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This week, I'm going to recommend A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki.

It's the story of two girls on the opposite sides of the world, now living in Tokyo and looking for some meaning in her life,

and Ruth, who finds a diary washed up on the Pacific coast of the United States after the 311

tsunami. It's clever, it's witty, and it's moving,

and I found it a good read.

I think you will, too.

Go to audibletrial.com slash Japan to claim your copy. Hello and welcome to the history of Japan podcast.

Episode 157, Best of Frenemones, Part 3.

We left things off last time in the early 1880s when a divided Korean court was facing down a threat from the outside world.

The leading figures in the court were King Gojong's father-in-law, the De Wang Gun, and the king's wife, Queen Min.

The Dewan Goon's policies are often summarized in one simple word. No. No foreigners, no Christianity,

and above all else, no Japan. Don't give any of them an inch, or they'll come to expect a mile.

Queen Min, on the other hand, was in favor of attempting to play off Korea's many enemies against each other,

in the words of ancient Chinese historians of using the barbarian to control the barbarian.

Invite them all in, and watch as they weaken and undercut each other

in their fierce competition for control of Korea.

Both the De Wangoon and Queen Min were Korean patriots, though to hear each tell it,

...