The word sengoku means 'chaotic states' or 'warring states/countries' and 'jidai' means 'age - like 'iron age'. Betrayal, destruction, suffering and despair. It's every man for himself - and a few men rose to the top.

The peasants of Japan finally get their turn at dealing out violence!

Every tourist who goes to Kyoto goes here - but its story, and that of the Silver Pavilion, are not well known

Did the Mongols get beaten by typhoons sent by the gods?

The names of Yoshitsune and Yoritomo of the Minamoto clan are legendary in Japanese history. But how did they seize power from the Taira? And how and why did they move the de facto capital to Kamakura and usher in a new age in Japanese governance.

Taira Kiyomori spared the lives of Yoritomo and Yoshitsune - two young children at the time - in order, allegedly, to sleep with their mother. Ewwwww. But this is a cracking tale of revenge, bravery and betrayal.

In this episode we discuss the near-irrevocable usurpation of power by the warrior class; the samurai. For anyone thinking about going to Kyoto and Nara, lots of the places and names in this episode will make your trip a little more enjoyable!

The Heian Era is sometimes seen as Japan's classical era. Great works of art, religious thought and crafty politicians make this era fascinating!