Feb 16 2025 27 mins
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 Bermingham
Music and sound effects from Pond 5: www.pond5.com
The First Shogun podcast website: https://firstshogun.buzzsprout.com