The Meiji Constitution

Kiso Yoshinaka, cousin to Yoritomo, was a rising star of the Minamoto clan who was feared on the battlefield and respected by his peers. So where did it all go wrong for this talented samurai general? Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop....

6 Dec 202127min

Minamoto Yoritomo was in a tight spot - the interior of a hollow tree. One month after the battle of Ishibashiyama, however, he would lead a massive army of Kanto samurai against a punitive Taira force and regain his lost honor. Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ...

2 Dec 202124min

Frustrated by the Taira clan's monopoly on imperial succession, Prince Mochihito makes an alliance with Minamoto Yorimasa. The two hatch a plot to overthrow Taira Kiyomori and place Mochihito on the throne, but their plans quickly change when Kiyomori learns of their conspiracy. Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade...

29 Nov 202129min

By the late Heian Period, the four most influential temples in Japan all fielded their own private armies and frequently clashed with one another and with the government as well. One of the most famous Sohei (Warrior Monk) would become the close companion of a legendary Minamoto warrior.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!

25 Nov 202117min

In the aftermath of the Heiji Rebellion, the Ise Taira clan were now the de facto rulers of Japan. Their chieftain, Taira Kiyomori, would prove himself not only a brilliant military commander, but an able politician who would receive ranks and offices within the Daijo-daikan which had never before been achieved by a samurai.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!

22 Nov 202121min

When Taira Kiyomori and his entourage left the capital for a pilgrimage, Minamoto Yoshitomo and Fujiwara Yorinaga launched a coup, kidnapping the sitting Emperor Nijo and the retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa and murdering their opponents. What followed was a series of political purges, negligent missteps, and a bloody conclusion that would establish samurai domination over the government. Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo,...

18 Nov 202120min

When retired Emperor Toba died, jilted Emperor Sutoku would try to rally the samurai to his cause and force Emperor Go-Shirakawa from the throne by force. However, the sitting Emperor would also call upon his own loyal samurai to defend his throne. The ensuing struggle led to the rise of the first samurai-led government in Japanese history. Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other on...

15 Nov 202119min

With the Insei government in charge, the Daijo-daikan continued to wilt. Some kuge, however, saw opportunity in an impending conflict between two retired Emperors over matters of succession.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!

11 Nov 202117min