Japanese History

A bird with One body but Two beaks, Pecking itself To death. — Anonymous poem from 1500 Intro to the Sengoku Period Japan was not always a unified nation. At one point in its history, several clans waged war for control of the islands. The Sengoku Period (Warring States Period) was a series of civil wars which took place throughout the 15th and 16th centuries. It finally culminated in the unification of Japan and the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Setting the Scene for War The Sengoku period (1467–1600) coincided with the Muromachi Period (1336–1573) and the rule of the Ashikaga shogunate. During this time, Japan was a feudal society, with the emperor in Kyoto serving as a symbolic figurehead while regional warlords ( daimyō ) held real political and military power. The event that triggered the Sengoku period was the Ōnin War (1467–1477), a succession crisis over who would become the next shōgun. The conflict divided powerful clans into two opposing factions, leading...

Introduction From trade to language and religion, Japan has experienced many cultural intereractions and exchanges with the west which have helped shape its scoiety. This post explores the long-standing relationship between Japan and Western countries. First Interactions The first Europeans to arrive in Japan were the Portuguese in 1543, after their ship was blown off course en route to China, landing on the Japanese island of Tanegashima. This unexpected arrival marked the beginning of the nanban ("southern barbarian") trade. The Portuguese introduced matchlock firearms to the Japanese, who were in the midst of civil war (the Sengoku period). These new weapons were eagerly adopted by powerful daimyos (feudal lords), some of whom converted to Christianity to secure access to continued trade. Arrival of the Southern Barbarians , Kanō Naizen   (1570–1616) This period of technological and cultural exchange left a lasting impact on Japan. Several Japanese loanwords still in use...

Introduction Miyamoto Musashi (宮本 武蔵) was a Japanese swordsman, strategist, artist, and writer. Known as a kensei (sword saint), Musashi is famous for winning over 60 duels while remaining undefeated and for founding the Niten Ichi-ryū style of swordsmanship, which uses two blades. In his later years, he authored The Book of Five Rings (五輪の書, Go Rin No Sho ) and Dokkōdō (獨行道, The Path of Aloneness ). But where does history end and legend begin? Join me as we explore the life of a real samurai legend. Miyamoto Musashi painted by Yoshitaki Tsunejiro (1855) The Life of Musashi Miyamoto Musashi was born in 1584 into a samurai family, though some accounts suggest that his parents were of lower social status. His early life remains shrouded in mystery, with much of what we know coming from Musashi's own writings. In The Book of Five Rings , Musashi mentions being born in Harima Province (modern-day Hyōgo Prefecture). He also recounts that his first duel occurred at the age of 13, whe...

Introduction Kaidan (怪談) refers to Japanese stories of the occult, particularly those from the Edo period (1603-1868). As a fan of horror, I love the mix of the strange and grotesque with traditional Japanese culture. In this post I will showcase four of the most famous kaidan. Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Spectre  ( 1844) Yōkai I can't talk about kaidan without first introducing yōkai (妖怪). Yōkai are spiritual entities from Japanese folklore, comparable to monsters or demons in Western culture. While not always evil, they can be mischievous or dangerous. These beings reflect ancient Japanese fears, values, and the blurred boundary between the human world and the spirit realm. Here are a few examples: Tanuki (Raccoon Dog):  Shapeshifters known for tricking people, tanuki are often seen as friendly spirits that bring good fortune. They are commonly portrayed as jovial creatures with exaggerated features, such as their giant balls which you can rub for luck. Kitsune...

Introduction When people think of Japan they probably think of sushi, samurai, or difficult letters. But what if I told you there was a time before rice had been introduced to Japan, before the rise of the samurai, and before written language? This post introduces the Jōmon people, the first known civilisation to occupy Japan. It shall explore how they lived, their beliefs, and what impact, if any, they had on modern Japan.  How they lived The Jōmon period (縄文時代) began in around 14,500 BC coinciding with the neolithic period in Europe and Asia, and ended in around 300 BC when the Yayoi period began. Jōmon culture covered all of the Japanese archipelago and, due to its isolation from the rest of Asia, can be considered quite unique. Example of a  dogū figurine The period is marked by the production of distinctive pottery, and figurines known as dogū . In fact, the word Jōmon means "cord marked", or "patterned", referring to the iconic pottery created in this era. The...