After becoming global leaders in gun manufacturing in the 16th century, Japan banished all guns from their country for two centuries. How did this happen? And what were the results? Well, even today, the nation of 127 million experiences under 10 gun deaths every year.

Derek looks back at this period in history to find out what happens when a society seems to move backward when in reality progress is made. He also looks at the psychology of warfare while noting that as bad as society can become, nothing is inevitable.

Show Notes

Giving Up the Gun: Japan's Reversion to the Sword, 1543-1879

The demographics of gun ownership

America's gun culture - in seven charts

Packy McCormick: Optimism

Japan has almost completely eliminated gun deaths — here's how

A Terrible Love of War: James Hillman

War is a Force That Gives Us Meaning: Chris Hedges

Tribe: Sebastian Junger

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