Episode 6 – A New Order

May 4, 2013 2 Comments

This week’s episode is on the structure of the Kamakura bakufu, its war against the Mongol Yuan dynasty of China, and its eventual destruction and replacement. We’re also going to discuss some cultural innovations of the period, in the form of new Buddhist sects (Zen and Pure Land Buddhism) and the creation of Noh theater.

It’s a bit eclectic, but I think the topics are interesting, and I hope you all agree!

Give it a listen here.

Sources

Totman, A History of Japan.

Images (Courtesy of the Wikimedia Foundation)

This is Hojo Tokimune, the shikken who defied Kublai Khan's demand for submission and eventually defeated him.
This is Hojo Tokimune, the shikken who defied Kublai Khan’s demand for submission and eventually defeated him.
This is a portrait of Kublai Khan dating from his lifetime.
This is a portrait of Kublai Khan dating from his lifetime.
This is the original 1266 letter from Kublai Khan to Hojo Tokimune, whom he addresses as "the King of Japan." He demands Tokimune's submission in the letter, a demand which Tokimune ignored.
This is the original 1266 letter from Kublai Khan to Hojo Tokimune, whom he addresses as “the King of Japan.” He demands Tokimune’s submission in the letter, a demand which Tokimune ignored.
This image dates from the second Mongol invasion. On the left are a group of Mongol warriors; on the right is a charging samurai identified as Suenaga.
This image dates from the second Mongol invasion. On the left are a group of Mongol warriors; on the right is a charging samurai identified as Suenaga.
This is a period image of Go-Daigo, the Emperor who led the overthrow of the Kamakura bakufu. Three years later he would be defeated by his own lieutenant, Ashikaga Takauji.
This is a period image of Go-Daigo, the Emperor who led the overthrow of the Kamakura bakufu. Three years later he would be defeated by his own lieutenant, Ashikaga Takauji.
This is Ashikaga Takauji, the Hojo retainer turned Imperial supporter turned shogun, who betrayed his way to the top of the heap in the 1330s.
This is Ashikaga Takauji, the Hojo retainer turned Imperial supporter turned shogun, who betrayed his way to the top of the heap in the 1330s.
This is an image of a Noh actor; behind him is a group of stage musicians.
This is an image of a Noh actor; behind him is a group of stage musicians.
This shot show the 8-man chorus on the right side of the stage.
This shot show the 8-man chorus on the right side of the stage.
This is a "kojo," or old man mask, used in Noh performances.
This is a “kojo,” or old man mask, used in Noh performances.

2 thoughts on “Episode 6 – A New Order”

  1. You’re really flying through these episodes I feel like there’s so much drama that’s going on that you can spend episodes on even before you get to the warring states.

    1. That was the original plan! Do quick overview and then focus on more specific episodes out of chronological order. Things do circle back around.

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