Chris Harding | Japanese History
@drchrisharding.bsky.social
Cultural historian & broadcaster based at the University of Edinburgh
Mainly now at Substack, Instagram and YouTube
👉 https://linkin.bio/chrisharding/
Mainly now at Substack, Instagram and YouTube
👉 https://linkin.bio/chrisharding/
Pinned
Pride of place this morning at our local @waterstones.bsky.social.
And no, I didn’t put it there… 😂
@hcaatedinburgh.bsky.social
And no, I didn’t put it there… 😂
@hcaatedinburgh.bsky.social
Japan is losing more than 2,000 people every day to population decline.
Is automation the answer?
This week's Substack post:
www.chrishardingjapan.com/p/can-vendin...
Is automation the answer?
This week's Substack post:
www.chrishardingjapan.com/p/can-vendin...
Can Vending Machines Save Japan?
Part II: Salvation Through Automation
www.chrishardingjapan.com
October 11, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Japan is losing more than 2,000 people every day to population decline.
Is automation the answer?
This week's Substack post:
www.chrishardingjapan.com/p/can-vendin...
Is automation the answer?
This week's Substack post:
www.chrishardingjapan.com/p/can-vendin...
Japan's famous vending machines look like late 20th-century tech.
In fact, they're both decades and centuries older.
They may also hold the key to the country's future.
www.chrishardingjapan.com/p/can-vendin...
In fact, they're both decades and centuries older.
They may also hold the key to the country's future.
www.chrishardingjapan.com/p/can-vendin...
Can Vending Machines Save Japan?
Part I: Trust meets High Technology
www.chrishardingjapan.com
October 7, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Japan's famous vending machines look like late 20th-century tech.
In fact, they're both decades and centuries older.
They may also hold the key to the country's future.
www.chrishardingjapan.com/p/can-vendin...
In fact, they're both decades and centuries older.
They may also hold the key to the country's future.
www.chrishardingjapan.com/p/can-vendin...
Exciting times in Japan...
BREAKING: Sanae Takaichi has been elected leader of the LDP, and is set to become Japan’s first female prime minister.
October 4, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Exciting times in Japan...
Promises to be an interesting evening - do come!
As part of Noh Reimagined 2025 curator Gina Buenfeld-Murley and Daiwa Scholarships alumnus @drchrisharding.bsky.social will discuss ‘Bashō’ (Plantain Tree) by Konparu Zenchiku (1405–1470), ahead of its first-ever performance outside Japan.
Fri, 28 Nov at 6pm:
www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/wor...
Fri, 28 Nov at 6pm:
www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/wor...
Pre-Performance Talk - Bashō: The Botanical Mind • Words • Kings Place
Gina Buenfeld-Murley, curator of the exhibition 'The Botanical Mind' at Camden Art Centre, joins Dr Christopher Harding, arts historian, to discuss the noh play 'Bashō' (Plantain Tree) by Konparu Zenc...
www.kingsplace.co.uk
September 24, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Promises to be an interesting evening - do come!
Japan's LDP leadership election is underway & 'kuromaku' culture is in full swing - the shadowy power behind the curtain.
One of the earliest practitioners, right after WWII, was the gangster & ultranationalist Kodama Yoshio, who helped lay the foundations of the LDP.
A 🧵
One of the earliest practitioners, right after WWII, was the gangster & ultranationalist Kodama Yoshio, who helped lay the foundations of the LDP.
A 🧵
September 19, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Japan's LDP leadership election is underway & 'kuromaku' culture is in full swing - the shadowy power behind the curtain.
One of the earliest practitioners, right after WWII, was the gangster & ultranationalist Kodama Yoshio, who helped lay the foundations of the LDP.
A 🧵
One of the earliest practitioners, right after WWII, was the gangster & ultranationalist Kodama Yoshio, who helped lay the foundations of the LDP.
A 🧵
‘The sense in Japan of a society and culture under threat and in need of defending is set to be a potent force in politics for a good while to come.’
My piece for @thetimes.com today:
www.thetimes.com/world/asia/a...
My piece for @thetimes.com today:
www.thetimes.com/world/asia/a...
Tourists love Japan, but under the surface it’s a Land of Rising Anger
Nationalism and discontent are bubbling over in this country of high taxes and resentment against its sometimes obnoxious visitors
www.thetimes.com
September 14, 2025 at 9:47 AM
‘The sense in Japan of a society and culture under threat and in need of defending is set to be a potent force in politics for a good while to come.’
My piece for @thetimes.com today:
www.thetimes.com/world/asia/a...
My piece for @thetimes.com today:
www.thetimes.com/world/asia/a...
One of the things that first drew me to Japan was its philosophy: growing out of myths, rituals and an awareness of impermanence, and worked into everyday life & art.
