Quick bonus episode talking about my own recent travels around the Nara Basin with some suggestions for those interested in ancient Japanese history. For photos, check out: https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-nara-part1 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua, and this is a special episode: Traveling through the ancient Nara Basin, part 1 First things first, apologies as I had fully intended to jump into the story of Ame Kunioshi Hiraki Hiro Nih...
Feb 16, 2023•21 min
This episode we take a look at the reign of Takewo Hiro Oshikuni Tate, aka Senka Tenno, and we take our first steps into what is referred to as the Asuka Period, due to the large number of rulers who had courts in the region of Asuka in the southern Nara Basin. For more information, check out https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-80 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua and this is Episode 80: The Asuka Period Begins! When last we looked at the ...
Feb 01, 2023•25 min•Ep. 80
This episode we look at some of the physical evidence from this period. In particular, since we are talking about the sovereign known as Ankan Tenno, we will look at a glass bowl, said to have come from his tomb, which appears to have made its way all the way from Sassanid Persia to Japan between the 5th and 6th centuries CE. Along the way we'll take a brief look at the route that such an item may have taken to travel across the Eurasian continent all the way to Japan. For more on this episode, ...
Jan 16, 2023•35 min•Ep. 79
新年あけましておめでとうございます。 Happy New Year! This brief episode we take some time to recap the past year and look at what is cominng up in the future. In addition, we will talk a little bit about the behind the scenes. Rough Transcript Shinnen akemashite omedetou gozaimasu! Happy New Year! Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua and this is our New Year’s Recap Episode for 2023. This year we covered topics from the 5th to the 6th centuries—from the time of Woasatsuma Wakugo no S...
Jan 01, 2023•22 min
This episode we hang up on Keitai and begin to take a look at the mess that follows him. There are still a lot of questions about this period, but we'll try to tackle what we can and continue to pay attention to the clues about how things worked during this period. For more information, check out https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-78 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua and this is Episode 78: Imminent Domain in Ancient Japan First off, a hu...
Dec 16, 2022•26 min•Ep. 78
This episode we are back looking at what the Chronicles tell us about what was going on between Yamato and the various states of the peninsula, but from a very insular viewpoint. I recommend listening to Part I, first, and consider what the Chronicles are saying in a larger context. That said, we have lots going on, from the troubles with Nimna and Kara/Gaya, as well as rebellion in Tsukushi--aka Northern Kyushu. And of course, plenty of people just behaving badly, because humans haven't really ...
Dec 01, 2022•39 min•Ep. 77
As we start to look at the events documented in the reign of Wohodo, aka Keitai Tenno, we are going to be looking at a lot of records dealing with the southern end of the Korean peninsula through Tsukushi, or Kyushu. This first part will look mostly at what we know about these areas from the linguistic and archaeological angles. Specifically, we are trying to break down the notion that there was necessarily a clear distinction between the "peninsula" and the "archipelago". Gina Barnes often refe...
Nov 16, 2022•26 min•Ep. 76
We know about the regalia, the mirror, the sword, and the jewel, but has that always been the case? This episode we look at a new sovereign coming to the throne and recieving the mirror, the sword, and... a seal. So what's up with that? For more, check out https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-75 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua, and this is Episode 75: The Mirror, Sword, and …Seal? We are going to be talking about the person who followed W...
Nov 01, 2022•30 min•Ep. 75
This episode we step back and take a look at the formation of the Yamato state on the Japanese archipelago. This covers the various reigns up to this point, but takes a look at the larger themes that brought us to this point. For more, check out https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-74 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua, and this is episode 74: Yamato and State Formation. We are finally back on the archipelago, after taking a few episodes to ...
Oct 16, 2022•28 min•Ep. 74
Our last look at the continent for a while as we look at what was happening over there, at least in a large sense. We'll get into the story of Wang Dao and his live-in hermit, Guo Wen, and talk about hermits, gardens, and the general chaos that was this period. You can also check out more at https://www.sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-73 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua, and this is episode 73: The Southern and Northern Dynasties Thanks for c...
