Podcasts about Akita

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Best podcasts about Akita

Latest podcast episodes about Akita

Touched by Heaven - Everyday Encounters with God
The Ending is Unwritten - TBH 422

Touched by Heaven - Everyday Encounters with God

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2026 29:58


"Live your life with arms wide open, today is where your book begins." ---------- There is one day each year that seems to echo across history. Fatima in 1917. Akita in 1973. A mysterious moment during adoration in San Francisco in 2023. Different places. Same invitation: return to God. In this episode, I revisit one of the most talked-about episodes of Touched by Heaven and ask a simpler question than before--not what every sign means, but what they're asking of us. Along the way come unexpected clues through songs like Unwritten and Anything Goes, and a surprising realization: perhaps the ending isn't fixed. Perhaps, even now, the story is still being written. ---------- Join Us for a Pilgrimage to Medjugorje We invite you to embark with us this October 10th to 17th on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje--one of the most grace-filled and spiritually uplifting places we've ever encountered. Register now, tickets are selling fast. Click below to see all the details:  https://padrepiopilgrimages.com/trapperjack/ ---------- Share Your Story If you have a Touched by Heaven moment that you would like to share with Trapper, please leave us a note at https://touchedbyheaven.net/contact Our listeners look forward to hearing about life-changing encounters and miraculous stories every week. Stay Informed Trapper sends out a weekly email. If you're not receiving it, and would like to stay in touch to get the bonus stories and other interesting content that will further fortify your faith. Join our email family by subscribing on https://trapperjackspeaks.com  Become a Patron We pray that our listeners and followers benefit from our podcasts and programs and develop a deeper personal relationship with God. We thank you for your prayers and for supporting our efforts by helping to cover the costs. Become a Patron and getting lots of fun extras. Please go to https://patreon.com/bfl to check out the details. More About Trapper Jack Visit Our Website: https://TrapperJackSpeaks.com Patreon Donation Link: https://www.patreon.com/bfl Purchase our Products ·       Talk Downloads: https://www.patreon.com/bfl/shop ·       CD Sales: https://trapperjackspeaks.com/cds/  Join us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TouchedByHeaven.TrapperJack Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trapperjack/ Join us on X/Twitter: https://x.com/TrapperJack1

The Unfinished Print
Kazuko Hioki - Conservator : A Humble Utility Project

The Unfinished Print

Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2026 80:55


On this episode of The Unfinished Print: A Mokuhanga Podcast, I have the opportunity to speak with Kazuko Hioki, Head of Preservation and Preservation Librarian/Conservator at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. We discuss how washi was used in book preservation during the Edo period in Japan, its connection to mokuhanga, and the many ways washi was used during this period of Japanese paper history, including recycled paper practices, traditional papermaking methods, and the role of washi in book creation. Notes: may contain a hyperlink. Simply click on the highlighted word or phrase. Kazuko Hioki - here are some of Kazuko Hioki's articles where you can read and get a real understanding of her work.  Investigation of Historical Japanese Paper: An Experiment to Recreate Recycled Paper from 18th-19th Century Japan   Characteristics of Japanese Block Printed Books in the Edo Period: 1603–1867 Tamarind Institute - was originally founded in Los Angeles in 1960 by June Wayne, and is a world renowned center for fine art lithography. Established to revive and sustain the art of lithography, which was in decline in the United States, Tamarind quickly became a leader in the education and promotion of lithographic techniques. In 1970, the institute moved to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where it continues to thrive as a key institution in the printmaking world. Dedicated to advancing the lithographic arts through rigorous education, collaborative projects, and the production of high-quality prints, the Tamarind Institute's influence extends globally, contributing significantly to the development and appreciation of lithography as a vibrant art form. More info, here.    Edo Bakufu, also known as the Tokugawa Bakufu, was the military government that ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868. During this period, Japan experienced remarkable political stability and economic growth, maintained through a strict social hierarchy and a system that required regional lords (daimyo) to alternate their residence between their domains and Edo. The Edo Bakufu fostered an environment in which culture, education, literature, theatre, and urban centres flourished. The bakufu came to an end with the Meiji Restoration in 1868, which restored imperial rule and marked the beginning of Japan's modernization.   Tohoku Region - is a region in Northern Japan which consists of six prefectures which are Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Yamagata, Miyagi and Fukushima.    Tosa, Kōchi - is a city located on Shikoku island, in the prefecture of Kōchi. Ki no Tsurayuki (872-945) was a court noble promoted as provincial governor of Tosa and promoted washi. More info can be found, here.    Eta -  were one of the outcaste groups of Edo-period Japan. Associated with occupations involving animal carcasses, leather production, butchery, and executions, they were marginalized within the social hierarchy. Their descendants are today generally referred to as Burakumin.   kusazōshi - were popular illustrated books made during the Edo Period combining text and imagery.    gōkan - were a type of kusazōshi popular in late Edo-period Japan. Longer and more complex than earlier forms, they featured historical tales, adventure stories, romances, and popular fiction. Their illustrations also highlighted the craftsmanship of the artists, carvers, and printmakers who produced them.   © Popular Wheat Productions logo designed and produced by Douglas Batchelor and André Zadorozny  Introduction music while working - Lester Young / Oscar Peterson  Disclaimer: Please do not reproduce or use anything from this podcast without shooting me an email and getting my express written or verbal consent. I'm friendly :)  

