
Japanese History
Explore the Magnificent History, Culture, Mythology, Folklore, Wars, Legends, Great Achievements & More of Japan
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $6.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
R. E. Harter
About this listen
Japan has seen the rise and fall of emperors, samurai warriors, isolation, expansion, defeat, rebirth, and much more.
In this book we explore the magnificent history of Japan from its early origins to its rise as a modern superpower.
Japanese history is rich in culture, legends, characters, and mythology and remains one of the most interesting histories in the world. In this book you will understand why the Japanese are so proud, how Japan came to be, and much more.
While there are many books that explore Japan’s unique history, few are enjoyable. These books can also be hopelessly dry, overly academic, and just downright difficult to follow. Fortunately, this isn’t one of those books.
Here, you’ll find well-written and accurate information without bias. This concise history will respect your time by getting right to the point and giving you what you came to learn.
Inside you will discover:
- Samurai: who were they, their code, and why their legacy lasts to this day
- The evolution of Buddhism in Japan and spiritual insights
- Classical Japan (Nara and Heian Periods) and other famous periods
- Famous castles: Nagashino Castle, Inabayama Castle, and warrior monks!
- A dark chapter, Japan, and the Axis Powers in World War 2
- The curse of Masakado and the haunted grave of a samurai’s head in Tokyo
- The Genpei War: the Rise of the samurai and battles with Mongol invasions
- Colorful myths and legends: learn these to truly understand the Japanese people and their culture
- And much, much more
Whether you're a history enthusiast or just a curious person...inside you will discover a wealth of Japanese cultural history, mythology, and more.
So if you want to find out more about Japanese history, then this is the book for you
©2022 History Brought Alive (P)2024 History Brought AliveListeners also enjoyed...
-
A Brief History of the Samurai
- Brief Histories
- By: Jonathan Clements
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From a leading expert in Japanese history, this is one of the first full histories of the art and culture of the Samurai warrior. The Samurai emerged as a warrior caste in Medieval Japan and would have a powerful influence on the history and culture of the country from the next 500 years. Clements also looks at the Samurai wars that tore Japan apart in the 17th and 18th centuries and how the caste was finally demolished in the advent of the mechanized world.
-
-
An Excellent History of the Samurai
- By Michael on 08-08-14
-
History of India
- A Concise Introduction to Indian History, Culture, Mythology, Religion, Gandhi, Characters, Empires, Achievements & More Throughout the Ages
- By: History Brought Alive
- Narrated by: R. E. Harter
- Length: 2 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
India has a rich history covering thousands of years, civilizations, the rise of religions and empires, British rule, revolution, independence, and much more. In this book, we explore the magnificent history of India, from its ancient origins to its renaissance and concluding with its independence as a free nation. While there are many books that explore India’s unique history, few are enjoyable. Most books are hopelessly dry, academic, and downright difficult to follow. This concise history will respect your time by getting right to the point and giving you what you came to learn.
-
-
Offensively Bad Mispronunciation
- By Elizabeth Laucks on 06-15-24
-
The History of China
- A Concise Introduction to Chinese History, Culture, Dynasties, Mythology, Great Achievements & More of the Oldest Living Civilization
- By: History Brought Alive
- Narrated by: R. E. Harter
- Length: 3 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
While there are many books that explore China’s history, public knowledge is still lacking. Many people can name more than one Roman Emperor, but how many can name a Chinese Emperor?
-
-
Maybe a bit too brief
- By Jeffrey L. Worrall on 10-27-24
-
The Vikings
- Who Were the Vikings? Enter the Viking Age & Discover the Facts, Sagas, Norse Mythology, Legends, Battles & More
- By: History Brought Alive
- Narrated by: David Piper
- Length: 3 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 700 AD, a tribe of warriors left their homeland and struck out for glory and conquest. They came to take no prisoners. Their eerie horns made a distinctive sound, and their fearsome longboats struck from out of nowhere. The Vikings, their history and mythology fascinates many because it speaks to something within us: The fight to succeed and to grow stronger. Make no mistake, these were not nice people, but much of their legacy was not just about pillaging and destruction. Join us on a rampage through their history, culture, myths, and more!
-
-
poorly researched, and the narrator needs to learn how to properly pace and pronounce names.
- By Adam Messing on 05-19-24
-
African History
- Explore the Amazing Timeline of the World’s Richest Continent—The History, Culture, Folklore, Mythology & More of Africa
- By: History Brought Alive
- Narrated by: Brian Jeffords
- Length: 3 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With a rich geography and fascinating history, this continent is truly awe inspiring! It’s no wonder Africa has given rise to many of our languages, philosophies, and legends which we honor to this day. Using reliable, fact-checked written resources and discoveries from world-renowned archeologists, History Brought Alive presents African History.
