Episode 556 - The Gods March Overseas, Part 2

In this podcast episode, the discussion centers on the Hokkaido Shrine and its significance during the Meiji era's colonization of Hokkaido. The episode explores how the shrine was originally created to provide a spiritual backbone for this colonial endeavor and evolved into a powerful symbol of Japanese progress and national identity. Unfortunately, this shift marginalized the indigenous Ainu people and their cultural traditions. The transformation of the shrine also highlights the Meiji government's changing approach to religion and its strategic use of Shinto to reinforce control over the newly acquired region.