A short 🧵 for anyone new to this...
@takeshimorisato.bsky.social
A short 🧵 for anyone new to this...
@takeshimorisato.bsky.social
September 12, 2025 at 5:15 PM
One of the things that first drew me to Japan was its philosophy: growing out of myths, rituals and an awareness of impermanence, and worked into everyday life & art.
A short 🧵 for anyone new to this...
@takeshimorisato.bsky.social
A short 🧵 for anyone new to this...
@takeshimorisato.bsky.social
Reposted by Chris Harding | Japanese History
A new Today in Japanese Politics: The first candidates announce their intentions as the LDP debates how to elect a new leader. Plus, a milestone meeting of defense ministers in Seoul. open.substack.com/pub/observin...
The first day of the post-Ishiba era | Today in Japanese Politics
The LDP leadership race takes shape
open.substack.com
September 8, 2025 at 9:27 PM
A new Today in Japanese Politics: The first candidates announce their intentions as the LDP debates how to elect a new leader. Plus, a milestone meeting of defense ministers in Seoul. open.substack.com/pub/observin...
Another one for the 'and they wonder why Japanese people don't like tourists' file...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/09...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/09...
Anger in Japan after Instagrammer drinks burial site offering
On Tuesday, the Australian Embassy warned on Facebook that travelers must ensure 'appropriate behavior' while visiting Japan, without explicitly referring to the incident.
www.japantimes.co.jp
September 8, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Another one for the 'and they wonder why Japanese people don't like tourists' file...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/09...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/09...
Ishiba is off!
Japan's PM is stepping down, following two disastrous sets of election results on his watch.
A battle for the soul of the LDP - still Japan's largest party, despite its recent woes - ensues.
Backstory:
www.historywithchrisharding.com/p/rise-of-th...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Japan's PM is stepping down, following two disastrous sets of election results on his watch.
A battle for the soul of the LDP - still Japan's largest party, despite its recent woes - ensues.
Backstory:
www.historywithchrisharding.com/p/rise-of-th...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigns
The prime minister had struggled to inspire confidence as Japan faced economic headwinds.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 8, 2025 at 6:50 AM
Ishiba is off!
Japan's PM is stepping down, following two disastrous sets of election results on his watch.
A battle for the soul of the LDP - still Japan's largest party, despite its recent woes - ensues.
Backstory:
www.historywithchrisharding.com/p/rise-of-th...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Japan's PM is stepping down, following two disastrous sets of election results on his watch.
A battle for the soul of the LDP - still Japan's largest party, despite its recent woes - ensues.
Backstory:
www.historywithchrisharding.com/p/rise-of-th...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
For someone not previously much interested in Japanese politics, the last few weeks and months have been fascinating - and maybe historic.
A short 🧵 for anyone curious about what's going on.
A short 🧵 for anyone curious about what's going on.
September 5, 2025 at 5:57 PM
For someone not previously much interested in Japanese politics, the last few weeks and months have been fascinating - and maybe historic.
A short 🧵 for anyone curious about what's going on.
A short 🧵 for anyone curious about what's going on.
A side to Japan that not many people have seen - even if they've heard of @yokoono.bsky.social
Fascinating stuff!
Fascinating stuff!
September 5, 2025 at 10:38 AM
A side to Japan that not many people have seen - even if they've heard of @yokoono.bsky.social
Fascinating stuff!
Fascinating stuff!
Pride of place this morning at our local @waterstones.bsky.social.
And no, I didn’t put it there… 😂
@hcaatedinburgh.bsky.social
And no, I didn’t put it there… 😂
@hcaatedinburgh.bsky.social
September 4, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Pride of place this morning at our local @waterstones.bsky.social.
And no, I didn’t put it there… 😂
@hcaatedinburgh.bsky.social
And no, I didn’t put it there… 😂
@hcaatedinburgh.bsky.social
At the risk of bringing the tone down on Bluesky...
1. The Exchange of Fire
2. The Screen Defence
3. The Fart Bomb
4. The Drive-By
5. Teamwork
The Top Five moves in Japan's celebrated 'fart battle' artistic tradition.
More here (& turn up the sound) 👉 instagram.com/p/DOI3JtMDJ0B/
1. The Exchange of Fire
2. The Screen Defence
3. The Fart Bomb
4. The Drive-By
5. Teamwork
The Top Five moves in Japan's celebrated 'fart battle' artistic tradition.
More here (& turn up the sound) 👉 instagram.com/p/DOI3JtMDJ0B/
September 3, 2025 at 6:11 PM
At the risk of bringing the tone down on Bluesky...
1. The Exchange of Fire
2. The Screen Defence
3. The Fart Bomb
4. The Drive-By
5. Teamwork
The Top Five moves in Japan's celebrated 'fart battle' artistic tradition.
