This week, we consider a figure who appears in two stories from the ancient collection of tales known as the…
This week we investigate the role of Japan in laying the groundwork for Vietnam’s wars against France and the United…
This week, we arrive at the end of the Ashikaga. What were the final 100 years of Ashikaga “rule” like,…
This week, we do a deep dive on the life of Ashikaga Yoshimasa and the lead up to the Onin…
This week we turn away from politics to discuss religion, art, and the economy during the age of the Ashikaga.…
This week: war in the Ashikaga age. Plus; the reign of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu is generally considered the zenith of Ashikaga…
This week we start a multipart series on the Muromachi period and the reign of the Ashikaga family. How did…
This week we cover the life and career of the legendary judge Oka Tadasuke, who rose from minor samurai to…
This week, we cover the fascinating tale of Sei Shonagon and the Makura no Soushi, or Pillow Book. Why is…
This week, we cover the life and work of one of Japan’s most famous authors: the 11th century courtier Murasaki…