Kicking off 2021, this week, listen to the story of how US slapdash gunboat diplomacy in the 1840s (yes, 1840s) accidentally kickstarted the birth of the modern Japanese navy. For the blogposts, which include photos. click here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

Originally premiered 1 January 2021, reissued 14 August 2026.

To support this podcast and the rest of my work, sign up to my Patreon at bit.ly/2lVqvv2, check out the merch at Redbubble, or buy my new novel Grey Dawn via bit.ly/greydawnebook, and don't forget to follow me at Facebook, Twitter, and Twitch!

With new recording equipment in hand, I have new episodes (and better audio) coming in the new year!

To support this podcast and the rest of my work, sign up to my Patreon bit.ly/2lVqvv2 or buy my new novel Grey Dawn via bit.ly/greydawnebook

Where did modern English language instruction in Japan begin? Here's the newest Friday Night History podcast! on Ranald MacDonald, the Preble mission, and English instruction in pre-1853 Japan. For the blogpost, which includes photos, click here.

To support this podcast and the rest of my work, sign up to my Patreon bit.ly/2lVqvv2 or buy my new novel Grey Dawn via bit.ly/greydawnebook

Originally premiered 23 November 2020, reissued 28 July 2026.

A first preview episode of Friday Night History! This is the story of Asakusa Danzaemon, an eta leader in 1868 Japan, and his role in the Boshin War (1868-1869). For text, sources, and more, visit my blog  and to support this podcast, consider becoming a patron on Patreon!

Originally premiered 1 November 2020, rerecorded 17 July 2026