Japanese Modernity @ Substack Podcast

About Japanese Modernity @ Substack Podcast

A forum about modern and contemporary Japan. japanesemodernity.substack.com (https://japanesemodernity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Christopher Gerteis

Category

history · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Oct 2024

Latest episode

31 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   31 Oct 2025

   Japanese Modernity podcast (5): Stability and Disaffection in Postwar Politics

   This episode dives into the “source code” of postwar Japanese politics—how a technocratic, conservative order has stayed remarkably stable since 1945, even amid public disaffection. Framed by Article 9’s pacifist identity and the U.S.–Japan alliance, the show uses Okinawa as a recurring stress test where constitutional ideals meet geopolitical reality. It traces the rise of bureaucratic stewardship and LDP dominance, showing how electoral reforms reshaped tactics without uprooting power. You’ll hear how local networks adapted from patronage to casework, and how symbolic “faith talk” (values, ritual, continuity) helps bind coalitions. The hosts distill four “cushions” that turn shocks into manageable friction—administrative resilience, alliance scaffolding, adaptive networks, and symbolic politics—while noting the costs: concentrated base burdens, high barriers to newcomers, and a narrowed policy imagination. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit japanesemodernity.substack.com (https://japanesemodernity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

2. 

   17 Oct 2025

   Japanese Modernity podcast (4): Beyond the Middle Class Myth

   This podcast explores the construction and subsequent unraveling of the “general middle-class society” myth in postwar Japan. It begins by questioning the analytic meaning of “middle class”when over ninety percent of the population self-identifies as such, tracing how this narrative of class homogeneity was established through surveys, media, and government policy, often intertwined with the discourse of Japanese uniqueness (Nihonjinron). Significant focus is placed on the gendered architecture of this model, centered on the male salaryman and the full-time housewife, whose corporate standing granted access to “welfare corporatism” and social citizenship. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit japanesemodernity.substack.com (https://japanesemodernity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

3. 

   25 Jul 2025

   Japanese Modernity podcast (3): Rise and Fall of the Japanese Red Army

   This episode examines the fascinating story behind the terrorist group Japanese Red Army (日本赤軍) and its unique connection to the People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Sponsored by Mondly: Mondly by Pearson (https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101487808-16937076) - speak a new language fluently fast. Explore language learning exercises for reading, listening, writing and speaking, enhanced with a dictionary, verb conjugator and state-of-the-art speech recognition technology - you’ll feel like having your own tutor in your pocket! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit japanesemodernity.substack.com (https://japanesemodernity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

4. 

   18 Jul 2025

   Japanese Modernity podcast (2): From Rickshaw pullers to Delivery riders

   This episode explores a compelling parallel between historical rickshaw pullers in colonial East Asia and contemporary delivery riders in the gig economy. Sponsored by Mondly: Mondly by Pearson (https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101487808-16937076) - speak a new language fluently fast. Explore language learning exercises for reading, listening, writing and speaking, enhanced with a dictionary, verb conjugator and state-of-the-art speech recognition technology - you’ll feel like having your own tutor in your pocket! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit japanesemodernity.substack.com (https://japanesemodernity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

5. 

   31 Mar 2025

   Lecture (3) Wierd Islands, the Palaces of Dragons, and Tengu

   This podcast lecture, Weird Islands, the Palaces of Dragons, and Tengu, delves into Japanese folklore's rich tapestry of supernatural tales and their enduring cultural significance. Through the lens of Tengu and Dragon King stories, the lecture examines metaphors for humanity's struggle with life, death, and power. Tengu, with their dual roles as tricksters and mentors, highlight the necessity of humility and discipline when confronting nature's unpredictability, while the Dragon King's Palace serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of overreaching human boundaries. Situating these narratives within a global context, the lecture explores how folklore—from Greek myths to African legends—shapes societal values and offers moral guidance. By unpacking these timeless tales, this session reveals how cultural heritage and storytelling continue to provide lessons for navigating the complexities of both historical and contemporary life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit japanesemodernity.substack.com (https://japanesemodernity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

6. 

