The Age of Empresses
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! Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching...
11 Jan 202132min
Nara Religion
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 Jan 202122min
A Fresh Start
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. Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, ...
4 Jan 202126min
The Emperors of Legend
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 Nov 202021min
The 604 Constitution
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 Nov 202014min
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 Nov 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. 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, K...
16 Nov 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. 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, ...
12 Nov 202028min