-
-
Nothing
- By TT on 03-07-24
-
Greek Mythology
- Classic Stories of the Greek Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters (Classic Mythology, Book 1)
- By: Scott Lewis
- Narrated by: Madison Niederhauser
- Length: 3 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This captivating audiobook will take you on a beautiful journey through the fascinating world of Greek mythology. From the beginning of the cosmos to the Odyssey, be ready to venture into an exciting world of love, loyalty, infidelity, vengeance, deception, and intrigue!
-
-
A great way to gain insight to Ancient Greece
- By cosmitron on 07-27-18
By: Scott Lewis
-
A Brief History of the Samurai
- Brief Histories
- By: Jonathan Clements
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From a leading expert in Japanese history, this is one of the first full histories of the art and culture of the Samurai warrior. The Samurai emerged as a warrior caste in Medieval Japan and would have a powerful influence on the history and culture of the country from the next 500 years. Clements also looks at the Samurai wars that tore Japan apart in the 17th and 18th centuries and how the caste was finally demolished in the advent of the mechanized world.
-
-
An Excellent History of the Samurai
- By Michael on 08-08-14
-
History of India
- A Concise Introduction to Indian History, Culture, Mythology, Religion, Gandhi, Characters, Empires, Achievements & More Throughout the Ages
- By: History Brought Alive
- Narrated by: R. E. Harter
- Length: 2 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
India has a rich history covering thousands of years, civilizations, the rise of religions and empires, British rule, revolution, independence, and much more. In this book, we explore the magnificent history of India, from its ancient origins to its renaissance and concluding with its independence as a free nation. While there are many books that explore India’s unique history, few are enjoyable. Most books are hopelessly dry, academic, and downright difficult to follow. This concise history will respect your time by getting right to the point and giving you what you came to learn.
-
-
Offensively Bad Mispronunciation
- By Elizabeth Laucks on 06-15-24
-
The History of China
- A Concise Introduction to Chinese History, Culture, Dynasties, Mythology, Great Achievements & More of the Oldest Living Civilization
- By: History Brought Alive
- Narrated by: R. E. Harter
- Length: 3 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
While there are many books that explore China’s history, public knowledge is still lacking. Many people can name more than one Roman Emperor, but how many can name a Chinese Emperor?
-
-
Maybe a bit too brief
- By Jeffrey L. Worrall on 10-27-24
-
The Vikings
- Who Were the Vikings? Enter the Viking Age & Discover the Facts, Sagas, Norse Mythology, Legends, Battles & More
- By: History Brought Alive
- Narrated by: David Piper
- Length: 3 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 700 AD, a tribe of warriors left their homeland and struck out for glory and conquest. They came to take no prisoners. Their eerie horns made a distinctive sound, and their fearsome longboats struck from out of nowhere. The Vikings, their history and mythology fascinates many because it speaks to something within us: The fight to succeed and to grow stronger. Make no mistake, these were not nice people, but much of their legacy was not just about pillaging and destruction. Join us on a rampage through their history, culture, myths, and more!
-
-
poorly researched, and the narrator needs to learn how to properly pace and pronounce names.
- By Adam Messing on 05-19-24
-
African History
- Explore the Amazing Timeline of the World’s Richest Continent—The History, Culture, Folklore, Mythology & More of Africa
- By: History Brought Alive
- Narrated by: Brian Jeffords
- Length: 3 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With a rich geography and fascinating history, this continent is truly awe inspiring! It’s no wonder Africa has given rise to many of our languages, philosophies, and legends which we honor to this day. Using reliable, fact-checked written resources and discoveries from world-renowned archeologists, History Brought Alive presents African History.
-
-
Nothing
- By TT on 03-07-24
-
Greek Mythology
- Classic Stories of the Greek Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters (Classic Mythology, Book 1)
- By: Scott Lewis
- Narrated by: Madison Niederhauser
- Length: 3 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This captivating audiobook will take you on a beautiful journey through the fascinating world of Greek mythology. From the beginning of the cosmos to the Odyssey, be ready to venture into an exciting world of love, loyalty, infidelity, vengeance, deception, and intrigue!
-
-
A great way to gain insight to Ancient Greece
- By cosmitron on 07-27-18
By: Scott Lewis
-
A History of Japan
- Revised Edition
- By: R. H. P. Mason, J. G. Caiger
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
- Length: 13 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A classic of Japanese history, this audiobook is the preeminent work on the history of Japan. Newly revised and updated, A History of Japan is a single-volume complete history of the nation of Japan. Starting in ancient Japan during its early pre-history period, A History of Japan covers every important aspect of history and culture through feudal Japan to the post-Cold War period and collapse of the bubble economy in the early 1990s. Recent findings shed additional light on the origins of Japanese civilization and the birth of Japanese culture.