   15 Mar 2025

   Lecture (2) Foxes in Japan: Shapeshifting, Duplicity, and the Uncanny

   This podcast lecture, Foxes in Japan: Shapeshifting, Duplicity, and the Uncanny, explores the multifaceted role of foxes, or kitsune, in Japanese cultural and artistic traditions. From their origins as supernatural beings capable of traversing human and otherworldly realms, to their representation in folklore, religion, and visual arts, kitsune embody themes of transformation, mimicry, and societal critique. The lecture delves into the Choju Jinbutsu Giga, a 12th-century scroll often regarded as a precursor to modern manga, where anthropomorphic foxes subtly challenge societal norms. By contextualizing these depictions within Japan’s historical and religious landscape, the lecture uncovers how foxes became enduring symbols of both playfulness and unease, influencing modern narratives in manga, anime, and beyond. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit japanesemodernity.substack.com (https://japanesemodernity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

7. 

   1 Mar 2025

   Lecture (1) Oni in Japan: Demons, Political Power, and Compassion

   This podcast lecture, Oni: Japan's Mythical Icons of Transformation and Redemption, explores the enduring symbolism and adaptability of Oni in Japanese cultural heritage and contemporary narratives. Tracing their origins as supernatural entities rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions, the lecture examines how Oni evolved from representations of external threats to figures embodying internal struggles and universal themes of transformation, liminality, and resilience. Oni challenge conventional boundaries between good and evil, human and supernatural, while navigating the transitions between destruction and renewal. Their commodification in global media and integration into modern storytelling underscore their relevance as dynamic symbols of both cultural heritage and the complexities of the human experience. This engaging exploration reveals how myths evolve to resonate across time and society. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit japanesemodernity.substack.com (https://japanesemodernity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

8. 

   1 Feb 2025

   Japanese Modernity podcast (1): Meiji Industrialization

   Welcome to Japanese Modernity, the podcast that explores Japan's journey through transformative eras of social, economic, and cultural change. Each episode dives into pivotal moments that shaped modern Japan, from the Meiji era's industrialization to the nation's emergence on the global stage. Join us as we uncover the stories, decisions, and innovations that defined this remarkable evolution, with insights from leading historians and scholars. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student, or simply curious about Japan’s fascinating past, Japanese Modernity offers a deeper understanding of how tradition and modernity intersected to create a lasting legacy. Stay tuned, and let’s embark on this journey together. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit japanesemodernity.substack.com (https://japanesemodernity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

9. 

   2 Dec 2024

   Deep Dive podcast (6): Japan's Crisis of Empty Homes

   This episode examines the context of Japan's so-called ‘Akiya Boom’. Vacant for decades, abandoned to the elements, Japan’s empty homes offer a troubling glimpse into Japan’s past, present, and future. The AI-generated podcast is based on: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit japanesemodernity.substack.com (https://japanesemodernity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

10. 

    29 Nov 2024

    Deep Dive podcast (5): Exploring Shinto

    In this episode, we take a deep dive into Shinto, Japan’s indigenous spiritual tradition. Together, we explore a rich collection of articles, historical records, and descriptions of shrines and artifacts, uncovering the layers of this fascinating belief system. Join us as we examine what makes Shinto unique, including its absence of a single sacred text like the Bible, and discover the cultural and historical significance behind its practices and sacred spaces. This is an episode for anyone curious about Japan’s spiritual heritage and the enduring influence of Shinto in Japanese culture. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit japanesemodernity.substack.com (https://japanesemodernity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

11. 

    4 Nov 2024

    Deep Dive podcast (4): Selective Memory and Strategic Forgetting — How Public Memory Shapes Historical Knowledge

    This episode explores the dynamic and often overlooked aspects of historical memory. Discussion focuses on the importance of critical engagement with history beyond conventional sources like textbooks and museum exhibits. The podcast delves into lesser-known areas of historical narratives, highlighting how this approach can lead to surprising discoveries and insights. It encourages listeners to take a critical perspective by questioning established historical narratives, portraying history as a vibrant field ripe for exploration and discussion. Christopher Gerteis (http://www.christophergerteis.net) curated and reviewed this AI-generated discussion for accuracy. Japanese Modernity @ Substack is a platform for presenting research in a clear, engaging, and accessible way. We aim to make historical scholarship enjoyable for a wide audience. We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts on this innovative approach to communicating complex ideas. Contact Christopher Gerteis at cg24@soas.ac.uk if you have a book or article you would like to contribute to the discussion. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit japanesemodernity.substack.com (https://japanesemodernity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

12. 

