Cezary Jan Strusiewicz
@cezary-jan-strusiewicz
Cezary Jan is a Polish writer based in Japan. He's written about Japanese history and culture for The Japan Times, National Geographic, Polygon, and other major outlets.
Education
MA Japanese Philology with Linguistics — Jagiellonian University, 2010
BA Japanese Philology with Literature — Jagiellonian University, 2007
Areas of Expertise
The Masterless Samurai Who Traded Their Swords for Bamboo Flutes
Exemplifying Japan’s multifaceted Buddhist traditions, komuso monks were wandering practitioners of Zen with a samurai background, who sought enlightenment through austerity and shakuhachi flute meditation.
How Was Life Inside Japan’s Temples During the Samurai Era?
How did Buddhist monks in feudal Japan balance spirituality, austerity, daily labor, political service, and economic management inside their houses of worship?
How the Genpei War Gave Birth to the Japanese Shogunate
This civil war between the Taira and Minamoto clans reshaped Japan, ending the dominance of the Kyoto Imperial Court and inaugurating centuries of warrior-led government.
How Yokohama Rose From a Fishing Village to Japan’s Second Largest City
From a small, secluded village to an international hub for commerce, Yokohama became Japan’s second-largest city through treaties, turmoil, and the embrace of modernity.
The Types, Tactics, and Art That Shaped the Japanese Castle (Shiro)
Japanese castles evolved from simple, temporary outposts into the country’s most important military and political centers. Read on to discover more about these fascinating fortifications.
How Historically Accurate Is Shogun? A Japanologist Weighs In
The FX show Shogun has gotten the world interested in 16th-century Japan, but can viewers learn any real history from the series? Let us investigate.
What Kind of Money Did People Use in Feudal Japan?
During Japan’s feudal period, different currency systems battled for supremacy. This is the story of the long, winding road to get to the yen.
The Spiritual Role and Elegant Architecture of Japanese Temples
Japanese Buddhist temples are more than just a collection of religious buildings. They are tangible theology offering us insights into one of Japan’s main religions.
The Legendary Emperor Jimmu & the Lessons He Taught Japan
The story of Japan’s first ruler, Jimmu, was meant to serve as an example to the country’s emperors. These are the lessons he taught them.
Everything You Need to Know About Horyu-ji, Japan’s Oldest Temple
Despite being over 1,300 years old, making it one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world, Japan’s Horyu-ji continues to fascinate and astound.
5 Movies That Best Explain Samurai Culture
Cinema can be a valuable method of bringing history to life. These five films reveal the contradictions, tragedies, and values of Japan’s samurai class.
4 Japanese Movies With the Most Historically Accurate Battles
Learn the real stories behind Japan’s most legendary battles through four films that mix cinematic flair with surprisingly faithful historical reenactments of Japanese warfare.