The Bakufu's Last Gasp
In the closing days of the Boshin War, the remnant of the Bakufu's forces attempted to establish a semi-independent state on the northern island of Hokkaido. The fledgling Meiji government, however, h...
28 Okt 202429min
A Tale of Three Shogunates -- BONUS
After the Boshin War, the Shogunate as a form of government would cease to exist. In this episode we examine the three different warrior governments that ruled over Japan over nearly seven centuries a...
24 Juni 202419min
The Evolution of the Samurai -- BONUS
In this bonus episode, we trace the origins of the samurai and their subsequent evolution to the heights of political power.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at A...
17 Juni 202420min
The Three Outstanding Heroes -- BONUS
Three samurai are credited with significant contributions to the success of the Meiji Revolution and in this episode we explore their backgrounds and experiences during the tumultuous Bakumatsu period...
10 Juni 202415min
The Boshin War
Tensions between the Bakufu and the freshly-energized Loyalists came to a head when a shogunate army was refused entry to Kyoto - then promptly fired upon. The ensuing Boshin War was largely one-sided...
6 Juni 202427min
Bakumatsu, Part 3: The Last Shogun
Things appeared grim for Choshu Domain after their defeat to western forces at the Battle of Shimonoseki. In a few short years, however, their fortunes would be completely reversed and the Bakufu woul...
3 Juni 202425min
Bakumatsu, Part 2: Blood in the Streets
After the assassination of Ii Naosuke, political violence became a new norm. The Shogunate was deeply troubled when a rebellion began in its own backyard of northern Kanto, in Mito Domain. Support the...
30 Maj 202430min
Bakumatsu, Part 1: The Ansei Purge
After the national humiliation and subsequent economic turmoil caused by opening Japan to more foreign trade, the Bakufu desperately tried to regain a position of national authority. This culminated i...
27 Maj 202427min
