Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan

Joshua, who goes by the handle Sengoku Daimyo, has built something special with this chronological history of Japan that spans from prehistory through the Meiji period. With over 100 episodes and a near-perfect 4.9-star rating on Apple Podcasts, the show has earned praise for its clarity and depth. Joshua has a genuine teaching voice that makes dense material approachable without dumbing it down. He covers the transmission of Buddhism from the Asian continent, the political machinations of the Soga and Fujiwara clans, the cap rank system, and the legendary figure of Shotoku Taishi with equal enthusiasm. Episodes explore how Korean and Chinese influences shaped early Japanese culture, how royal succession disputes drove centuries of conflict, and how religious developments intertwined with political power. The monthly release schedule means each episode arrives well-researched and polished, typically running long enough to really develop a topic rather than just skimming it. What listeners particularly appreciate is how Joshua makes connections between periods, showing how decisions made in the 6th century still echoed in the 12th. The show reached its 100th episode milestone recently and shows no signs of slowing down. For anyone who wants a carefully paced walk through Japanese history with a host who genuinely enjoys the subject, this is an excellent pick.