Javier Fernandez
La privacidad la mató un akita

Javier Fernandez

Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2026 22:47


Pues sí, ya sabéis que siempre digo que la privacidad murio en los 90, ¿verdad? Pero... ¿quien mató a la privacidad? Pues bien, hoy os revelo que para alguno la privacidad la mató un perro, en concreto una raza poco vista, japonesa creo, un akita.Este podcast está asociado a la red de Sospechosos Habituales donde podréis encontrar otros muchos podcast de distintas temáticas.

pero pues privacidad akita sospechosos habituales
Kobrand Sips & Selling Tips
Akita Prefecture | Saiya Brewery - #031

Kobrand Sips & Selling Tips

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2026 5:57


Saiya Brewery is one of the most decorated and award-winning breweries in Japan.  The very northerly and cold climate prefecture of Akita allows for slow fermentations giving complex, layered sakes.  One of Saiya Brewery's many famous sakes is called Yuki No Bosha Junmai Ginjo "Cabin in the Snow", and it is part of the Joto Portfolio Core Four.  One of four premium sakes that have strong brand recognition, unique style, and consistent inventory to support your placements. Nick Poletto is the Vice President of Education at Kobrand Corporation. Kobrand has been importing fine wine into the US since 1944. Kobrand is a family owned importer with quality wine as its main focus. Nick Poletto travels around the US teaching sales teams about wine and the many different producing regions. Nick has visited all of these properties around the globe and brings you the most complete information with the most important sales tips. For more information, visit our website at https://www.kobrandwineandspirits.com  Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kobrandwines  For more wine education visit https://wine365.com  or view Nick's Wine Journal https://www.youtube.com/@nickyvino1  Good selling!

Kobrand Sips & Selling Tips
Akita Prefecture | Saiya Brewery - #031

Kobrand Sips & Selling Tips

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 6:18


Saiya Brewery is one of the most decorated and award-winning breweries in Japan.  The very northerly and cold climate prefecture of Akita allows for slow fermentations giving complex, layered sakes.  One of Saiya Brewery's many famous sakes is called Yuki No Bosha Junmai Ginjo "Cabin in the Snow", and it is part of the Joto Portfolio Core Four.  One of four premium sakes that have strong brand recognition, unique style, and consistent inventory to support your placements. Nick Poletto is the Vice President of Education at Kobrand Corporation. Kobrand has been importing fine wine into the US since 1944. Kobrand is a family owned importer with quality wine as its main focus. Nick Poletto travels around the US teaching sales teams about wine and the many different producing regions. Nick has visited all of these properties around the globe and brings you the most complete information with the most important sales tips. For more information, visit our website at https://www.kobrandwineandspirits.com  Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kobrandwines  For more wine education visit https://wine365.com  or view Nick's Wine Journal https://www.youtube.com/@nickyvino1  Good selling!

