The Origin of the Samurai and Japanese Manorialism (Shoen)
For many, the Japanese samurai is the very pinnacle of ancient Japan– over even Japanese culture as a whole. While
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Mythology and History
Emperor Jimmu, Japan’s First Emperor
Japan’s imperial family is the world longest reigning monarch family. If ancient sources are accurate the first emperor, Emperor Jimmu,
Read more Kusunoki Masashige, the Ideal Samurai
Some of the most famous warriors from Osaka, are without question Toyotomi Hideyoshi or Sanada Yukimura. However, most people outside
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Emperor Go-daigo, Japan’s Charismatic Emperor
In 2019, Japan will celebrate the crowning of its 126th emperor. In Japan’s long line of emperors, one in particular
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The Onin War: Ancient Japan’s Longest War
In 794 Kyoto became Japan’s capital for more than 1,000 years. However, if you compare Kyoto to Japan’s other very
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Sugawara no Michizane, Japan’s Most Famous Scholar
In the Shinto religion, there are literally thousands and thousands of gods; but everyone has favorites. Easily one of the
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Kukai, the Founder of Shingon Buddhism
Dating all the way back to the 9th century, Koyasan stands as the center of Shingon Buddhism. This amazing temple
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