Best Nara Japan Podcasts (2025)

1
Improving Diplomatic Ties 43:39

8d ago43:39

43:39

The last time Yamato was heavily involved on the continent, they were defeated militarily, and they returned to fortify their islands. So how are things looking, now? This episode we will talk about some of what has been going on with Tang and Silla, but also touch on the Mishihase, the Hayato, the people of Tamna and Tanegashima, and more! For mor…

1
Observing the "Natural" World 49:04

23d ago49:04

49:04

This episode we look at many of the natural events and talk about those observing and writing things down, and why they may have wanted to do so. For more, check out our podcast blogpage: https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-139 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua and this is episode 139: Observ…

1
Chapter 3: The Sacred Deer Visions 7:12

29d ago7:12

7:12

Chapter 3: The Sacred Deer Visions from Kasuga Ryūjin: Guardian of Nara (春日龍神) by Tensei ArataBy Tensei Arata

1
Chapter 2: A Monk's Plea 7:22

29d ago7:22

7:22

Chapter 2: A Monk's Plea from Kasuga Ryūjin: Guardian of Nara (春日龍神) by Tensei ArataBy Tensei Arata

1
Chapter 1: The Whispering Pines 6:50

29d ago6:50

6:50

Chapter 1: The Whispering Pines from Kasuga Ryūjin: Guardian of Nara (春日龍神) by Tensei ArataBy Tensei Arata

1
Offerings and Covenants 36:37

1M ago36:37

36:37

This episode we cover the first silver mine in Japan, as well as the way that this sovereign is approaching offerings to the kami and handling family matters. For more check out: https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-138 Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua and this is Episode 138: Offerings and C…

1
Opening Credits 0:09

2M ago0:09

0:09

Opening credits for Kasuga Ryūjin: Guardian of Nara (春日龍神)By Tensei Arata

1
Courtly Fashion 42:51

2M ago42:51

42:51

This episode we start to get more into the material culture of the period with court fashion, as we look at the court robes that went along with the updated court ranks. Granted, we only have a few resources, but from those it does seem like we can construct at least a plausible idea of what the court may have looked like at this time. For more dis…

1
S13E10 – Sonatine (1993) [ソナチネ] 53:01

2M ago53:01

53:01

We close out Season 13 with returning guest Ian Buckley! This time, we're discussing Takeshi Kitano's classic yakuza film, Sonatine. Thank you for listening! We'll be taking a hiatus, but will return shortly for Season 14! Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Ian Buckley Listen to Ian on We Are Starfleet and Illumination Above All. Get NordVP…

1
Kabane and Court Rank 34:33

2M ago34:33

34:33

This episode looks at the Kabane and Court Rank systems in light of the changes made during this reign, in 684 and 685. We go a bit more in depth on the kabane, what they were, and how they were organized, prior to the reorganization that took place at the end of the 8th century into just 8 kabane, total. For more, check out our blogpost: https://s…

1
S13E09 – The Yakuza (1974) [ザ・ヤクザ] 1:01:20

3M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

This time around, we're taking a break from Japan-made films and instead looking at an American-made film about Japan. Fellow podcaster Kaz Wheeler makes his debut on the show to discuss Sydney Pollack's The Yakuza! Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Kaz Wheeler Listen to Kaz on The Didn't Get All of It Japan Podcast and follow him on Blues…

1
S13E08 – Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991) [ゴジラvsキングギドラ] 1:06:37

3M ago1:06:37

1:06:37

Author and magician Eoin Smith joins the show for a discussion on Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, one of the Heisei-era Godzilla films involving just about everything they thought they could squeeze into a Godzilla film. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Eoin Smith Learn more about Eoin by visiting his Linktree. Get NordVPN 2Y plan + 4 months …

1
Year One 36:32

3M ago36:32

36:32

It is the first year of a new reign, so come and let's take a look at how it all begins. For more, check out our blog page at: https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-135 Rough Transcript Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua and this is episode 135: Year One The officials of the Ministry of Kami Affairs bustled to an…

1
S13E07 – Perfect Blue: Yume Nara Samete (2002) [PERFECT BLUE夢なら醒めて] 1:10:17

3M ago1:10:17

1:10:17

In this episode, Perry is joined by returning guest Michael Hale to discuss Perfect Blue: Yume Nara Samete. Contrary to what some may think, this isn't a live-action adaptation of the anime, nor even an adaptation of the novel it was based on. Instead, it's an adaptation of a novella from a spin-off anthology. And spoilers: it's nowhere near as goo…

