It is the year 1156 in the Japanese imperial capital. Two rival Emperors face each other across the Kamo river, each supported by warriors of the Heike and Genji clans.

Watching is the nine-year-old Yoritomo. One day he will become Japan’s first Shogun. But for now, all he can do is hope that his father has chosen the right side.

Key figures in this episode:

West of the river:
- Go-Shirakawa (reigning Emperor of Japan)
- Shinzei (Go-Shirakawa's senior advisor)
- Yoshitomo (Genji heir, eldest son of Tameyoshi)
- Yoritomo (Yoshitomo's son; future First Shogun)
- Kiyomori (Head of the Heike clan)

East of the river:
- Sutoku (Retired Emperor, Go-Shirakawa's elder brother)
- Tameyoshi (Head of the Genji clan; Yoshitomo's father)
- Tamatomo (Yoshitomo's younger brother; a giant)
- Tadamasa (Heike commander; uncle of Kiyomori)

Written and presented by Sean Bermingham. 
Music and sound effects from Pond 5: www.pond5.com

The First Shogun podcast website: https://firstshogun.buzzsprout.com