Exiles and Lovers (part 1)

05/19/24 • 15 min

In this episode we follow the teenager Yoritomo - the future First Shogun of Japan - as he begins his exile on Leech Island in Izu province, where he experiences both love and tragedy in the household of his captor. Meanwhile, back in the Capital, Lord Kiyomori of the Heike continues to secure his position as the country's most powerful landlord. But a secret meeting at a remote mountain villa could present Kiyomori with a serious and unexpected challenge.
Key figures in this episode:
In Izu
Yoritomo - Genji exile, the future First Shogun
Ito Sukechika - local Heike commander; Yoritomo's captor
Yaehime - Sukechika's daughter
Morinaga - Yoritomo's friend and retainer
In the Capital
Lord Kiyomori - Head of the Heike clan
Shigemori - Kiyomori's eldest son
Sukemori - Shigemori's teenage son
Lady Ike - a nun; Kiyomori's step-mother
Go-Shirakawa - the Retired Emperor
Saiko, Shunkan, Narichika, Yasuyori - conspirators
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

05/19/24 • 15 min

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The First Shogun - Exiles and Lovers (part 1)

Transcript

It is spring in the year 1160, and a 13-year-old boy is about to leave the Japanese capital to start years of exile. He has been banished to the remote province of Izu on account of his father’s role in leading a rebellion against the imperial court, and against the Heike clan led by Taira no Kiyomori.

The boy’s name is Yoritomo of the Genji and before he departs on his journey, he is met by the Lady Ike, whose appeal for clemency swayed her step-son Kiyomori, and prevented the boy

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