Understanding Japan: A Cultural History - Mark J. Ravina

This is an excellent set of lectures about the history of Japan.  Ravina goes through different topics, such as trade with Chinese and Koreans, theater, gardens, language, and ends with the events of 1989 that forever changed the course of Japan.

I didn't think I'd enjoy these lectures, as the last time I sat through lectures about history was in college, and I hated them then.  I've gotten old.  :)