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The myths and realities of life as a Samurai

Djene speaks to Dr. Sarah Panzer about the myths and realities of life as a Samurai.

In this episode, Talking History journeys to feudal Japan, a land, at least in our imaginations, shrouded in honor, warfare, and the enigmatic figures known as the Samurai. However, while Hollywood and popular culture have painted vivid images of these noble warriors, including Netflix's 2023 Blue-Eyed Samurai and Hulu's 2024 series Shogun, does the myth truly match the historical reality?

To help us move beyond romanticized tales and uncover the complexities and nuances of Samurai culture and society. To answer this question and more, Djene speaks to Dr. Sarah Panzer.

Sarah Panzer is an Associate Professor of History at Missouri State University whose research has examined German attitudes toward Japanese culture and history.

Djene Bajalan is a historian and a member of the faculty in the Department of History at Missouri State University. He was born, raised, and educated in the United Kingdom and holds a DPhil in Oriental Studies from the University of Oxford. His research focuses on the Ottoman Empire and he teaches courses on the history of the Middle East.<br/><br/>
AWS Certified Welder, father, artist, non-traditional Interior Design student, and lifelong learner, Patrick Needham had a love of history instilled in him at an early age by his parents, both teachers. Born in Colorado and raised in Taney County, Missouri, Pat loves the Ozarks with the zeal of a convert. Not formally trained in history, he brings an enthusiastic layman touch to the show. He hopes his fellow Ozarkers find lessons and parallels in the past.