Latest Posts

The Fall of the Mongols

December 5, 2022 justin-david-hebert Early Muromachi, Season 8 Comments Off on The Fall of the Mongols

After Kublai Khan’s death, the Yuan Dynasty was divided by two rival factions – one who wanted total Mongol traditional rule and one who preferred Confucian government. The economic turmoil caused by these feuding parties gave rise, in part, to the Red Turban Rebellion.

#History #Japan #Podcast #China #Yuan #RedTurbans #Rebellion

Shikata Ga Nai

December 1, 2022 justin-david-hebert Early Muromachi, Season 8 Comments Off on Shikata Ga Nai

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu retires… or does he? The Ouchi clan seizes its moment but faces off against the Shogun’s private army – the Hokoshu. We also explore the differences and similarities between the Muromachi Bakufu and the Kamakura Shogunate.

#History #Japan #Podcast #Muromachi #Yoshimitsu #MedievalJapan #Shikataganai

A Nation Somewhat United

November 28, 2022 justin-david-hebert Early Muromachi, Season 8 Comments Off on A Nation Somewhat United

The reign of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was remarkable for many reasons, including the conclusion of the Nanboku-cho period. As the Southern Court finally capitulates, however, they soon learn that the Bakufu has no intention of enforcing their end of the peace treaty.

#Japan #History #Podcast #Muromachi #Ashikaga #Samurai #Shogun

A City Divided

November 17, 2022 justin-david-hebert Early Muromachi, Season 8 Comments Off on A City Divided

Within a decade, Heian-kyo would undergo multiple possessions by both the Northern and Southern Court. As Ashikaga Yoshimitsu is installed as the third Shogun, his regent Hosokawa Yoriyuki solidifies the Bakufu’s status as a legitimate funcitoning government.

A House Divided

November 14, 2022 justin-david-hebert Early Muromachi, Season 8 Comments Off on A House Divided
Season 8, Episode 7: A House Divided
A latter-day depiction of Ashikaga Tadayoshi, painted by Katsukawa Shuntei. Public Domain.
The “kao” (signature) of Ashikaga Tadayoshi. Public Domain.
A painting (artist unknown) of Muso Soseki, a Zen Buddhist Monk who, due to his friendly relations toward both courts, often served as a go-between for negotiations. Public Domain.

A Nation Divided

November 10, 2022 justin-david-hebert Early Muromachi, Season 8 Comments Off on A Nation Divided
Season 8, Episode 6: A Nation Divided
A portrait of Emperor Go-Murakami of the Southern Court. Public Domain.
A drawing of Kitabatake Chikafusa made many years later by Kikuchi Yosai. Public Domain.
A depiction of Prince Kanenaga, who managed to organize the loyalists in Kyushu with the help of pirates. Public Domain.
A panel painting depicting Kusunoki Masatsura’s last stand at the battle of Shijonawate. Painted by Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Public Domain.

Revenues and Expenditures

November 7, 2022 justin-david-hebert Early Muromachi, Season 8 Comments Off on Revenues and Expenditures

Season 8, Episode 5: Revenues and Expenditures
The Toji Temple complex as it appears today in Kyoto, Japan. The Ashikaga heavily patronized the establishment in their day to enhance their reputation as rulers. Source: Kakidai, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Golden Pavilion, called “Kinkaku-ji” in Japanese. Source: User:Fbjon, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A closer view of Kinkaku-ji. Source: Ondraness, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A closer view of the roof ornament, the Hoo bird, which symbolized imperial authority. Source: Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Northern and Southern Courts

November 3, 2022 justin-david-hebert Early Muromachi, Season 8 Comments Off on The Northern and Southern Courts
Season 8, Episode 4: The Northern and Southern Courts
A map illustrating the locations of the dueling Capitals. Kyoto is the modern name for Heian-kyo. Source: Ash_Crow, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mount Yoshino as it stands today. As you can see, it is in the midst of many steep, defensible mountains. Source: No machine-readable author provided. Outside147~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
An illustration from Ryozan Shrine of Kitabatake Akiie, who led Emperor Go-Daigo’s army in the north but eventually died fighting in Chugoku. Public Domain.
An illustration of Ko Moroyasu, one of the members of the Ko clan who was trusted by the Ashikaga. Public Domain.
A map of Japan with Echizen Province highlighted in red. This was where Nitta Yoshisada was attempting to rally loyalist resistance against the Ashikaga. Source: Ash_Crow, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A shrine dedicated to Nitta Yoshisada, built after a farmer in the 1600s found a helmet believed to have belonged to the loyalist general. Source: Bakkai at Japanese Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Takauji’s Triumph

October 31, 2022 justin-david-hebert Early Muromachi, Season 8 Comments Off on Takauji’s Triumph
Season 8, Episode 3: Takauji’s Triumph
A statue of Kusunoki Masashige in Tokyo. Public Domain.
A portrait of Nitta Yoshisada. Public Domain.
A diagram of the Battle of Minatogawa. Kusunoki Masashige’s contingent became completely isolated when Nitta Yoshisada abandoned the western bank to defend the army’s rear from the Hosokawa landing. Source: User:Ash_Crow, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kusunoki Masashige’s son Masatsura offers his father a saucer of sake in a farewell ritual. Masashige’s retainers weep behind him, knowing that he plans to sacrifice his own life for Emperor Go-Daigo’s cause. Source: Public Domain.
A latter-day depiction of Kusunoki Masashige wearing courtly attire and seated next to a celestial globe. A strong departure from his usual warlike depictions. Public Domain.

Takauji’s Treason

October 27, 2022 justin-david-hebert Early Muromachi, Season 8 Comments Off on Takauji’s Treason
Season 8, Episode 2: Takauji’s Treason
A portrait of a warrior which is believed to be Ashikaga Takauji. Public Domain.
The O-Yoroi (armor) of Ashikaga Takauji, which currently resides at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Public Domain.
A memorial marker commemorating the Battle of Tatarahama, where Ashikaga Takauji set the Kikuchi clan to flight and secured his place on Kyushu. Source: 震天動地, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A view from Itsukushima Shrine at high tide. This was one of Takauji’s stops on his journey to the capital, where he prayed for victory. Longtime pod listeners will remember that this shrine was originally built thanks to the support of Taira Kiyomori. Source: JohnnyOneSpeed, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons