History of Japan

This week, we investigate the great Zen master Dogen, who was something of an eccentric in his own time but remains one of the greatest Buddhist thinkers in Japanese history.

2 Des 201730min

Turns out, getting involved in a land war in Asia really is one of the classic blunders. This week, how did it all pan out?

25 Nov 201728min

How did Japan fit into the broader framework of the Allied intervention? What were the Japanese trying to accomplish in Siberia? And who was even in charge of this damned thing? All that and more, thi...

18 Nov 201728min

100 Years ago, Japan intervened in Russia to create a buffer state against the new Soviet Union. So how did that work out? We'll start answering that question this week.

11 Nov 201726min

This week: why is a military failure worth 7 episodes of our time? The legacy of the Mongol invasions of Japan, explained.

4 Nov 201725min

The 1281 invasion is at the gates (or the seawall, I suppose). How will round 2 play out?

28 Okt 201728min

This week, we prepare for round two. How are the Japanese getting ready for another invasion, and how does that new invasion begin?

21 Okt 201728min

This week, we cover exciting topics like meteorology and internal Mongol family politics! But wait, there's also a bit of Zen theology dashed in to spice things up!   It's an eclectic week on the podc...

14 Okt 201728min