-
-
Content great - pronunciation not so much
- By A. Weber on 03-08-19
By: R. H. P. Mason, and others
-
Learn Japanese - Ultimate Getting Started with Japanese Box Set, Lessons 1-55
- Absolute Beginner Japanese #7
- By: Innovative Language Learning
- Narrated by: JapanesePod101.com
- Length: 17 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Start speaking Japanese in minutes, and grasp the language, culture and customs in just minutes more with Ultimate Getting Started with Japanese Box Set, a completely new way to learn Japanese with ease! Ultimate Getting Started with Japanese Box Set will have you speaking with proper pronunciation from the very first lesson and arm you with cultural insight and other information to utterly shock and amaze your Japanese friends.
-
-
Cool, I paid for the same material I got for free
- By Ryan on 05-24-16
-
Three Tigers, One Mountain
- A Journey Through the Bitter History and Current Conflicts of China, Korea, and Japan
- By: Michael Booth
- Narrated by: Julian Elfer
- Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
There is an ancient Chinese proverb that states, "Two tigers cannot share the same mountain." However, in East Asia, there are three tigers on that mountain: China, Japan, and Korea, and they have a long history of turmoil and tension with each other. In his latest entertaining and thought-provoking narrative travelogue, Michael Booth sets out to discover how deep, really, the enmity is between these three "tiger" nations and what prevents them from making peace.
-
-
Not much new here if you are already familiar
- By Neil Richert on 07-13-20
By: Michael Booth
-
Japan - Culture Smart!
- The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
- By: Paul Norbury
- Narrated by: Charles Armstrong
- Length: 3 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Japanese people have always seen themselves as a nation uniquely apart. Their exquisite art forms and elegant culture, military prowess and technological precision, have long been the envy of friend and foe alike. Today, even as Japan adapts to a rapidly changing world, its traditional culture and consensus-based philosophy have proved remarkably resilient. Culture Smart! Japan will broaden your perception and understanding of this complex, rich, and dynamic society.
-
-
This isn't a book
- By Peter on 03-04-25
By: Paul Norbury
-
Ancient Japan
- A Captivating Guide to the Ancient History of Japan, Their Ancient Civilization, and Japanese Culture, Including Stories of the Samurai, Shoguns, and Zen Masters
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Richard L. Walton
- Length: 3 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
All in all, Japan seems to be a country of paradoxes and oppositions, of yin and yang. Yet it doesn’t seem to suffer from it; instead, it is thriving, growing, and developing, and it has been doing so for a long time. From those contradictions, a sense of unity and pride arose, guiding Japanese history and civilizational development through the ages, leaving an unquestionable mark on the world heritage and mankind. But this is only the surface of an astonishing culture that deserves a deeper look.
-
-
Great for the history, but...
- By AudioFile on 01-07-20
-
Learn Japanese with Paul Noble for Beginners – Complete Course
- Japanese Made Easy with Your Personal Language Coach
- By: Paul Noble
- Narrated by: Paul Noble
- Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With Paul Noble’s simple, relaxed approach, you will learn in a way that suits you—without having to memorise long lists of words you won’t use; scribbling notes as you listen; or feeling frustrated. Instead, Paul will introduce you to the basics of Japanese and guide you through over 15 hours of everyday scenarios—from simple situations like asking for directions and eating out to talking about yourself and how to master the different tenses—that are practical, fun and applicable. Just listen, interact and learn wherever you are.
-
-
Great price - great content
- By Ludi on 07-25-21
By: Paul Noble
-
The Foundations of Western Civilization
- By: Thomas F. X. Noble, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Thomas F. X. Noble
- Length: 24 hrs and 51 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What is Western Civilization? According to Professor Noble, it is "much more than human and political geography," encompassing myriad forms of political and institutional structures - from monarchies to participatory republics - and its own traditions of political discourse. It involves choices about who gets to participate in any given society and the ways in which societies have resolved the tension between individual self-interest and the common good.
-
-
Not Engaging or Very Interesting
- By Tommy D'Angelo on 03-05-17
By: Thomas F. X. Noble, and others
-
Japanese Mythology Collection
- Japanese Fairy Tales and Aino Folk-Tales (Annotated) with a Historical Introduction
- By: Iwaya Sazanami, Basil Hall Chamberlain
- Narrated by: Jim D. Johnston
- Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Discover fascinating ancient Japanese fairy tales as well as the folk tales of the Ainu/Aino. The first book in this collection, titled Japanese Fairy Tales, was written by Iwaya Sazanami and translated by Yei Theodora Ozaki, a 20th-century translator of Japanese short stories and fairy tales. The second book in this collection is a rare one that is not usually available in audio format: Aino Folk-Tales by Basil Chamberlain, one of the most prominent British Japanologists active in Japan during the latter half of the 19th century.
