The Bakufu's Last Gasp

The conflict between Fujiwara Nakamaro and retired Empress Kōken comes to a head as both sides make their opening moves in a dangerous game that resulted in open rebellion. Can Fujiwara Nakamaro find a way to maintain his grip on power, or will the retired Empress triumph over this ally-turned-enemy? For a battle diagram of the conflict, check out the supplemental post! Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, ...

8 Feb 202115min

With his chosen sovereign now placed securely on the throne, Fujiwara Nakamaro probably thought he was about to enjoy the height of his political influence. There was only one problem: the former sovereign, Empress Kōken, did not believe that her retirement should prevent her from continuing to govern the nation regardless of the Chancellor's wishes. To see an informative map covering the contemporary An Lushan Rebellion in Tang China, and to see the tomb of Emperor Junnin, check out the sup...

4 Feb 202116min

Dissatisfied with the new status quo, Tachibana Naramaro decides to take matters into his own hands and overthrow his cousin Fujiwara Nakamaro. Will he succeed in this power grab against the increasingly powerful Nakamaro, or will he meet the same fate of so many others who dared to challenge him? For pictures of Empress Komyo, Empress Koken, and Fujiwara Toyonari, check out the supplemental post! Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and jo...

1 Feb 202127min

Desperate to find a solution to the many troubles which had plagued his realm since he took the throne, Emperor Shōmu commissioned new temples to be constructed across the Kansai region and attempted to move the capital several times. Meanwhile, Empres Kōmyō and Crown Princess Abe increasingly took up the burden of governance with the help of their trusted relative Fujiwara Nakamaro. For pictures of Todaiji, the Daibutsu statue, and other great projects of Emperor Shōmu, check out the supple...

28 Jan 202121min

The imperial court hoped that Fujiwara Hirotsugu would cool his heels in Kyūshū and stop undermining the Chancellor. Instead, he launched an armed rebellion with the help of the discontented locals of his island, who were still recovering from the lingering effects from the epidemic. For an artistic depiction of Fujiwara Hirotsugu as well as a helpful battle diagram, check out the supplemental post! Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes &a...

25 Jan 202118min

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 Jan 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 Jan 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 Jan 202135min