The Kofun Way of War
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 loo...
1 Loka 202015min
The Korean States
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, Baekj...
28 Syys 202015min
Unification and Collapse in China
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 pic...
24 Syys 202021min
The Age of Tombs and Kings
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 monume...
21 Syys 202017min
BONUS: The Gishi-Wajinden
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....
3 Syys 202023min
BONUS: Excerpts from Chinese Philosophy
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 ...
31 Elo 202026min
Queen Himiko of Yamatai
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 el...
27 Elo 202015min
Mythology, Customs, and Religion
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, ...
24 Elo 202014min