1
S13E06 – Happy Flight (2008) [ハッピーフライト] 1:09:43

3M ago1:09:43

1:09:43

Christopher Hood, an academic and author specializing in Japanese society and transportation, joins the show to discuss Happy Flight, a movie all about air travel in Japan. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Christopher Hood Visit Christopher's Linktree for his website, social media, and other links. Get NordVPN 2Y plan + 4 months extra her…

1
An Image of the Court at Kiyomihara 42:06

3M ago42:06

42:06

Ōama, aka Temmu Tennō, ascended the throne in the Kiyomihara Palace--a rennovated version of his mother's Later Okamoto Palace. Here he ruled with a tremendous amount of authority, continuing the leverage the Ritsuryo system to centralize power in the throne. We'll look at the layout of the palace, and also talk a little bit about what life was lik…

1
S13E05 – Tokyo Godfathers (2004) [東京ゴッドファーザーズ] 1:12:05

3M ago1:12:05

1:12:05

Christmas comes early as Matthew Trecek of the Deskwarmers podcast joins Perry for a discussion of Satoshi Kon's beloved anime, Tokyo Godfathers. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Matthew Trecek Listen to Matthew on the Deskwarmers podcast. Get NordVPN 2Y plan + 4 months extra here ➼ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/fspn⁠. It’s risk-free with Nord’s 3…

1
S13E04 – Vital (2004) [ヴィタール] 59:28

4M ago59:28

59:28

Writer and Japanese film scholar Jennifer Upton returns again, and this time we're discussing Shinya Tsukamoto's Vital. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Jennifer Upton Visit Jennifer's website and check out her book, Japanese Cult Cinema: Films From the Second Golden Age. Get NordVPN 2Y plan + 4 months extra here ➼ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/fs…

1
Reimagining Yamato 39:10

4M ago39:10

39:10

With the end of the Jinshin War, Oama, posthumously known as Temmu Tenno, came to the throne. And though they would need a new Great Council of State, they continued to build up and bolster the Ritsuryo state. They were imagining a new Yamato based on continental models of what a state should look like, but also influenced by tradition. This episod…

1
S13E03 – High and Low (1963) [天国と地獄] 1:12:21

4M ago1:12:21

1:12:21

YouTuber and fellow Japan resident Amanda Hartsell joins Perry in this episode to discuss capitalism and Japanese society as depicted in Akira Kurosawa's High and Low. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Amanda Hartsell Visit Amanda's YouTube channel. Get NordVPN 2Y plan + 4 months extra here ➼ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/fspn⁠. It’s risk-free with…

1
S13E02 – Weathering With You (2019) [天気の子] 1:18:59

4M ago1:18:59

1:18:59

Today, Perry is joined by author and filmmaker Liam Quane to talk about 2019's anime film, Weathering With You. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, this was his follow-up to the very popular Your Name. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Liam Quane. Learn about Liam's film and novel work by visiting Specificity Archives and follow him on ⁠Bluesky⁠. …

1
The Jinshin no Ran Part IV: The Afumi Campaign 47:16

4M ago47:16

47:16

The fourth and final episode in our series on the Jinshin no Ran: we cover the campaign in Afumi (aka Ōmi - 近江). Prince Ōama and Prince Ōtomo (aka Kōbun Tennō), have drawn up their forces. Last episode we covered the fighting in the Nara Basin, around the ancient Yamato capital: Asuka. This episode focuses on the defense of the Karafu and Fuwa pass…

1
S13E01 – Gozu (2003) [極道恐怖大劇場牛頭] 1:39:58

4M ago1:39:58

1:39:58

Season 13 kicks off with our 100th episode! And for this, we've got a special one. Filmmaker Warren Badenski joins Perry for a deep dive into Takashi Miike's infamously wild, wonderful, and very weird Gozu! Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Warren Badenski Learn more about Warren's latest film, Dead Name. And follow him on Bluesky and Inst…

1
Japan On Film Trailer 2:15

5M ago2:15

2:15

Join author, teacher, and film fan Perry Constantine and his guests as they journey into the wide, wonderful, and sometimes very weird world of Japanese cinema! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Film Stories

1
The Jinshin no Ran Part III: Fighting in the Nara Basin 42:49

5M ago42:49

42:49

In this third installment of our series on the Jinshin no Ran, we are covering the battles that took place in the Nara basin. Of course, while the fighting focuses on the generals, most of it was done by conscripts--farmers and other common people called up to fight. For more, check out of podcast webpage: https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-…

1
The Jinshin no Ran Part II: Gathering Stormclouds 37:35

5M ago37:35

37:35

This episode we continue with the Jinshin War. This episode we follow Prince Oama on his dramatic escape to the east: From Yoshino he dashed through the mountains, through Iga and over to Ise. In so doing he secured both Suzuka and Fuwa--areas that would be important chokepoints throughout Japan's history. For more information, check out our blogpo…

