A Short History of Japan Podcast

Oda Nobunaga had the luck, the allies, the staff, the location, the armies and the validation to make a move on Kyoto while the other major Daimyo kept busy fighting amongst themselves. He also had ...

7 Jan 201217min

In this episode we introduce one of Japan's three Great Unifiers. His rise to power was certainly not easy and could easily have relegated him to the status of also-ran.

22 Dec 201117min

The Portuguese bumped into Japan in 1543 and brought with them guns and god. In this podcast we will hear about how Japan received these products of the west.

22 Dec 201136min

War in medieval Japan was a colourful bonanza - bravery, cowardice and accounting!

9 Feb 201130min

The word sengoku means 'chaotic states' or 'warring states/countries' and 'jidai' means 'age - like 'iron age'.  Betrayal, destruction, suffering and despair.  It's every man for himself - and a few m...

8 Feb 201126min

The peasants of Japan finally get their turn at dealing out violence!

6 Feb 201140min

Every tourist who goes to Kyoto goes here - but its story, and that of the Silver Pavilion, are not well known

5 Feb 201127min

4 Feb 201119min