Professional Historians Take on the University Entrance Common Test: New Program "Pros Solving Exams Seriously" Explores the Depths of History

Professional Historians Take on the University Entrance Common Test: New Program "Pros Solving Exams Seriously" Explores the Depths of History

On May 25, 2026, the Web media "SYNCHRONOUS," operated by Japan Business Press Co., Ltd., launched a new program on its official YouTube channel titled "Pros Solving Exams Seriously."

Historian Masahiko Naishi and history YouTuber Mr. Bushido have challenged the Japan History section of the University Entrance Common Test in this new program. Experts who typically unravel history based on vast amounts of historical data now rely solely on their own knowledge, facing a serious challenge within a 60-minute time limit.

### "Mean-spirited" Questions? What Stumped the Experts?

In the video, Naishi and Mr. Bushido faced the common test Japan History questions under time pressure, approaching the test with the same intensity as actual examinees.

In the commentary part after grading, they went beyond just checking answers, discussing the structure of the questions and key points of source analysis from a professional historian's perspective.

After the test, Naishi commented, "In this day and age of relying on the internet, it was heart-pounding to take an exam where I had to answer solely based on my own knowledge within a time limit."

Meanwhile, Mr. Bushido reflected, "I answered rationally based on evidence," but added, "Since I usually produce videos while researching documents and historical materials, I realized again the difficulty of answering based only on my own knowledge."

Please watch these two history professionals take on the common test seriously and listen to the candid discussions that unfold after the exam.

Link: https://youtu.be/RgtJ5_rf2Wg

### Program Overview

Program Name: "Pros Solving Exams Seriously"

A new project where professionals from various genres seriously solve all kinds of test questions! This time, two history professionals take on the Japan History common test. Through their professional perspective and interpretation, they unravel "new aspects of history."

SYNCHRONOUS YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@synchronous1696/videos

### Performer Profiles

**Masahiko Naishi**: Author of "Sengoku Taihen: Decision-making Warlords," "Kenshin Etsuzan" (SYNCHRONOUS BOOKS), "Uesugi Kenshin's Dreams and Ambitions" (KK Bestsellers), "Taira no Masakado and the Tenkyo Rebellion," and "Sengoku Formation" (Kodansha Gendai Shinsho), among others. In February 2025, he published "Jeanne d'Arc or the March of the Saint," which explores the true figure of a French hero despite his background as a Japan history expert. He is also active in book supervision and lecturing.

**Mr. Bushido**: Self-taught history expert who began sharing information and opened the YouTube channel "Sengoku BANASHI" in 2019. This channel focuses on the Sengoku period, covering Japan history and Taiga drama explanations, gaining popularity with over 40 million total views and more than 200,000 subscribers. He is also the author of "Ieyasu Diary" and "Who's Who of the Lords of Kamakura," and continues to engage in activities to promote the interest of historical research.