1
The Jinshin no Ran, Part I: Prologue to War 37:17

6M ago37:17

37:17

The sovereign, Naka no Oe is dead, and with his death comes an all too familiar tradition: different factions warring for the throne. And this time it isn't just something we are guessing at, we get a front row seat to the show, with enough details to fill several episodes. In Part I we will look at what kicked off the war--or at least what we know…

1
Immigrants, Princes, and High Officials 45:58

6M ago45:58

45:58

This episode we are covering the end of the reign of Naka no Oe, aka Tenji Tennou. We cover the events in the Chronicles, including the death of Nakatomi no Kamatari, the creation of the Fujiwara family, the destruction of Goguryeo, and the continued development of the Baekje refugees. For more, check out the podcast blog at: https://sengokudaimyo.…

1
Time and Direction in Ancient Yamato 44:28

7M ago44:28

44:28

This episode we look at time and direction and the influence of geomancy--theories of Yin and Yang and a little bit of how people viewed the world through that lens. For more, check out the blog page: https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-127 Rough Transcript Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua, and this is episod…

1
SPECIAL: An Interview with Director KD Wilson 53:15

7M ago53:15

53:15

In a special interview episode, Perry speaks with KD Wilson, a Japan-based filmmaker. After creating a trailer for a fake Japanese horror thriller titled It Doesn't Exist, the response was so positive that Wilson decided to make the film a reality. Funding in just 11 hours on Kickstarter, production is going to begin soon. Listen to the story behin…

1
New Beginnings 37:05

7M ago37:05

37:05

This episode we are looking at the early years of the official reign of Naka no Oe, aka Tenji Tenno, including the building of a brand new capital on the shores of Lake Biwa. For more information, see: https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-126 Rough Transcript Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan. My name is Joshua and this is episod…

1
The Sovereign of Heavenly Wisdom 35:39

8M ago35:39

35:39

Following the death of Takara Hime, and the war on the Korean peninsula, Naka no Ōe was taking hold--or perhaps keeping hold--of the reins of government. He wasn't finished with his changes to the government. He also had a new threat--the Tang Empire. They had destroyed Yamato's ally, Baekje, and defeated the Yamato forces on the peninsula. While t…

1
The Battle of Hakusukinoe 44:28

8M ago44:28

44:28

This episode is a bit long--we are talking about the last elements of the reign of Takara Hime, the fall of Baekje, and the attempt to restore the kingdom, which culminated in the Battle of Hakusukinoe, aka the Battle of Baekgang. For more, check out our blog at https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-124 Rough Transcript Welcome to Sengoku Daimy…

1
Embassy Interrupted 36:13

9M ago36:13

36:13

This episode we will discuss various embassies to and from Yamato during the reign of Takara Hime, with a particular focus on the embassy of 659, which occured at a particularly eventful time and happened to be extremely well-recorded fro the period by Iki no Hakatoko, who was apparently on the mission to the Tang court itself. For more, check out …

1
Journey to the West, Part 3 46:04

9M ago46:04

46:04

This episode we will finish up the travels of Xuanzang, who circumnavigated the Indian subcontinent while he was there, spending over a decade and a half travelings, visiting important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and studying at the feet of learned monks of India, and in particular at Nalanda monastery--a true center of learning from this period. Fo…

1
S12E09 – Ikiru (1952) [生きる] 1:04:42

10M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

Returning guest and fellow podcaster Derick McDuff is back on the show for a discussion of one of Akira Kurosawa's most well-known and well-regarded films—1952's Ikiru. We chart Waranabe's growth over the movie, the type of environment he's in, and how little Japanese bureaucracy has changed. This is our final episode of the season. We're going to …

1
Journey to the West, Part 2 49:37

10M ago49:37

49:37

This episode we continue to follow the monk Xuanzang on his path along the silk road. From Gaochang, he traveled through the Tarim Basin, up over the Tianshan Mountains, to the heart of the Western Gokturk Qaghanate. From there, he traveled south, through the region of Transoxania to Bactria and the land of Tukhara. He pushed on into the Hindu Kush…

1
S12E08 – Monster (2023) [怪物] 1:10:04

10M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

It's another film by Hirokazu Kore-eda! This time, Perry is joined by podcaster Sam Stokes to discuss the director's latest film, Monster. With different perspectives, it's an enlightening film about the concept of bullying. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Sam Stokes Listen to Sam on the Den of Ten and Reel Talk podcasts, and follow him …

