The Saga of Japan Podcast
1) S1E10 - Epidemic
Soon after Nara becomes the capital of Yamato, the Smallpox Epidemic of 735 begins in Japan. The country is brought to its knees as the disease kills over 1/3 of the population. The political, social,...Show More
2) S1E9 - The Jinshin War
Prince Oama pretends to go into self imposed exile, waiting until the Emperor dies before launching a surprise attack on the heir, launching the Jinshin War. The Asuka Enlightenment comes to an end as...Show More
3) S1E8 - The Age of Reform
In the wake of the Isshi incident an age of reform is ushered in as a new triumvirate of leaders institutes the Taika reforms, laying the foundation for the Ritsuryo system. The Empress receives a par...Show More
4) S1E7 - The Fall of the Soga - Part 2
Prince Yamashiro must make a decision that will decide the fate of the kingdom, as Emishi's cruel son Iruka begins a tyrannical rampage to wipe out Shotoku's descendants. Kamatari, clan leader of the ...Show More
5) S1E6 - The Fall of the Soga - Part 1
Japan finally receives the name Nihon, the Land of the Rising Sun while the Soga Clan reaches the peak of it's power, led by a new leader who rules with an iron fist. Emishi consolidates Soga power, p...Show More
6) S1E5 - Fight Night in Yamato
The Soga and the Mononobe clans fight to determine the future of Japan. Prince Shotoku, Soga no Umako, and Empress Suiko help usher in foreign reforms. Thank you for listening to the Saga of Japan, I...Show More
7) S1E4 - The Korean Kingdoms
The Yamato state establishes early ties with the three Kingdoms of Korea. The Soga clan pushes for reforms and new doctrines such as Buddhism, while the Mononobe and the Nakatomi ally together to prev...Show More
8) S1E3 - The Yamato Confederation
We enter the Kofun period. Elaborate burial mounds are created for the rulers of Japan. Emperor Anko meets a bloody end at the hands of a child. The head of the Soga clan begins to marry his daughters...Show More
9) S1E2 - Prehistory
Early in Japanese history, nomadic hunter gatherers settle what would eventually become Japan. A shamaness Queen named Himiko unites the warring factions under one banner, her Kingdom of Yamatai, and ...Show More
10) S1E1 - Creation
The mythological beginning in the long Saga of Japan, beginning with the creation of the deities Izanami and Izanagi. The Sun Goddess Amaterasu is also born. The first Emperor Jimmu, guided by a mysti...Show More