The Shimabara Rebellion

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

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

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

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 Okt 202020min

We turn our attention to the Korean Peninsula back to the mid-500s, a dramatic time for the kingdoms of Baekje, Silla, and Koguryo. As war engulfed the peninsula, however, a new power was rising to their west which would ultimately upset the balance and change history forever. For some cool maps and pictures of the various treasures of the three kingdoms of Korea, check out the supplemental post! Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes &...

22 Okt 202022min

A new religion arrives on Japan's fair shores - but will it be welcomed or ostracized? The Soga and Mononobe clans end up on opposite sides of the issue and must fight one another for the future of their nation. For pictures of some of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, 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!

19 Okt 202025min

Before we learn how Buddhism changed Japan, I thought it would be useful to learn about its own history. From the tale of Sakyamuni to the halls of power in China and Korea, this religion has been all over the world and continues to inspire even today. For pictures of the earliest stupas still standing, Indo-Greek statues, and beautiful east Asian temples, check out the supplemental post! Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ...

15 Okt 202026min

Now that we understand the general backdrop of the Kofun Period, it's time to learn what we can of the early Yamato Court who claimed authority over the nation. We also explore the seeds of the Soga-Mononobe conflict which would later lead to bloodshed and a dramatic battle for the soul of the nation. If you'd like to see some maps to better understand where this is all taking place, I've provided some in the supplemental post. Merch Store open now: https://ahistoryofjapan.threadless.com/ S...

12 Okt 202022min