Talk Japan

Talk Japan: An online exploration of Japan

Walk Japan is pleased to introduce its Talk Japan series of online events providing in-depth and fascinating insights into a plethora of aspects of Japan, its history, culture and society drawn on the personal experience and expertise of Walk Japan's Tour Leaders and some of our friends, who also have deep knowledge about the nation. These talks, which are based on a series we have been running for our staff since the early days of the pandemic, provide an opportunity to enjoyably explore and connect with Japan from the comfort of your home. Whether you are looking forward to travelling with us in the future, or are simply interested in the Japan, all are welcome to join us.

Walk Japan talks and seminars are delivered on a not-for-profit basis. When charged for, the cost of attendance helps us to pay presenters and sustain our Community Project during the pandemic period. Additionally, any attendance fees paid are redeemable against currently booked or future Walk Japan tours. 


Upcoming Events

Exploring Nikko's Historical Pivot: Tokugawa Ieyasu's Final Hours & Toshogu Shrine presented by Timon Screech

Friday 2nd February, 9:00AM Japan Standard Time

This webinar will be recorded and made available to view on Walk Japan’s Youtube Channel.


The latest edition of our Talk Japan series is presented by Timon Screech who provides a fascinating look into the turbulent events set in train by the death in 1616 of Tokugawa Ieyasu at the age of 73. This great shogun’s demise proved to be a pivotal moment that shaped Japan's destiny. Ieyasu was posthumously deified as the Shinto-Buddhist god Tosho Daigongen and Nikko emerged as a symbolic centre and witness to the ebb and flow of power in a rapidly shifting political landscape. In 1617, the imposing and ornate Toshogu Shrine in Nikko was built to enshrine Ieyasu and become a site of pilgrimage, visited by the faithful and tourists to this day. 


Timon is an eminent Japanese scholar. Formerly Professor of History and Art at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, he is now Professor at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies in Kyoto and a Walk Japan Tour Leader. Timon vividly portrays the intrigue and machinations of the time while also describing the uniqueness of Toshogu Shrine, its cultural symbolism and architectural intricacies.


Timon’s talk will be of interest to anyone interested in Japanese history, Tokugawa Ieyasu and Japan at large.


This webinar will be approximately 60 minutes and include time for Q&As. 


Talk Japan On Demand

Should you be unavailable at the time of the live talks, or wish to watch at another time, recordings of talks can be viewed below and via our Youtube Channel here.