Fluent Fiction - Japanese
Blossoms of Change: Akira's Journey to Self-Discovery

Fluent Fiction - Japanese

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2026 16:52 Transcription Available


Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Blossoms of Change: Akira's Journey to Self-Discovery Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-04-18-07-38-19-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春のそよ風が山々を包み込むように、桜の花びらが舞い踊る小さな村。En: In a small village nestled in the Japanese mountains, cherry blossoms danced with the spring breeze as if enveloping the surrounding hills.Ja: ここは日本の山間部にある静かな集落、満開の桜が村を淡いピンクと白に染めている。En: This quiet settlement was adorned in soft pink and white by the blooming sakura.Ja: 秋田の田舎にあるAkiraの小さな家では、彼が心を揺さぶられていた。En: In his small house in rural Akita, Akira was deeply moved.Ja: 彼の頭の中には、日々の単調な仕事が彼を拘束し、自由な気持ちを忘れさせているという思いがあった。En: In his mind, the monotonous daily work confined him, making him forget his sense of freedom.Ja: ある日、頭を悩ませていると、彼の友人Yumiがやってきた。En: One day, as he was mulling over these thoughts, his friend Yumi came by.Ja: 「Akira、桜を見に行きましょう。ここからそう遠くない場所にある村で、最高の花見ができるって聞いたよ。」En: "Akira, let's go see the cherry blossoms. I heard that in a village not far from here, you can have the best hanami experience."Ja: Yumiは元気いっぱいで、自信を持って彼を誘った。En: Yumi, full of energy, confidently invited him.Ja: Akiraは迷った。彼には仕事と責任があった。En: Akira hesitated. He had work and responsibilities.Ja: しかし、Yumiの言葉が彼の心を揺さぶった。En: However, Yumi's words stirred his heart.Ja: 「そうだね、ほんの少しの間だけでも、違う景色を見てみたい。」En: "You're right, even just for a little while, I want to see a different view."Ja: 結局、Akiraは職場に休暇を申し出て、Yumiと一緒に旅に出ることに決めた。En: In the end, Akira decided to request some leave from work and embark on a journey with Yumi.Ja: 彼らは地元の村人であるHiroshiと合流し、彼が案内役となった。En: They met up with a local villager named Hiroshi, who acted as their guide.Ja: 村に到着すると、桜の美しさに心を奪われた。En: Upon arriving in the village, they were captivated by the beauty of the cherry blossoms.Ja: 花びらが舞い上がり、風に乗って踊る様子が幻想的だった。En: The petals rose and danced in the wind, creating an enchanting scene.Ja: Hiroshiは、彼らに村の歴史や、桜の特別な場所について話し始めた。En: Hiroshi began to talk to them about the village's history and the special place of the cherry blossoms.Ja: 「この桜の木は、私の青春の思い出の場所なんだ。」En: "These cherry trees are the place of my youthful memories."Ja: 彼の言葉に驚いたAkiraが、彼の話に耳を傾けると、Hiroshiは彼自身の若き日の思い出を語り始めた。En: Surprised by his words, Akira listened closely as Hiroshi shared his memories of his younger days.Ja: かつて彼も夢を求めて旅に出たが、この場所に戻ることで真の幸せを見つけたのだという。En: He too once went on a journey in pursuit of dreams but found true happiness by returning to this place.Ja: Hiroshiの話を聞いて、Akiraは一瞬一瞬の大切さを痛感した。En: Listening to Hiroshi's story made Akira realize the importance of each moment.Ja: 目の前に広がる絶景は、一瞬で消えてしまう儚いものかもしれない。しかし、その瞬間こそが人生を豊かにするのだと気付いた。En: The breathtaking view before him was a fleeting marvel, but he understood that it was these moments that enrich life.Ja: 花見の日が終わり、Akiraは自分の心が変わったことを感じた。En: As the day of hanami ended, Akira felt a change in his heart.Ja: 彼は日常に戻ると、新たな決意でいっぱいだった。En: Returning to his daily life, he was filled with a new resolve.Ja: これからの日々に、彼はもっと自分の心のおもむくままに生きることを誓ったのだ。En: He vowed to live more according to his heart's desires in the days to come.Ja: Akiraは東京の自宅に戻り、これからは時には仕事から離れ、自分自身を喜ばせる時間を大切にしようと決めた。En: Back in his home in Tokyo, Akira decided that from now on, he would sometimes step back from work and cherish the time that brought him joy.Ja: その日から、彼の生活は以前よりも輝き、自分の人生を豊かにするためのバランスを取ることに成功したのである。En: From that day, his life shined brighter than before, and he succeeded in striking a balance to enrich his life. Vocabulary Words:nestled: 包み込むadorned: 染めるmonotonous: 単調なconfined: 拘束しmulling: 悩ませているembark: 旅に出るcaptivated: 心を奪われたenchanting: 幻想的youthful: 青春のfleeting: 儚いmarvel: 絶景resolve: 決意cherish: 大切にstriking: 取るenrich: 豊かにsettlement: 集落breeze: そよ風plea: 申し出てguide: 案内役memories: 思い出pursuit: 求めてhappiness: 幸せrealize: 気付いたresolve: 心を揺さぶったsettled: 落ち着いたbrighter: 輝きresponsibilities: 責任youth: 若き日vow: 誓ったbalance: バランス

