Nov 4, 2022

This week: the boy emperor Meiji takes responsibility for Japan's future. But what did that mean in practice? What does an emperor, especially a boy emperor, actually do?

Show notes here.

Oct 28, 2022

This week: Emperor Komei attempts to protect tradition in a nation beset by crisis. However, his efforts will be brought short by his untimely death, and the reigns of power passed to his untested boy successor: Meiji.

Show notes here.

Oct 21, 2022

This week: the beginning of a multipart biography of two of the best documented figures we know very little about: Emperor Komei, and his son and heir Meiji, whose name would end up defining one of the most important eras in Japanese history.

Show notes

Oct 14, 2022

This week: political infighting about purple robes and what it can tell us about Buddhism, political power, and the relationship of religion and the state. Plus, a brief biography of Takuan, a man who is famous for far more than the pickled radishes named after him!

Show notes

Oct 3, 2022

Hello all: due to my very first COVID-19 infection, there won't be a new episode this week. We'll be back as normal next week.