More here (& turn up the sound) 👉 instagram.com/p/DOI3JtMDJ0B/
1. The Exchange of Fire
2. The Screen Defence
3. The Fart Bomb
4. The Drive-By
5. Teamwork
The Top Five moves in Japan's celebrated 'fart battle' artistic tradition.
More here (& turn up the sound) 👉 instagram.com/p/DOI3JtMDJ0B/
Really enjoyed this conversation!
This conversation with @drchrisharding.bsky.social was great because of Chris’s knowledge of East meets West and he pushed me on how to live like William Blake.
youtu.be/v-uAYnrOPQE
youtu.be/v-uAYnrOPQE
How to Live like William Blake!
YouTube video by Mark Vernon
youtu.be
June 15, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Really enjoyed this conversation!
Reposted by Chris Harding | Japanese History
For anyone after a Saturday samurai fix, here's @thehistoryguy.bsky.social talking to one of the historical advisors for Disney's #Shogun:
shows.acast.com/dansnowshist...
shows.acast.com/dansnowshist...
The Real Shogun: The English Navigator Who Became a Samurai | Dan Snow's History Hit
How a sailor from Kent rose through the ranks of Japanese society to become the first Western samurai.
shows.acast.com
March 29, 2025 at 9:38 AM
For anyone after a Saturday samurai fix, here's @thehistoryguy.bsky.social talking to one of the historical advisors for Disney's #Shogun:
shows.acast.com/dansnowshist...
shows.acast.com/dansnowshist...
Can Japan hang onto its 'nice things'...?
My weekly post for IlluminAsia.
www.illuminasia.org/p/bin-lorrie...
My weekly post for IlluminAsia.
www.illuminasia.org/p/bin-lorrie...
Bin Lorries and the Fraying of Japan's Social Contract
Can Japan hang onto its 'nice things'?
www.illuminasia.org
March 28, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Can Japan hang onto its 'nice things'...?
My weekly post for IlluminAsia.
www.illuminasia.org/p/bin-lorrie...
My weekly post for IlluminAsia.
www.illuminasia.org/p/bin-lorrie...
What the controversy over Assassin’s Creed Shadows gets wrong - does Japan’s prime minister need a history lesson?
www.illuminasia.org/p/assassins-...
www.illuminasia.org/p/assassins-...
Assassin's Creed and Japan's Slasher-in-Chief
Does Japan's Prime Minister Need a History Lesson?
www.illuminasia.org
March 22, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Fascinating - and shocking - stats.
As Japan's population continues to shrink, a new survey finds that 52% of Japanese people ages 15 to 39 say they neither have nor want children. The survey also shows many facing economic challenges, with 11.2% saying they had trouble in the past year even buying food.
Survey: 52% of Young Japanese Don't Want Kids - Unseen Japan
Clear majorities say that Japan needs to provide better financial support as well as more flexible working options.
buff.ly
March 22, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Fascinating - and shocking - stats.
Reposted by Chris Harding | Japanese History
“We just wanted to see the historic electric substation.”
March 21, 2025 at 9:07 AM
“We just wanted to see the historic electric substation.”
This is well worth a read. 30 years on, it remains one of the most shocking moments in postwar Japanese history - both the attack itself, on the Tokyo underground, and the fact that ordinary, intelligent young people had seen so little future for themselves in Japan that they joined a cult.
Subsequent revelations about the cult proved even more alarming than the 1995 assault. It became clear that the authorities had been worried about the group for some time.
Thirty years later, Aum Shinrikyo’s horrors are ever-present
www.japantimes.co.jp
March 21, 2025 at 8:27 PM
This is well worth a read. 30 years on, it remains one of the most shocking moments in postwar Japanese history - both the attack itself, on the Tokyo underground, and the fact that ordinary, intelligent young people had seen so little future for themselves in Japan that they joined a cult.
Great piece on the re-enchantment phenomenon - of which I suspect the #TelepathyTapes are a part, with their criticism of scientific materialism and push for Idealism.
March 21, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Great piece on the re-enchantment phenomenon - of which I suspect the #TelepathyTapes are a part, with their criticism of scientific materialism and push for Idealism.
What the controversy over Assassin’s Creed Shadows gets wrong - does Japan’s prime minister need a history lesson?
www.illuminasia.org/p/assassins-...
www.illuminasia.org/p/assassins-...
Assassin's Creed and Japan's Slasher-in-Chief
Does Japan's Prime Minister Need a History Lesson?
www.illuminasia.org
March 21, 2025 at 2:56 PM
What the controversy over Assassin’s Creed Shadows gets wrong - does Japan’s prime minister need a history lesson?
www.illuminasia.org/p/assassins-...
www.illuminasia.org/p/assassins-...