Podcast
The First Shogun
Hosted by Sean Bermingham · ENGLISH
The TV series "Shogun" brings Japanese history to life, but who was the first Shogun?
In this series of podcasts, Sean Bermingham explores the rise to power of Yoritomo Minamoto, the first military leader of Japan. We'll follow Yoritomo's life and adventures as a young man as he leads his Genji clan to victory against the odds in the greatest samurai civil war in Japan's history, and eventually claims the title as Japan's First Shogun.
Written and presented by Sean Bermingham.
Music by EdRecords/Pond5: www.pond5.com
https://x.com/sbermingham121/status/1809814992990138598
Stock Media provided by FrequentlyAskedMusic / info87149 / SoundIdeasCom / GANEVMUSIC / agcnf_media / StormwaveAudio / TeraMangalaMeditationMusic / ChillVibesAudio / TerrificProduced / Articulated_Sounds / lynnepublishing / SalvadorMinujin / Peter_Elvin / Pond5
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Shogun
Sep 300:33:55Tap to summarizeSend feedback on the podcast!In this final episode of the podcast series, we see how Minamoto Yoritomo finally achieves his dream of becoming overall ruler - or Shogun - of Japan. But first he must deal with the last remaining threats to his authority - starting with his own brother, the legendary samurai general: Yoshitsune!Written and presented by Sean BerminghamMusic and sound effects from Pond 5: www.pond5.comThe First Shogun podcast website: https://firstshogun.buzzsprout.com
Transcribe →
First Shogun S2 Extra - In Search of the Last Heike
Jul 1600:28:24Tap to summarizeSend feedback on the podcast!In this special episode recorded in the ancient capital of Kyoto, we'll go in search of the last survivor of the Heike clan - the Empress Kenreimon-in. Visiting the key sites in her life, we'll trace what happened to this remarkable woman who witnessed the tragic death of her son - the boy Emperor Antoku - at the great sea battle of Dannoura, and was taken prisoner by the Genji...Written and presented by Sean BerminghamMusic and sound effects from Pond 5: www.pond5.comThe First Shogun podcast website: https://firstshogun.buzzsprout.com
Transcribe →
Dannoura
Jul 600:17:55Tap to summarizeSend feedback on the podcast!The fate of the nation hangs in the balance as two great samurai clans face each other in the seas of Dannoura. Heike and Genji fight for their existence in one of the greatest battles of medieval Japan. Only one clan will survive...Written and presented by Sean BerminghamMusic and sound effects from Pond 5: www.pond5.comThe First Shogun podcast website: https://firstshogun.buzzsprout.com
Transcribe →
The Final Battle
Jun 2100:28:48Tap to summarizeSend feedback on the podcast!The great samurai clash between the Genji and the Heike reaches its dramatic conclusion off the southern coast of Japan, at the great sea battle of Dan-no-ura! The Heike are confident of victory, but can the Genji general Yoshitsune ride his luck one more time, and change the course of Japanese history?Written and presented by Sean BerminghamMusic and sound effects from Pond 5: www.pond5.comThe First Shogun podcast website: https://firstshogun.buzzsprout.com
Transcribe →
Yashima
Apr 27, 202500:21:55Tap to summarizeSend feedback on the podcast!It is late winter in the year 1185, and the Genji general Yoshitsune is leading a group of samurai through a raging storm at sea. Yoshitsune has been given an imperial command to seek out and destroy the Heike - the powerful samurai clan that has taken charge of the infant Emperor and the Three Imperial Treasures. But to take on the Heike at their island stronghold of Yashima, Yoshitsune must pull off a daring surprise attack - despite being outnumbered ten to one...Written and presented by Sean BerminghamMusic and sound effects from Pond 5: www.pond5.comThe First Shogun podcast website: https://firstshogun.buzzsprout.com
Transcribe →
The Captured Samurai
Apr 18, 202500:24:33Tap to summarizeSend feedback on the podcast!After their victory at the battle of Ichi-no-Tani, the Genji present their trophies - and a valuable captive - in a parade through the streets of the Japanese capital. Meanwhile the surviving Heike clansmen recover their strength in a fortress on the island of Yashima, where they are given an ultimatum by the Emperor: return the Three Imperial Treasures in exchange for their captured brother...Written and presented by Sean BerminghamMusic and sound effects from Pond 5: www.pond5.comThe First Shogun podcast website: https://firstshogun.buzzsprout.com
Transcribe →
Jewels and Duels: Part 1
Mar 22, 202500:22:26Tap to summarizeSend feedback on the podcast!The young Genji general Yoshitsune receives a command from the Retired Emperor: Protect the imperial line and retrieve the Three Sacred Treasures! But to achieve his mission, Yoshitsune must first face the might of the Heike army, which is now just one day from the capital...Written and presented by Sean BerminghamMusic and sound effects from Pond 5: www.pond5.comThe First Shogun podcast website: https://firstshogun.buzzsprout.com
Transcribe →
Jewels and Duels: Part 2
Mar 22, 202500:17:47Tap to summarizeSend feedback on the podcast!Yoshitsune rides into battle—and into legend—while the Heike scramble to save the Emperor and the imperial treasures, before the Genji can capture them. The momentous clash on the beach between two samurai clans will go down in history as one of the great turning points of the Gempei War: The Battle of Ichi-no-Tani!Written and presented by Sean BerminghamMusic and sound effects from Pond 5: www.pond5.comThe First Shogun podcast website: https://firstshogun.buzzsprout.com
Transcribe →
First Shogun S2 - Extra!
Feb 22, 202500:12:24Tap to summarizeSend feedback on the podcast!In this episode we recap the story so far: Which key characters remain? Who is in control of the capital - and of the Emperor? And how will Yoritomo achieve his dream of becoming Japan's first Shogun? We'll explore the balance of power in medieval Japan as two great samurai clans - Genji and Heike - prepare to face each other in their final battles for control of the nation.Written and presented by Sean BerminghamMusic and sound effects from Pond 5: www.pond5.comThe First Shogun podcast website: https://firstshogun.buzzsprout.com
Transcribe →
The Emperor Strikes Back
Feb 16, 202500:27:38Tap to summarizeSend feedback on the podcast!An envoy from the capital brings shocking news: The Emperor has been attacked! Yoritomo learns that his reckless cousin Kiso Yoshinaka - the Asahi Shogun - has burned down the Emperor's residence and is threatening to make a truce with the Heike. So he accepts the Emperor's summons and sends his half-brother Yoshitsune to bring his cousin to heel. Meanwhile Kiso and his lover Tomoe Gozen - Japan's most celebrated female samurai - prepare for what could be their final stand. Written and presented by Sean BerminghamMusic and sound effects from Pond 5: www.pond5.comThe First Shogun podcast website: https://firstshogun.buzzsprout.com
Transcribe →