Introduction to Japanese History series

Hello and welcome to the Record of Ancient Matters.

This blog will be co-written by both myself, Yuji and my illustrious colleague XIV, who is depicted here riding a tiger.

XIV during an everyday supermarket run in downtown Tokyo.

Here we will be exploring the history of Japan through the great men and women (and not so great men and women) who crafted it. Every week we will briefly introduce a character, story, or event in Japanese history, and hopefully we’ll be able to relate the story in more light-hearted terms than historical events are usually presented.

Our goal is firstly to provide some background information for the uninitiated, so in the first few months, we’ll be giving a brief narrative all the way from prehistory up until the modern-day, only pausing where we deem necessary for more in-depth discussion.

Oda Nobunaga. Expect in-depth discussion of this ultimate badass.

We’re both open to comments, corrections, questions and advice, so please don’t hesitate to leave a comment, or contact us by twitter and we’ll attempt to answer promptly.

Next week we’ll start at the beginning with the Shinto creation myths. We’re expecting bloodshed, chauvinism, blasphemy and incest, and that’s only from XIV.

See you next time
Yuji
Follow @yujiide1