Your favorite weekly historical romp! Hosted by Dr. Nyri A. Bakkalian
Date Masamune makes a desperate, white-knuckle trip to reach Edo before death claims him. The nation mourns the dragon's passing. And at Otamaya, just south of Mount Aoba on the banks of the Hirose, the making of a legend is completed.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
The shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu's relationship with Date Masamune deepens. Masamune continues to party hard and live and love boldy. And for an outspoken statement in an unexpected place, Masamune receives an unexpected privilege.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
On Date Masamune's orders, Kawamura Magobe'e tames the fourth largest river in Japan, and a Chinese refugee wizard named Wang Yi joins one of Masamune's sons to tame an unruly volcano that threatens life and agriculture alike.One of these endeavors will come at a terrible price.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Hasekura Tsunenaga returns from Rome to a changed Japan. With the attainder of Yamagata Domain, Lady Yoshi chooses relocation to Sendai and reenters our story. And with the ascension of the third shogun Iemitsu, Date Masamune confronts a shogunate that was in fact here to stay.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Date Masamune embraces a Renaissance man's range of hobbies. Tokugawa Hidetada works to undergird his family's marriage alliance with house Date. And as Hasekura Tsunenaga returns home, one ship has an unexpected afterlife.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
House Date goes for broke against the Toyotomi clan in Osaka. Hasekura Tsunenaga and Luis Sotelo weather Jesuit interference as they try to lobby Pope Paul V for aid. And as the dust settles, the last of the Three Great Unifiers takes his leave of the world.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
A Nahua noble witnesses samurai from Sendai entering Mexico City. Tokugawa Ieyasu goes to war in Osaka to take care of one last loose end. And with one of the men he loved leading the vanguard, Date Masamune once again heads for battle. Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Two chance encounters with Spaniards in Edo leads to the longest of Date Masamune's attempted long shots. A visitor from afar praises Sendai Castle. And a man named Hasekura Tsunenaga enters our story. Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
The Tokugawa Shogunate becomes hereditary, and policy toward indigenous Christians begins to shift. Meanwhile in the north, Date Masamune emerges as a great protector-- to noted Buddhist and Shinto places of worship, as well as to Christians seeking safety.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Tokugawa Ieyasu becomes shogun, while Date Masamune returns home to oversee the construction of a new, grand shrine to Hachiman-okami, one whose history offers us clues about Masamune's self-image.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
"That city's name is Sendai."Date Masamune founds a new city with a name fit for the home of a Daoist immortal, while Tokugawa Ieyasu sees to the disposition of rewards and punishments after Sekigahara.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
The Tokugawa and Ishida armies stumble into each other in the misty Mino mountains at Sekigahara. But meanwhile in Michinoku, Date Masamune goes for broke on all fronts.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Tokugawa Ieyasu marches north. Date Masamune's armies descend like an avalanche on the Uesugi men. And in the west, Torii Mototada stands fast as the trap Ieyasu feared is sprung.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Uesugi Kagekatsu builds a new castle. Tokugawa Ieyasu builds a coalition, while Date Masamune goes home to raise an army. And an Englishman from Kent, on a ship from Holland, washes ashore in Kyushu.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Ishida Mitsunari seeks refuge with a rival. Date Masamune punches a hole in Hideyoshi's system by arranging a marriage. And Tokugawa Ieyasu is biding his time ahead of...something.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
On a brief pause to catch up with the sources on Sekigahara, the latest members' episode on http://patreon.com/riversidewings , and more.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Date Masamune inaugurates a four hundred year grudge. Toyotomi Hideyoshi starts a new war over his bruised honor. And a new council is inaugurated to steer Japan's future. Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Dragon Ascendant is off this week for Tekko 2025. But listen for a brief update about a special members' episode that drops today at http://patreon.com/riversidewings, and a preview of where Masamune's story will go next.
Date Masamune goes flower viewing in Yoshino. Toyotomi Hideyoshi abruptly puts his own kinfolk to the sword. At Jurakudai, Lady Mego gives birth to a curiously named daughter. And a man named Ishida Mitsunari makes his first appearance in our story.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Intent on addressing his midlife crisis, Toyotomi Hideyoshi invades Korea. Date Masamune puts on a show in Kyoto so flashy that it reshapes the Japanese language. And we learn how then as now, logistics and sanitation in an army is a thankless and necessary task.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Gamō Ujisato levels an accusation of treason. A gold-plated cross comes before a silver-tongued excuse about a wagtail. And once again, Date Masamune manages to charm, bewilder, and lobby his way out of disaster.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Date Masamune leads his new overlord, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, north to announce Michinoku's new political settlement. Katakura Kagetsuna turns down what may have seemed to other men to be the opportunity of a lifetime. A new rivalry with a new neighbor begins. And a new opportunity for expanding his holdings appears conveniently-- perhaps, too conveniently-- on Masamune's doorstep.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
A curse of seven generations is laid. A pee break between conquerors births Tokyo. And on the eve of conquering Odawara and thus all of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi is met with a shocking sight: Date Masamune, the elusive young dragon king of the north, has come dressed for his own death.Script and sources available at http://riverside-wings.comSubscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Date Masamune tries to negotiate with his aunt, Lady Onami, the daimyo of Sukagawa. A legend is born that gives rise to an enduring song. In Kyoto, Toyotomi Hideyoshi runs out of patience with the Hojo clan of Odawara. And in the face of Masamune's apparent indifference to Hideyoshi's imminent campaign, Lady Yoshi once again does the unthinkable. Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Date Masamune flanks the Satake-Ashina advance by striking the heart of Ashina territory. The River Nippashi becomes the anvil to the Date army's hammer. The shockwaves of this sudden change to the balance of power in Michinoku will not go unnoticed at Hideyoshi's court in Kyoto.Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Date Masamune fights house Soma yet again, and house Tamura continues to have border troubles. Meanwhile, far away in Kyoto, Toyotomi Hideyoshi has increasing paroxysms of rage over the Hojo clan. And there's a fight coming at a mountain crossroads called Aizu which might just be Masamune's finest hour yet.Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Date Masamune marches against house Osaki to his north. The Hojo clan and Toyotomi Hideyoshi enter ultimately fruitless negotiations. And Masamune's mother, Lady Yoshi, does something brave yet unthinkable.Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
A "dragon's shroud" has hit the city where I work, and so this week's episode is delayed. Listen to learn more.