1
S12E07 – Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001) [カウボーイビバップ天国の扉] 58:42

10M ago58:42

58:42

Podcaster Ian Buckley returns for another anime film. This time, we spotlight Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, also known as Cowboy Bebop: Knockin' On Heaven's Door. We discuss the series, its legacy, and how this movie fits into that legacy. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Ian Buckley Listen to Ian on We Are Starfleet and Illumination Above All…

1
Journey to theWest, Part 1 37:18

10M ago37:18

37:18

This episode we kick off a series of episodes following the famous monk Xuanzang, aka the Tripitaka Master of the Law, Sanzang Fashi. Known in Japanese as Genjo, and founder of the Faxiang school of Yogacara Buddhism, also known as the Hosso school, it was brought back to the archipelago by students who studied with the master at his temple north o…

1
S12E06 – Nobody Knows (2004) [誰も知らない] 1:12:38

11M ago1:12:38

1:12:38

Japanese film scholar Lindsay Nelson is back on the show to discuss Hirokazu Kore-eda's heartbreaking drama, Nobody Knows. Based on a true story about a family of children abandoned by their single mother, there's a lot to talk about in this. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Lindsay Nelson View Lindsay’s website and her film reviews. Get …

1
E12E05 – Pom Poko (1994) [平成狸合戦ぽんぽこ] 1:00:59

11M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Comic creator Ryan Estrada makes his debut to discuss one of Studio Ghibli's strangest films, 1994's Pom Poko! We talk about the movie's interesting structure, the deeper themes, and, of course, the power of raccoon balls. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Ryan Estrada Visit ryanestrada,com to find out more about Ryan's comics. Get NordVPN…

1
The Question of "Tukara" 39:10

11M ago39:10

39:10

This episode we are taking a trip down the Silk Road--or perhaps even the Spice Road--as we investigate references in this reign to individuals from "Tukara" who seem to have arrived in Yamato and stayed for a while. For photos and more, see our podcast webpage: https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-119 Rough Transcript Welcome to Sengoku Daimy…

1
S12E04 – Versus (2000) [ヴァーサス] 58:56

11M ago58:56

58:56

Author Jennifer Upton returns for a fun discussion about Ryuhei Kitamura's Versus! A genre-bending film that plays with archetypes and looks far better than its budget should allow for, it's a quick, entertaining watch. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Jennifer Upton Visit Jennifer’s website for information on her writing and read her boo…

1
S12E03 – Typhoon Club (1985) [台風クラブ] 1:31:54

11M ago1:31:54

1:31:54

Fellow podcaster Sam Inglis returns to discuss 1985's Typhoon Club. A great character study, though with some aspects that are difficult to watch. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Sam Inglis Follow Sam on Bluesky and Letterboxd, and listen to his podcast, Fearless Pretender: The Jennifer Jason Leigh Podcast. Get NordVPN 2Y plan + 4 months…

1
Stonework and Treason 35:22

11M ago35:22

35:22

Though it may not seem like it on first glance, across Asuka there are various remnants of a much grander period. Postholes tell the story of palaces built over and over on the same spots. In addition, there are the various temples and various carved stone statues and other features. This episode we'll talk about some of the stonework and palace co…

1
S12E02 – Godzilla Minus One (2023) [ゴジラ-1.0] 1:09:41

11M ago1:09:41

1:09:41

This is the one many listeners have been waiting for. Podcaster Jason Kleeberg joins Perry to dive into the wildly successful Godzilla Minus One! Praised both at home and abroad for good reason, there's a lot to unpack here. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Jason Kleeberg Listen to Jason on the Force Five Podcast. Get NordVPN 2Y plan + 4 …

1
S12E01 - Ring 0 (2000) [リング0：バースデー] 1:08:45

12M ago1:08:45

1:08:45

Welcome to a new season of Japan On Film! We kick things off with returning guest and author Frank Schildiner to discuss Ring 0, the prequel to the Ring series and the origins of Sadako. Though better than some of the other sequels, this still leaves a lot to be desired. Hosted by Perry Constantine Guest-Starring Frank Schildiner Check out Frank’s …

1
New Year's Recap 2025 25:33

12M ago25:33

25:33

Happy New Year! This is our 2025 recap episode. In this case, we actually are recapping a fair bit more than just the year, going over the previous evolution of the Yamato state up to the period of the Great Change, or Taika, which we covered this past year. There's a lot more that we expect to get into this next year, and this will hopefully tee u…

1
The People of the North, Part 2 34:55

1y ago34:55

34:55

This is the second of two episodes talking about the people in the north of the Japanese archipelago: The Emishi and the Mishihase. Last episode we covered things from an archaeological overview, looking at the traces of the Epi-Jomon, Satsumon, and Okhotsk Sea cultures. This episode focuses more on what was actually written in the Nihon Shoki, inc…

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