The Emperors of Legend
Learn all about the legendary emperors of Japan leading up to the Asuka Period. The timeline is messy and the content often mythical, but it makes for good storytelling! Check out the supplemental po...
26 Nov 202021min
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...
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 statue...
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 Stat...
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 T...
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 Chin...
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 sove...
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. ...
2 Nov 202030min
