Mythology and History Archives

Adventures in Kansai and Beyond

Toyotomi Hideyoshi: A Legendary Life

ward Any discussion of the history of Osaka is not complete without mentioning Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He shaped the borders of

Of all of the events in Osaka’s long history the Siege of Osaka not only had lasting ramifications for Osaka,

Inari shrines are some of the most common shrines in Japan. Sometimes it seems like they just pop out

Family businesses are a complicated matter, especially when that business involves ruling over an entire country. Japan’s imperial family is

The Sengoku Period was full of prominent wars that left lasting impressions on Japan. Big wars such as the Okehazama

For many a trip to Japan is not complete without a stop in one of the many Buddhist temples dotting

After the Onin War, the country had lost faith in the Ashikaga shogunate. This lack of trust lead to the

For many, the Japanese samurai is the very pinnacle of ancient Japan– over even Japanese culture as a whole. While