-
-
The reader...:(
- By Sara Penn on 02-24-24
By: Iwaya Sazanami, and others
-
A Brief History of America, Canada, and England 3-in-1 Collection
- Three Countries Split by an Ocean, Bound by Heritage
- By: Dominic Haynes
- Narrated by: Jared Zak
- Length: 3 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Three brief histories of America, Canada, and England: nations divided in their history, peoples, and culture, yet bound by a willingness to sacrifice everything for independence, power, and prosperity. America, Canada, and England have been a backdrop to some of the fiercest battles and struggles for supremacy.
-
-
Brilliant and informative
- By Caroline on 08-18-23
By: Dominic Haynes
-
Pure Invention
- How Japan's Pop Culture Conquered the World
- By: Matt Alt
- Narrated by: Matt Alt
- Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Japan is the forge of the world’s fantasies: karaoke and the Walkman, manga and anime, Pac-Man and Pokémon, online imageboards and emojis. But as Japan media veteran Matt Alt proves in this brilliant investigation, these novelties did more than entertain. They paved the way for our perplexing modern lives.
-
-
great book ruined by ending
- By Grant Holder on 06-07-22
By: Matt Alt
-
Ultimate Buddhism Bundle for Beginners.
- Buddhist Psychology, The Way of Zen Buddhism & Zen Mind. The Art of Buddha teaching & Zen Master's Guide: Delivering Happiness and Finding Freedom in Life.
- By: Anit Korpal
- Narrated by: Derik Hendrickson, Samantha Novak
- Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Buddhist Psychology book is not just another book to share some information about Buddha and Buddhism. This book is actually an opportunity for every listener to reach a deeper aspect of life, through this tunnel of Buddhism teachings. It will be an interesting ride that will make you wonder about different dimensions of life. The central aim of the book is to help the listener understand the larger aspects of three universal truths, four noble truths, eightfold path, and 12 links to origination.
-
-
AI narration ? c'mon
- By Paul Hart on 10-17-22
By: Anit Korpal
-
A Brief History of Italy
- Tracing the Renaissance, Unification, and the Lively Evolution of Art and Culture
- By: Dominic Haynes
- Narrated by: Jeff Bower
- Length: 3 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Perhaps no country has had such a lasting impact on Western culture as Italy. Whether it’s the frescoes of the Renaissance, the politics of ancient Rome, or the formation of the Catholic Church, Italy holds a central place on the world’s stage. This audiobook gives a quick but detailed overview of Italy’s grand, sweeping history, from ancient city-state to modern cultural mecca. Whether you’re a student of Italian history looking for a refresher or a brand-new learner looking for an introduction, this audiobook is a concise, easy-to-follow overview.
-
-
A brief History of Italy
- By Taha on 11-13-23
By: Dominic Haynes
What listeners say about Japanese History
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Archie Luke
- 05-05-22
Japanese Legends
Provides good and enjoyable legends from the Japanese perspective. This is the part where I enjoyed it the most. A great and highly recommended audiobook for those who wanted to know more about Japan.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Luca Benson
- 05-10-22
Great source of info
This is an interesting audiobook because it has a wealth of information on Japanese history. I am confident that all Japanese fans would adore this masterpiece.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Emma
- 05-15-22
History of Japan
For those people who wanted to dive deep into the culture and history of Japan, this audiobook is recommended for you. This met my needs as a Japanese culture avid fan. Glad that it has all the contents that I want.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Samuel Atkinson
- 05-02-22
A must-have
Listening to this audiobook for the first chapters and I learned a lot about Japan. I love to learn about the mythology and culture of different countries and this audiobook has provided me the curiosity.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Catalina
- 05-15-22
Extraordinary
Learn about the extraordinary history of the Japanese from this awesome audiobook guide. Learn about their wars and legends and be fascinated by their rich history. Highly recommended.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Louise Hargreaves
- 05-02-22
Concise and informative
Been so interested in Japan lately and I really find this audiobook concise and informative as well. A great start for those who love to learn about the history of Japan. Recommended.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Leo Henry
- 05-05-22
All about Japan
This audiobook gives a great overview of Japan's history. Overall, I enjoyed listening to this audiobook and it gets interesting with every passing chapter. Great audiobook.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Aaron Byrne
- 05-02-22
Learned a lot
I wanted to visit Japan in the coming years and this is a great audiobook that lets me explore the history of Japan. I love this audiobook.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Elliot Scott
- 05-10-22
Feels like reality
While listening to this audiobook, I feel as if I'm there, experiencing Japan's history firsthand. This is a fantastic audiobook that takes you on a journey through ancient Japan.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Muhammad Horton
- 05-10-22
Recommended
Japan's past has never been believed to be so fascinating and beautiful. This audiobook provided me with an insight into their history, tales, and mythology.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!