Oct 01, 2022•33 min•Ep. 73
Continuing with our continental history catch-up, we discuss the Three Kingdoms period and the eventual rise--and fall--of the Jin dynasty. We look at the origins of the nine rank system, as well as cultural phenomena like the Seven Worthies of the Bambboo Grove. For more, see https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-72 Rough Transcript Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua, and this is episode 72: The Three Kingdoms Period Greetings, and welcome back. We are curren...
Sep 16, 2022•34 min•Ep. 72
This episode we put a pause on Japan and we take a deeper look at what was happening outside of the archipelago. In particular we'll take a look up through about the 6th or 7th century, and the start of the Tang dynasty, which should prep us for what we will see in the Japanese records. I'll try not to go into the weeds too much, but, well, no promises. This episode we'll look at the rise and fall of the Qin and Han after the Warring States period, including the diaspora that followed. For more,...
Sep 01, 2022•36 min•Ep. 71
This episode we discuss the reign of Ohatsuse Wakasazaki, aka Buretsu (or Muretsu) Tennō. Wakasazki is one of the least popular sovereigns with the Chroniclers, but why was that? Was he really as bad as everyone says? Tune in to find out. You can also check out more information over at https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-70 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. This is episode 70: The End of an Era. Content warning up front: This episode catalogues a lot of sen...
Aug 16, 2022•26 min•Ep. 70
Normally we don't think of poetry as a particularly dangerous affair, but in the ancient Japanese court it was a serious business, with lives and fortunes often on the line as the elite competed to demonstrate their wit and erudition. For more on this episode, check out https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-69 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua and this is episode 69: A Deadly Serious Poetry Battle. This is going to be a short one. A quick lo...
Aug 01, 2022•22 min•Ep. 69
This episode we talk about the elder of the two brothers, who took the throne after the unfortunate death of his younger sibling. He ruled for about a decade, at least if the Chronicles are to be trusted, so what exactly happened during his reign? Listen, and for more information, check out the blog at https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-68 Rough Transcript Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua and this is Episode 68: Ohoke the Elder. First things, first, shout...
Jul 16, 2022•36 min•Ep. 68
A variety of topics that are all centered around the reign of Woke, aka Kenzō Tennō. Things like winding stream poetry, the first use of "banzai", as well as notes on the worship of Takumi Musubi. Mostly a variety of small things. For more, check out the podcast webpage: https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-67 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua, and this is Episode 67: Woke’s Grab Bag Warning up front: this episode we are covering a bunch of...
Jul 01, 2022•24 min•Ep. 67
Shiraga, aka Seinei Tennou, is on the throne, the son of Wakatake, but childless, he needs an heir. Unfortunately, he has no sons, and his father murdered all of his own brothers. I mean, come on, it isn't as if there are royal heirs just lying around waiting to be called upon, right? For more, check out the podcast webpage: https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-66 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan, my name is Joshua and this is Episode 66: A Challenger Appear...
Jun 16, 2022•38 min•Ep. 66
Shiraga is now King, but what kind of king would he be? What great deeds should we expect? Well, I can tell you one deed--he apparently threw some epic parties. For more, check out https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-65 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua and this is episode 65: The Party King of Wa. This week I want to talk about Shiraga Takehiko Kunioshi Waka Yamatoneko, aka Seinei Tennou, the son and successor of Wakatake or Yuryaku Tenno...
Jun 01, 2022•35 min•Ep. 65
Covering the end of Wakatake's reign, including a recap of how we got here, and the transition to the next sovereign, Prince Shiraga. You can find more information at https://www.sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-64/ Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan! My name is Joshua, and this is Episode 64: The Prince in Waiting. In this episode, I’m going to focus on the very end of Ohohatsuse Wakatake, aka Yuryaku Tenno’s, reign, and the question of his successor and the vari...
May 16, 2022•30 min•Ep. 64
In which we talk about envoys to the continent, and those people who then immigrated to the archipelago. Along the way we'll also talk about the tragic death of the Ise Princess and just how one powerful immigrant family are connected--however loosely--to a modern movie studio. For more information on this episode, check out https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-63 Rough Transcript Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua and this is Episode 63: Immigrants, Gods, an...
