
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 Marras 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 Marras 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 Marras 202028min

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 Marras 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 Marras 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 Loka 202015min

The Rise of the Tang Dynasty
The Sui Dynasty came to an end, but unified China did not. The Tang Dynasty solidified the gains made under the Sui and soon turned their eyes toward expansion and conquest. Their actions would eventually change the Korean peninsula forever. For maps and some pretty cool artwork from the Tang Dynasty, 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 p...
26 Loka 202020min