The 604 Constitution
The 604 Constitution probably wasn't written in 604 and doesn't really qualify as a constitution under modern standards. Still, it represents an important milestone in Japanese statecraft and helps us understand the confucian, legalist, and even daoist influence on Asuka Japan. Hear the words of the constitution for yourself in this bonus episode! To read the complete text at your liesure, check out the supplemental post! Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now availab...
23 Nov 202014min
The Art of the Asuka Period
Let's explore the artwork that emerged during the Asuka Period, which was heavily influenced by mainland resettlement as well as the rise of Buddhism.Check out some pictures of these impressive statues and buildings on 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 other online platforms!
19 Nov 202015min
The New And Improved Yamato State
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 other online platforms!
16 Nov 202027min
The First Tenno
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.org, and many other online platforms!
12 Nov 202028min
After the Soga Clan
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, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms!
9 Nov 202026min
The Rise and Fall of the Soga Clan
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 dramatic collapse. For paintings and other artwork of the Soga patriarchs, check out the supplemental post! Suppo...
5 Nov 202025min
The Life of Crown Prince Shōtoku
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, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms!
2 Nov 202030min
The Fall of Baekje
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 supplemental post! Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Bar...
29 Okt 202015min