A new Ashina succession crisis threatens the balance of power! Date Masamune puts forth his own brother for headship, but house Satake of Hitachi has other plans. And what does Toyotomi Hideyoshi think of all this?Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
How a young Date Masamune learned from the Battle at Manslayer Bridge, whom he chose to trust for advice, and how he learned to advance his interests by means other than setting fire to his problems.Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
"Do you ever wonder where Sekiro got the inspiration for Oniwa Gyobu Masataka...?"On Date Masamune's response to Terumune's death, his war against his neighbors, and his encounter with an enemy force that got the better of him.Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」) and "Epic Battle Song" by Rolandomat from Pixabay dot com slash music
On Date Masamune's first battles, his succession, the politics of southern Mutsu, and a standoff at the Abukuma River that changes the young lord's life forever.Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Bontenmaru meets a fierce bodhisattva, a wise Buddhist teacher, and comes of age, taking the name of a famous ancestor by which we know him today: Date Masamune.Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
Now age four, Bontenmaru has an unhappy childhood in the face of a demanding father, a scheming mother, and an illness that would leave him disfigured. But he also meets people who help him find confidence and courage. Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
A biography a century in the making, a disaster bisexual of legend, and a dream of a god seeking rebirth. Welcome to Friday Night History Season 4, "Dragon Ascendant: The Life of Date Masamune." Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Music is "Shinshun Ryoutei," "Kyoto no Ohayashi," "Hokora Uta," and "Yamagami no Yashiro," from 「MOMIZizm MUSiC（もみじば）｜フリーBGM 」)
On the upcoming season, the question of objectivity in history, and the life of one of the greatest disaster bisexuals of all time.Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Theme is "Ohayashi" by PeriTune, CC4.0)
Picture if you will....Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Theme is "Ohayashi" by PeriTune, CC4.0)
An update about my return to podcasting, the resumption of members' episodes, and when to expect the start of Season 4. Support this podcast on Patreon at http://patreon.com/riversidewings or on SubscribeStar at http://subscribestar.com/riversidewings
On the Internet Archive's outage and what you can expect in #FridayNightHistory 100, "The Tohoku Zone" Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Theme is "Ohayashi" by PeriTune, CC4.0)
In the Friday Night History Season 3 Finale, we talk about the US bases in Occupation-era Miyagi Prefecture, and why with only a handful of exceptions, most of them survive as JSDF bases today. Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Theme is "Ohayashi" by PeriTune, CC4.0)
Understanding Miyagi means understanding its waterways. Here's what you need to know. Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Theme is "Ohayashi" by PeriTune, CC4.0)
Walking in Basho's footsteps on the northern highway, to Sendai and beyond! Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Theme is "Ohayashi" by PeriTune, CC4.0)
From the coasts of Hamadori to the sacred mountains of Dewa to the road's end in Sotogahama to the embrace of Sendai Bay: let's get to know Japan's Tohoku region. Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Theme is "Ohayashi" by PeriTune, CC4.0)
Ever wonder what this Tohoku is we talk about on here, and where it is in relation to Kansai or Kyushu? This episode will explain! Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Theme is "Ohayashi" by PeriTune, CC4.0)
Ever wonder what order Japanese eras went in, and where most of our coverage sits in them? Let me get you situated. Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Theme is "Ohayashi" by PeriTune, CC4.0)
If you live in Sendai, sometimes you hear thunder coming from the north on a clear day. Why? Listen on. Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Theme is "Ohayashi" by PeriTune, CC4.0)
Hey, remember that time that the first Russo-Japanese interaction happened in Sendai domain's version of Australia? Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Theme is "Ohayashi" by PeriTune, CC4.0)
On Russo-Japanese relations, cartography, calendars, and how much and yet how little Wikipedia has changed in 20 years. Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Theme is "Ohayashi" by PeriTune, CC4.0)
Here's what you need to know. Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Theme is "Ohayashi" by PeriTune, CC4.0)
On heirs, hunters, and men named after monkeys who know the terrain and accomplish impossible things. Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Theme is "Ohayashi" by PeriTune, CC4.0)
On hunters, hound dogs, Hachiko, and highly interconnected regions on the edges of Japan. Subscribe to Riversidewings on Patreon, or buy some merch at Fourthwall. (Theme is "Ohayashi" by PeriTune, CC4.0)
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