In this interview, I sit down with historian and broadcaster Dr. Christopher Harding to unravel the story of Himiko, the enigmatic shaman-queen who appears at the start of Japanese history, and who quite possibly founded the world's oldest surviving monarchy.
We learn that Himiko ruled with political authority and “supernatural” power. Feared and respected, and possibly erased from Japanese records, she was so dominant that she could command 1,000 attendants, yet is virtually unknown to the modern world. We also look at her portrayal in Tomb Raider, debates over her secret tomb, and what her legacy is today in modern Japan.
If you think Japanese history is all about emperors, samurai, and men, this one will make you think again!
Read the relevant article: Queen Himiko: The Shaman Ruler Who Haunts Japan's Ancient Past.
Dr. Christopher Harding is a historian, broadcaster, and senior lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, specializing in the cultural and intellectual history of Japan, India, and other parts of Asia. Known for his ability to bring complex histories to life, Dr. Harding has authored acclaimed books like The Japanese: A History in Twenty Lives and regularly appears on BBC Radio 3 and 4.
