Show Notes
Samurai and statesman Tokugawa Ieyasu founded the dynasty that unified Japan in the early 16th century. His house ruled the country for more than 250 years. He’s a towering figure from the nation’s history – a man capable of ruthless, decisive action, but who at other moments actively sought to avoid conflict and waited for his enemies to make mistakes.
In this episode, Christopher Harding – senior lecturer in Asian history at the University of Edinburgh, and author of books including A Short History of Japan – guides Mike Soutar through the apparent contradictions of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s story, and reveals the lessons that this feudal lord can impart for the 21st century.
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