    20 Oct 2024

    Deep Dive podcast (3): Rebel Youth — The Struggle for Identity in Postwar Japan

    This episode explores the complex dynamics of youth activism in postwar Japan. It highlights how both the far left and far right sought to harness the energy of disaffected youth to shape Japan’s future. The podcast aims to reflect on the generational dynamics of political activism, questioning what contemporary societies can learn from these movements’ successes and failures in shaping future values. The AI-generated discussion is based on Christopher Gerteis’ Mobilizing Japanese Youth: The Cold War and the Making of the Sixties Generation (https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501756313/mobilizing-japanese-youth/#:~:text=In%20Mobilizing%20Japanese%20Youth,%20Christopher%20Gerteis) (Cornell 2021), which the author has reviewed for accuracy. Japanese Modernity @ Substack is a platform for presenting research in a clear, engaging, and accessible way. We aim to make historical scholarship enjoyable for a wide audience. We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts on this innovative approach to communicating complex ideas. Contact Christopher Gerteis at cg24@soas.ac.uk if you have a book or article you would like to contribute to the discussion. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit japanesemodernity.substack.com (https://japanesemodernity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

13. 

    6 Oct 2024

    Deep Dive podcast (2): Revolution from the Screen — Labor, Gender, and Power in Postwar Japan

    This episode delves into the complex relationship between labor unions, popular culture, and gender equality in Japan during the years following World War II. It explores how the initial commitment to women's equality gradually gave way to conservative gender norms that prioritized male workers' interests and diminished the role of women within the labor movement. The AI-generated discussion is based on Christopher Gerteis’ book Gender Struggles: Wage-Earning Women and Male-Dominated Unions in Postwar Japan (https://muse.jhu.edu/book/61537#:~:text=By%20showing%20how%20unions%20raised%20the) (Harvard 2010), which the author has reviewed for accuracy. Japanese Modernity @ Substack is a platform for presenting research in a clear, engaging, and accessible way. We aim to make historical scholarship enjoyable for a wide audience. We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts on this innovative approach to communicating complex ideas. Contact Christopher Gerteis at cg24@soas.ac.uk if you have a book or article you would like to contribute to the discussion. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit japanesemodernity.substack.com (https://japanesemodernity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

14. 

    4 Oct 2024

    Deep Dive podcast (1): The Maria Luz Incident in Context

    This discussion on the Google (https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/10/03/1104978/people-are-using-google-study-software-to-make-ai-podcasts-and-theyre-weird-and-amazing/)Deep Dive (https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/10/03/1104978/people-are-using-google-study-software-to-make-ai-podcasts-and-theyre-weird-and-amazing/) podcast (https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/10/03/1104978/people-are-using-google-study-software-to-make-ai-podcasts-and-theyre-weird-and-amazing/) delves into the legal, social, and political dynamics surrounding the Maria Luz Incident, unpacking how it intersected with global narratives of emancipation and Japan’s evolving legal frameworks. The focus of this discussion is Bill Mihalopoulos’s recent article, “Liberty, the Maria Luz Incident, and the Liminal Legal Status of Chinese Indentured Labourers and Japanese Licensed Prostitutes (https://academic.oup.com/past/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/pastj/gtae022/7736122?redirectedFrom=fulltext)” published in the journal Past & Present, 19 August 2024. The author has reviewed this AI-generated discussion for accuracy. Japanese Modernity @ Substack offers a platform for presenting research in a clear, engaging, and accessible way. We aim to make historical scholarship enjoyable for a wide audience. We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts on this innovative approach to communicating complex ideas. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit japanesemodernity.substack.com (https://japanesemodernity.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)