The Long Road of Peace

Prince Nagaya was dead, but the smallpox epidemic of 735-737 ravaged the nation and even took the lives of several high-ranking courtiers. Thus a new concept was born in Japanese history: the vengeful ghosts. For artistic depictions of the Fujiwara Brothers, as well as the men who rose to power as a result of the epidemic, 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, a...

21 Tammi 202119min

Emperor Shomu's court was filled with rivalries and scandals among the kuge which sometimes took a violent turn. The feud between the Fujiwara Clan and Prince Nagaya would become the stuff of legend.For a painting of Emperor Shomu and an image of the Emishi people, 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!

18 Tammi 202119min

The late 600s and early 700s were a tumultuous time for continental east Asia. From the war between the Tang Dynasty and the Kingdom of Silla to the rise to power of Empress Wu Zetian and the emergence of Balhae as Koguryo's successor state, big things were happening which would come to influence Japan's place in the east. If you'd like to see some interesting photos of some of the gigantic Buddha statues sponsored by Empress Wu as well as a statue of Balhae's founder, check out the suppleme...

14 Tammi 202134min

The Nara Period began when Empress Genmei moved the court to the new permanent capital of Heijo-kyo in the northern part of the Nara region. During the reigns of Empresses Genmei and Genshō, the Fujiwara Clan continued to grow in power under the leadership of Fujiwara Fuhito. For a picture of Empress Genmei and the tomb of Empress Genshō, check out the supplemental post! Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books,...

11 Tammi 202131min

An overview of the growth and development of Buddhism in the early Nara Period and the interaction of religious and political authorities.For pictures of some of the temples in question, and a statue of Gyōki, 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!

7 Tammi 202122min

The Nara Period began with the court's relocation to Heijo-kyo during the reign of Empress Genmei. In this episode, we'll explore the recorded mythology from the period as well as the new capital in all of its grandeur as well as the court in all of its pomp. For pictures of the reconstructed Heijo Palace as well as a really cool scale model of the ancient capital, check out the supplemental post. Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barne...

4 Tammi 202125min

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 post for full color images of a few of these mythic sovereigns by the famous nineteenth century woodblock artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (月岡芳年)! 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...

26 Marras 202021min

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 Marras 202014min