through the ancient Nara Basin, part 1 First...

This episode we take a look at the reign of Takewo Hiro Oshikuni Tate, aka Senka Tenno, and we take our first steps into what is referred to as the Asuka Period, due to the large number of rulers who had courts in the region of Asuka in the southern Nara Basin. For more information, check out https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-80 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of J...

This episode we look at some of the physical evidence from this period.  In particular, since we are talking about the sovereign known as Ankan Tenno, we will look at a glass bowl, said to have come from his tomb, which appears to have made its way all the way from Sassanid Persia to Japan between the 5th and 6th centuries CE.  Along the way we'll take a brief look at the route that such an item m...

新年あけましておめでとうございます。 Happy New Year! This brief episode we take some time to recap the past year and look at what is cominng up in the future.  In addition, we will talk a little bit about the behind the scenes.   Rough Transcript Shinnen akemashite omedetou gozaimasu!  Happy New Year! Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.  My name is Joshua and this is our New Year's Re...

This episode we hang up on Keitai and begin to take a look at the mess that follows him.  There are still a lot of questions about this period, but we'll try to tackle what we can and continue to pay attention to the clues about how things worked during this period. For more information, check out https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-78 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles...

This episode we are back looking at what the Chronicles tell us about what was going on between Yamato and the various states of the peninsula, but from a very insular viewpoint.  I recommend listening to Part I, first, and consider what the Chronicles are saying in a larger context.  That said, we have lots going on, from the troubles with Nimna and Kara/Gaya, as well as rebellion in Tsukushi--ak...

As we start to look at the events documented in the reign of Wohodo, aka Keitai Tenno, we are going to be looking at a lot of records dealing with the southern end of the Korean peninsula through Tsukushi, or Kyushu.  This first part will look mostly at what we know about these areas from the linguistic and archaeological angles.  Specifically, we are trying to break down the notion that there was...

We know about the regalia, the mirror, the sword, and the jewel, but has that always been the case?  This episode we look at a new sovereign coming to the throne and recieving the mirror, the sword, and... a seal.  So what's up with that? For more, check out https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-75 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.   My name is Joshua, and this...

This episode we step back and take a look at the formation of the Yamato state on the Japanese archipelago.  This covers the various reigns up to this point, but takes a look at the larger themes that brought us to this point. For more, check out https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-74 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.   My name is Joshua, and this is episode...

Our last look at the continent for a while as we look at what was happening over there, at least in a large sense.  We'll get into the story of Wang Dao and his live-in hermit, Guo Wen, and talk about hermits, gardens, and the general chaos that was this period. You can also check out more at https://www.sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-73 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles...

Continuing with our continental history catch-up, we discuss the Three Kingdoms period and the eventual rise--and fall--of the Jin dynasty.  We look at the origins of the nine rank system, as well as cultural phenomena like the Seven Worthies of the Bambboo Grove. For more, see https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-72 Rough Transcript Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.   My name...

This episode we put a pause on Japan and we take a deeper look at what was happening outside of the archipelago.  In particular we'll take a look up through about the 6th or 7th century, and the start of the Tang dynasty, which should prep us for what we will see in the Japanese records.   I'll try not to go into the weeds too much, but, well, no promises. This episode we'll look at the rise and f...

This episode we discuss the reign of Ohatsuse Wakasazaki, aka Buretsu (or Muretsu) Tennō.  Wakasazki is one of the least popular sovereigns with the Chroniclers, but why was that?  Was he really as bad as everyone says?  Tune in to find out. You can also check out more information over at https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-70 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan...

Normally we don't think of poetry as a particularly dangerous affair, but in the ancient Japanese court it was a serious business, with lives and fortunes often on the line as the elite competed to demonstrate their wit and erudition. For more on this episode, check out https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-69 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.   My name is Josh...

This episode we talk about the elder of the two brothers, who took the throne after the unfortunate death of his younger sibling.  He ruled for about a decade, at least if the Chronicles are to be trusted, so what exactly happened during his reign? Listen, and for more information, check out the blog at https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-68 Rough Transcript Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chron...

A variety of topics that are all centered around the reign of Woke, aka Kenzō Tennō.  Things like winding stream poetry, the first use of "banzai", as well as notes on the worship of Takumi Musubi.  Mostly a variety of small things. For more, check out the podcast webpage: https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-67 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.   My name is J...

Shiraga, aka Seinei Tennou, is on the throne, the son of Wakatake, but childless, he needs an heir.  Unfortunately, he has no sons, and his father murdered all of his own brothers.  I mean, come on, it isn't as if there are royal heirs just lying around waiting to be called upon, right? For more, check out the podcast webpage: https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-66 Rough Transcript : Welcome...

Shiraga is now King, but what kind of king would he be?  What great deeds should we expect?  Well, I can tell you one deed--he apparently threw some epic parties. For more, check out https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-65 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.   My name is Joshua and this is episode 65: The Party King of Wa. This week I want to talk about Shiraga...

Covering the end of Wakatake's reign, including a recap of how we got here, and the transition to the next sovereign, Prince Shiraga.  You can find more information at https://www.sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-64/ Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan!   My name is Joshua, and this is Episode 64: The Prince in Waiting. In this episode, I'm going to focus on the very...