The paradox that Yoshitsune's military genius and immense popularity, which won a war for his clan, were the very qualities that led his own brother to betray and destroy him.

This podcast episode delves into one of Japan's most foundational legends: the story of the brilliant general Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his fiercely loyal warrior monk, Benkei. The episode explores their iconic first meeting on Kyoto's Gojō Bridge, their pivotal roles in the Genpei War, and the innovative military tactics that made Yoshitsune a national hero. However, the podcast focuses on the central tragedy of the tale—how Yoshitsune's very success and popularity became a threat to his politically ambitious brother, Yoritomo, leading to a devastating betrayal. We will cover their years as fugitives and their legendary final stand, which culminated in Benkei's famous 'Standing Death.' This episode examines the themes of loyalty, honor, and betrayal that cemented their status as archetypal figures in Japanese culture.

The popular idea of a "ghostly nun" at Ganjō-ji is a modern myth; the true, ancient legend is a tragic story of a mermaid who fell in love with a human nun, only to be killed and mummified by jealous villagers, becoming a cursed relic.

In this episode of our podcast, we investigate a story that begins as a simple ghost tale but unfolds into a complex and tragic piece of Japanese folklore. We explore the legend of Ganjō-ji temple, moving past the modern myth of a vengeful nun's spirit to uncover the authentic story of a mermaid mummy enshrined within its walls. This podcast delves into the core narrative of a beautiful nun and a mysterious young page who is revealed to be a ningyo, or Japanese mermaid. We discuss how the villagers' jealousy and fear of the unknown led to the creature's violent death and its transformation into a cursed relic that tormented its owners for years. The episode also examines the unique role of the ningyo in Japanese mythology, contrasting it with the Western mermaid, and looks at the scientific analysis of similar artifacts from the Edo period.

The stark contrast between the two earliest accounts of his life: the Kojiki, which portrays him as a tragic hero exiled by a fearful father, and the Nihon Shoki, which depicts him as a perfectly loyal warrior-prince, revealing how myth was shaped for political purposes in ancient Japan.

In this episode of our podcast, we explore the foundational Japanese legend of Prince Yamato Takeru, a warrior whose epic story is a cornerstone of the nation's mythology. This podcast will guide you through the core narrative of his life, from a brutal act in his youth that led to his exile, to his cunning conquests in the west and east using the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi. We will discuss the profound sacrifice of his consort, Ototachibana-hime, and the moment of hubris that led to his tragic downfall. The central focus of this episode is the fascinating difference between the two primary sources for his tale. We analyze why the Kojiki presents him as a deeply human, tragic figure, while the Nihon Shoki, written just eight years later, recasts him as an idealized symbol of imperial loyalty. The podcast also examines the deep symbolism of key elements like the divine sword and the hero's final transformation into a white bird, and traces his enduring legacy in modern Japan through shrines, festivals, and popular culture, including appearances in film, anime, and video games.