May 01, 2022•47 min•Ep. 63
A look at the military/law enforcement capabilities of Yamato during the reign of Wakatake, with particular focus on the Mononobe as well as campaigns on the peninsula. For more, check out the podcast website at https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-62 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua, and this is Episode 62: Crime and Punishment So in recent episodes we’ve had a lot of talk about the less desirable qualities of Wakatake no Ohokimi, aka Yuu...
Apr 16, 2022•41 min•Ep. 62
Continuing with Wakatake and looking at some of his more egregious behavior and how the people around him often turned it around or made excuses for him. For more on this episoe, check out our website at https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-61 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua, and this is Episode 61: Bad Behavior and the People that Excuse It. First off, quick shout out to Owen for donating to support the show. If you want to join Owen, yo...
Apr 01, 2022•36 min•Ep. 61
This episode we really start getting into the reign of Wakatake, aka Yūryaku Tennō, and we'll start with stories centered mostly on the women who were his wives and consorts--or, in some cases, almost were. Through that we'll examine what the Chronicles have to say about his character. For more, check out the podcast webpage at https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-60 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua, and this is episode 60: The Impulsive L...
Mar 16, 2022•49 min•Ep. 60
This episode we will take a break before diving into the life of Ōhatsuse Wakatake, looking, instead, at three stories from the Nihon Shoki from this time, including one of the oldest incarnations of the story of Urashima Tarō, often seen as Japan's own Rip van Winkle. https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-59 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua and this is Episode 59: Urashima Taro and other stories. First, thanks to Lauren for supporting us o...
Mar 01, 2022•30 min•Ep. 59
This episode we look at the five "Kings of Wa" listed in the Song Shu annals of the 5th century Liu Song dynasty: San, Chin, Sei, Ko, and Bu. In the meantime we'll also mention a couple of 5th century swords that likewise help to corroborate some of what we are reading. For more, check out https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-58 Rough Transcript Episode 58 Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua and this is Episode 58: The Five Kings of Wa. Before we get started a...
Feb 16, 2022•38 min•Ep. 58
CW: Discussions of historical violence, rape, and suicide. We'll try to avoid being too graphic, but just wanted to warn everyone up front: this could probably do well with a Game of Thrones style series. Another sovereign dies, so of course there is some chaos, but who will come out on top? For more check out https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-57 Rough Transcript Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua, and this is Episode 57: Chaos and Bloodshed. Content warni...
Feb 01, 2022•38 min•Ep. 57
We are back and continuing with the story of Oasatsuma Wakugo, aka Ingyō Tennō, and this time around he has a bit of thorny problem on his hands: names. Specifically that people are just taking family names willy-nilly, claiming high rank. So we'll look into just what names mean and why the fledgling state even cares. We'll also talk about a few of the other things that occurred, including an incredible free dive in the Seto Inland Sea! For more, check out https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episo...
Jan 16, 2022•38 min•Ep. 56
Happy New Year! This episode we provide a recap of the previous year's episodes in an attempt to quickly cover things for new listeners and just as a reminder of where we've been. Rough Transcript Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan, and from all of us here: Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! May you all have a bright New Year! As we release it is the start of 2022, and this episode we are taking a short break from our regularly scheduled programming. We’ll be back next episode with the ...
Jan 01, 2022•23 min
This episode looks at the very brief reign of Midzuha Wake and then beyond, at the rise of Ingyō Tennō and his wife, Ōnakatsu Hime (sometimes just referred to as Nakatsu Hime). We'll talk a little about disability, and delve a little bit more into the stories of succession. For more, check out the podcast page at https://www.sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-55
Dec 16, 2021•35 min•Ep. 55
With the death of Ōsazaki the throne of Yamato is once more up for grabs. Who will win it? Will it be the designated heir, Izaho Wake, or one of his brothers? Assassinations, violence, and more in this tumultuous period. For more check out the podcast website at https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-54 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo’s Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua, and this is episode 54, Here we go again. The palace in flames. Brother fighting brother. And the establis...
Dec 01, 2021•46 min•Ep. 54
