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A History of Japan

A History of Japan

Justin Hebert 286 Episodes Aug 17, 2026

A history of the people of Japan, from the prehistoric Jomon period to the modern era. WARNING: This podcast occasionally touches on subjects of human sexuality, suicide, violence, and torture.

Episodes

The Final Decade of Shōwa
The Final Decade of Shōwa Aug 17, 2026 2430 This final regular episode of the podcast features the politics, economics, and cultural developments of 1980s Japan as the Shōwa Period came to a close in 1989. Thank you so much for listening, I hope you enjoyed this journey through Japanese history with me.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Boo
Shifting Currents (Culture 1973-1979)
Shifting Currents (Culture 1973-1979) Aug 10, 2026 1664 The social extremes of the Oil Shock Period ranged from radical terrorism, ahistorical revision of the Pacific War, the emergence of several new genres of anime, and the birth of the video games industry.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms! 
Adapt and React (Economics 1973-1979)
Adapt and React (Economics 1973-1979) Aug 3, 2026 1599 To help mitigate the damage to Japan's economy during the Oil Shock period, its government would engage in global economic forums, encourage conservation among consumers, and expand into new energy sources.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms! 
Toxic Shock (Politics 1973-1979)
Toxic Shock (Politics 1973-1979) Jul 27, 2026 1604 The 1973 Oil Crisis had a devastating effect on Japan's economy and led to a period of rapid political turmoil as the ruling LDP, for the first time in the party's history, failed to obtain a simple majority of seats in the diet.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many o
The Vietnam Wars (Vietnam, 1945-1976)
The Vietnam Wars (Vietnam, 1945-1976) Jul 20, 2026 2915 After Japan's surrender in August of 1945, the Empire of Vietnam witnessed a revolution and its winners crafted a declaration of independence. However, forming a new nation-state during the Cold War would prove to be a long, bloody struggle.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and
A Peninsula Divided (Korea, 1945-1975)
A Peninsula Divided (Korea, 1945-1975) Jul 13, 2026 3004 The Korean Peninsula was divided after the second world war as the Soviet Union occupied the north and the US occupying the south. Though this division was initially meant to be temporary, the subsequent Korean War and its aftermath cemented the divisions for both North and South as the Cold War brought troops from both the United States and the People's Republic of China into direct conflict
The Great Leap (China, 1953-1976)
The Great Leap (China, 1953-1976) Jul 6, 2026 1603 As the People's Republic of China sought to establish itself as a modern nation state, its government chose to imitate the Soviet Union's path to modernization as they collectivized agriculture, labor, and industry with unfortunately devastating results.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books,
The People’s Republic (China, 1945-1953)
The People’s Republic (China, 1945-1953) Jun 29, 2026 1613 After the Japanese Imperial Army evacuated China, any hopes of peaceful reunification were dashed as the Nationalists and Communists continued fighting the Chinese Civil War, the result of which would see the birth of the People's Republic of China.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.
The New Wave (Social Matters, 1955-1972)
The New Wave (Social Matters, 1955-1972) Jun 22, 2026 2066 As incomes soared and standards of living likewise rising, the demand for entertainment in Japan also rose and the industries of film, television, and animation would produce some of the most innovative and influential works ever made.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other
Making a Miracle (Economics 1955-1972)
Making a Miracle (Economics 1955-1972) Jun 15, 2026 2210 The Economic Miracle period witnessed, as its name suggests, tremendous economic growth throughout Japan. However, that growth came at a cost to Japan's organized working class as well as white collar workers whose pursuit of productivity often compromised their health.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, A
Tolerance and Patience (Politics 1954-1972, Part 2)
Tolerance and Patience (Politics 1954-1972, Part 2) Jun 8, 2026 1697 Ikeda Hayato managed to garner the necessary support to become the President of the LDP and the Prime Minister of Japan after Kishi Nobusuke's resignation in 1960. He would prove to be almost the polar opposite of his arch-conservative predecessor, creating much of the social safety net which Japan continues to enjoy today. His successor, Sato Eisaku, lobbied for the return of Okinawa Prefect
The Big Tent (Politics 1955-1972, Part 1)
The Big Tent (Politics 1955-1972, Part 1) Jun 1, 2026 2391 Conservatives and Leftists both experienced party mergers after the 1955 general election. However, it was the Liberal Democratic Party who would emerge as the big winner for the foreseeable future.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms! 

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