Ancient Japan

All in all, Japan seems to be a country of paradoxes and oppositions, of yin and yang. Yet it doesn’t seem to suffer from it; instead, it is thriving, growing, and developing, and it has been doing so for a long time. From those contradictions, a sense of unity and pride arose, guiding Japanese history and civilizational development through the ages, leaving an unquestionable mark on the world heritage and mankind. But this is only the surface of an astonishing culture that deserves a deeper look.

The history of ancient Japan is filled with interesting events that involved many influential and legendary figures. However, some of the accounts were also infused with Japanese myths, which might make it difficult for curious readers to distinguish between facts and legends. But you can safely put your concern aside. With this new Enthralling History book, you will discover an array of information and stories of the ancient Japanese, starting from the prehistoric era up until the Heian period, which saw the birth of the first samurai warriors.

A classic of Japanese history, this audiobook is the preeminent work on the history of Japan. Newly revised and updated, A History of Japan is a single-volume complete history of the nation of Japan. Starting in ancient Japan during its early pre-history period, A History of Japan covers every important aspect of history and culture through feudal Japan to the post-Cold War period and collapse of the bubble economy in the early 1990s. Recent findings shed additional light on the origins of Japanese civilization and the birth of Japanese culture.    

Have you ever wondered what Japan was like long ago? The Japanese people have had a long and interesting history, filled with warrior queens, emperors, and discoveries that have changed the world. Both parents and children will enjoy learning about Ancient Japan in this fun, up-to-date history of the Japanese people. Did you know that the Japanese were the first people to create pottery? That might not sound important, but there were no plates, bowls, jars, or pots before the ancient people in Japan invented all of that!

This three-part audio guide to the world of ancient Japan includes a brief fact-based intro to ninjas, a treatise on the rituals and cultural importance of the famous samurai warriors of ancient Japan, and an exploration of the some of the principles and gods and goddesses of the mysterious Shinto faith.

In a rare combination of comprehensive coverage and sustained critical focus, this book examines Japan's progress through its entire history to its current status as an economic, technological, and cultural superpower. A key factor is a pragmatic determination to succeed. Little-known facts are also brought to light, and the latest findings used. 

Ancient Japan: Untold Stories of Love, Power, and Everyday Life History is about more than just emperors, samurai, and war. It’s also about how real people lived, loved, and endured. Long before dating apps, there was the mysterious moonlight visit when men slipped into women’s rooms under the cover of darkness in a ritual woven from romance, danger, and deep cultural meaning. One misstep could ignite scandal, or a confrontation with a pitchfork.

This audiobook is a must-have introduction for young listeners intrigued by the world of ancient Japanese culture and mythology. From the creation of the world to the first emperors, this audiobook charts the full sweep of Japanese myth, revealing fascinating aspects of ancient Japanese ritual...

The ancient ninjas in Japan have fueled stories, movies, books, and other media to go on and on about the sneaky assassins that terrorized their country. Today, you and I will go in-depth into this topic and find out more about the truth. Some of the stories sound accurate; others have more to it or are completely false. Educate yourself and figure out where the stories came from, and then connect the dots. This guide will help you along the way. 

What did the samurai in Japan do? How did they begin? And what was so typical or different about them? These and many other questions will be answered in this quick guide that will cover all the basics of the famous samurai warriors in ancient Japan. You will learn about shoguns, bushido, the Meiji time period, Ronin warriors, the Genpei war in 1180, the Kamakura period, the infamous suicide methods for honor (hara-kiri), and much, much more.

The Shinto religion is a mystery to many. There is no real founder, there are many gods and deities that are worshipped, and something about spiritualism and spirits in nature (that most people can’t quite put their finger on). Today, many of those confusions will be cleared up, as you will explore the Shinto faith and all its most important rituals, gods and goddesses, symbolism, etc. A long list of divine beings and their purpose and tasks will be revealed, some background stories about the most famous ones, and the history and legends of Japan’s gigantic mountain: Mount Fuji.

Before Rome’s legions ever dominated Europe, a massive power was already ruling the Indian subcontinent. It stretched from the mountains of present-day Afghanistan to the Bay of Bengal, carving its path deep into southern India. This was the Mauryan Empire. What if the most powerful figures in ancient China were the ones you’ve never heard of? When archaeologists uncovered the untouched tomb of Lady Fu Hao in 1976, they didn’t just find treasure—they found a story that rewrote history. She wasn’t just a queen. She was a fierce general, a high priestess, and a leader lost to time… until now.

During his journeys around Japan, Smith recorded ancient Japanese myths and legends in his personal diaries. The result is a fascinating collection of historical legends from all over Japan, with themes including ghosts, unrequited love, Shinto landscape, tree and ocean spirits, samurai culture and tales driven by Bushido and Buddhist ethics. Gordon Smith's writing combines a realist style with supernatural elements, resulting in an anthology of 'magic realist' tales which will bewitch and captivate listeners.

Dive into the mystical world of ancient Japan and uncover its incredible deities, mythical creatures, and heroic tales, even if you're new to folklore! Are you fascinated by Japan's rich culture and history?Discover captivating tales of Shinto gods, Yōkai, and legendary heroes that shape Japan's cultural heritage.

Together, these three volumes form an essential collection for anyone fascinated by mythology, folklore, and the cultural heritage of Japan. Each story in this anthology is not just a tale. It's a window into the ancient soul of Japan, its people, and its enduring legacy.

This audiobook is a must-have introduction for young listeners intrigued by the world of ancient Japanese culture and mythology. From the creation of the world to the first emperors, this audiobook charts the full sweep of Japanese myth, revealing fascinating aspects of ancient Japanese ritual...

Turn your daily commute into an awe-inspiring cultural history adventure through two millennia of Japanese art. Wander through tranquil Shinto shrines, disciplined Zen monasteries, and modern galleries without ever leaving your seat. Let the contemplative beauty of this visual evolution turn...

In Hidden Japan, acclaimed author and environmentalist Alex Kerr leads us to the country's most secluded and enchanting corners—places where time seems to stand still and traditional culture endures. From thatched-roof villages in misty mountains to volcanic islands few have ever visited, Kerr's lyrical prose, narrated by the author himself, is brought to life in this immersive audio experience.

Uncover the true historical reality of Japan’s female artists and working women in this immersive cultural history. Perfect for a contemplative evening commute or a relaxing weekend escape, this evocative journey walks you through the lantern-lit alleyways of traditional geisha districts...

Spend 24 hours in the vibrant, divided world of Shogun’s Japan. In 1614, Japan stood at a crossroads. As the Tokugawa shogunate tightened its grip on power, samurai prepared for war, Christians faced persecution and foreign merchants navigated a rapidly shifting political landscape. In 24...