Nanso Satomi Hakkenden or Eight Dog Warriors of the Satomi Clan is a masterpiece of Edo period literature. The book was not only hugely popular in its own time but has gone on to become one of the most influential Japanese novels ever written. And today, together with scholar and translator of Hakkenden Glynne Walley we'll try to find out how that happened. Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support More info on https://japanexplained.com/hakkenden-en/ Instagram: @japanexplained Cover design: @justlavi ..read more

In 1853 Commodore Perry came to the shores of Japan and "opened" it to the world. Or did he? Let's see what actually happened when four black ships appeared one summer day near the shore of Uraga. More info on https://japanexplained.com/kurofune/ Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support Instagram: @japanexplained Cover design: @justlavi ..read more

We all love something cooling during the summer heat. And what can be more refreshing than a spooky story that makes you shiver.But sorry, I can't handle scary stories. They are, well, scary. Japanese people, on the other hand, are really good at making and retelling them. So this time let me introduce you to the Japanese monsters - yokai, and help you understand how they came to life and what turned them into Pokemon. More info on https://japanexplained.com/yokai-en/ Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support Bonus Episode on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/yokai-explained-5 ..read more

Saigo has returned from exile, and in Kyoto his lord, Hisamistu, fights daily with Hitoshubashi Keiki. How did Japan get into this mess, and how can it be saved? Let's take a step-by-step look at the Forbiden Gate incident, the SatCho alliance, the abdication of the last Shogun, the Battle of Toba-Fushimi and finally the arrival of the Meiji era. Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support More info on https://japanexplained.com/saigo-takamori/ Instagram: @japanexplained Cover design: @justlavi ..read more

You've asked for it, so today let's dive into a long history of nabe hot pot cuisine in Japan, check out millions of its regional varieties and get a few tips on picking the best pot for your nabe (spoiler alert: you can use pretty much anything). More info on https://japanexplained.com/nabe-en/ Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support Instagram: @japanexplained Cover design: @justlavi ..read more

The second part of Michizane's story starts with his exile to the island of Kyushu, where he dies. And then the unexpected happens... More info on https://japanexplained.com/sugawaramichizane-en/ Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support Bonus Article on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/sugawara-places-50621270 Instagram: @japanexplained Cover design: @justlavi ..read more

The Golden Pavilion also known as Kinkaku-ji is probably one of the most famous places in Japan. It’s shiny and gorgeous, it’s protected by UNESCO and it even has a famous novel written about it. So this time let me explain you the Gorgeous Golden Pavilion. More info on https://japanexplained.com/kinkakuji-en/ Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support Bonus article on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/golden-pavilion-47106985 Instagram: @japanexplained Cover design: @justlavi ..read more

There is a rather popular opinion that deer were put to roam streets of Nara as a pure tourist attraction. Well, there is a grain of truth in it. The city does cash out on deer as they drive a constant flow of tourists, but deer have been there way before the first foreign tourist ever set his foot on Japanese land. So, why deer? Why in Nara? Where did they come from in such numbers? And what’s so special about them, anyway? Let’s find out! More info on https://japanexplained.com/deerofnara-en/ Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support Bonus Article on Patreon: https://www.pat ..read more

This time I'll look deep into the history of Japanese soy sauce, walk you through the process of making a traditional Japanese shoyu and tell you all you need to know to pick the perfect bottle. More info on https://japanexplained.com/soysauce-en/ Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support Instagram: @japanexplained Cover design: @justlavi ..read more

In the first episode, I will address the biggest misconception about Japanese culture and tell you the truth about geishas. More info on https://japanexplained.com/geisha-en/ Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support Bonus Article on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/43555972 Instagram: @japanexplained Cover design: @justlavi ..read more