A Brief History of Japan - The Early Years
This panel talks about the history of Japan to the medieval times, so that fans can have a better sense of the historical context that has helped shape some of their favorite anime and manga. Find out why you too might like yayoi! Poetry for sex and politics in the Heian era! The rise of the Samurai!
A Brief History of Japan - The Later Years
This panel talks about the history of Japan from medieval times to the modern era so that fans can have a better sense of the historical context that has helped shape some of their favorite anime and manga. The Rise and Fall of the Class of Samurai! How the American Civil War saved Japan! The beginnings of anime and manga!
Victorian Japan
Inspired by Steampunk Culture, interest in the Victorian era is at a height. However, England wasn’t the only country doing interesting things during that era. This panel discusses the history and politics of Japan in the Victorian era.
The World of the Shining Prince
The Tale of Genji is the world's first novel, and the most famous work in classical Japanese. Learn about the court culture described in the novel and discover the rich and detailed world of the Shinning Prince!
Women of Japan
This panel looks at some notable women in Japanese history, from the semi-mythical Himiko, to the notable authors Murasaki Shikibu, Izumi Shikibu, and more!
Ikkyu: Not the Emperer of Japan, Twice
**New panel - please give advance notice if you wish this panel so we have time to finish it!**
Ikkyu was the son of an emperor - and could himself have become emperor - not once but twice! Instead, he became an influential, if irreverent, Buddhist priest responsible for bringing Zen to Japanese art and literature. There is even an anime series about him! Find out what made this man so interesting and beloved by the Japanese people.
