
The Clans of Yamato
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

Kofun Art
Let's explore the creative side of the Kofun Period! We'll take a look at haniwa statues, various styles of pottery, and even tomb paintings as we seek to better understand and appreciate the ancient people of Japan. For lots of cool photos of the items discussed in this episode, check out the supplemental post! Merch Store open now: https://ahistoryofjapan.threadless.com/ Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Boo...
8 Okt 202013min

Who Ruled in Kofun Japan?
In this episode, we'll take a closer look at the leaders of Kofun Period Japan and the sources of their political power.If you want to see detailed photos of haniwa statues, take a look at the supplemental post!Merch Store open now: https://ahistoryofjapan.threadless.com/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!
5 Okt 202018min

The Kofun Way of War
Let's take a closer look at the weapons, armor, and tactics of the Kofun Period and also take a look at Japan's involvement in the conflicts among the powers of the Korean Peninsula. For a closer look at the arms and armor we discuss here, check out the supplemental post. Merch Store open now: https://ahistoryofjapan.threadless.com/ 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...
1 Okt 202015min

The Korean States
The development of the Korean States during the 200s-400s had a massive impact on Japan as four major polities emerged on the Peninsula. In this episode, we'll learn about the states of Koguryo, Baekje, Silla, and the Gaya Confederacy, as well as what we think happened regarding Japan's involvment in their inter-peninsular squabbles. If you'd like to see some sweet maps as well as artifacts from some of these kingdoms, check out the supplemental post! Merch Store open now: https://ahistoryo...
28 Sep 202015min

Unification and Collapse in China
The 200s-400s was a busy time in China, full of dramatic rises and falls of many dynasties and conquerors. What effect did this tumultous time have on the Korean peninsula and Japan? For maps and pictures of artifacts from the Jin Dynasty, check out the supplemental post! Merch Store open now: https://ahistoryofjapan.threadless.com/ 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...
24 Sep 202021min

The Age of Tombs and Kings
During Japan's Kofun Period (250-552CE), communities were periodically organized to build massive tomb mounds which still pepper its landscape to this day. What was the purpose of these massive monuments and what can we discover about the society that created them? In this episode, we'll explore the growth of power in Kofun Japan using archaeology, scholarship, and even a few written sources! If you want a better idea about the size of these tombs, check out the supplemental blog post - they...
21 Sep 202017min

BONUS: The Gishi-Wajinden
In this special bonus episode, I will read aloud a translation of the Gishi-Wajinden. This is the portion of the Records of Wei that involves third-century Japan.You can read a translation of it here.Supplementary post is here.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!
3 Sep 202023min