Flow
FABIO AKITA - Flow #588

Flow

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 284:09


A inteligência artificial vai roubar seu emprego?

Japan Station: A Podcast by Japankyo.com
Is Yamaguchi cursed to have"ugly" girls? (Places in Japan Known for "Beautiful" & "Ugly" Women) | Japan Station 200/Ichimon Japan 50

Japan Station: A Podcast by Japankyo.com

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2026 53:58


This is a re-broadcast of an episode originally released on 8/21/21. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Is Yamaguchi cursed to have "ugly" girls? We also discuss other places in Japan known for having many beautiful/ugly women. Topics Discussed The three most scenic views in Japan What the Sandaibijin (三大美人) is What places in Japan are most known for having beautiful women Fukuoka (Hakata), Akita, and Kyoto's status as places in Japan known for having many beautiful women How Kanazawa/Ishikawa/Kaga is known for having beautiful women Some theories about why Hakata, Akita and Kyoto (supposedly) have so many beautiful women The theory that short days and humid climate contributes to the white and moist skin of Akita's women How white/fair skin is considered beautiful by many in Japan The theory that the women of Kyoto are cultured and refined so that results in there being so many beautiful women in Kyoto The theory that collagen consumption via motsunabe and chicken helps produce the beautiful women of Hakata How pleasure districts might be connected to the impression that Akita, Fukuoka, and Kyoto have many beautiful women The idea that the Sea of Japan side of Japan is home to many beautiful women The theory that genetic mixing may be a reason for why the Sea of Japan side of Japan supposedly has so many beautiful women What the Sandaibusu (三大ブス) is The three places in Japan known for having "ugly women" Sendai, Nagoya, and Mito's status as the three places in Japan known for having many ugly women The theory that claims Tokugawa Yoshifusa sent groups of "ugly" women to Sendai, Nagoya, and Wakayama Nagoya's reputation as a boring place The so-called urban legend that women from Yamaguchi are all ugly The story of Oman's curse as a possible explanation for why women from Yamaguchi are supposedly ugly Throwing snakes at women And much more! Listen to Ichimon Japan on [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1492400997" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9pY2hpbW9uamFwYW4ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Google Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/japankyocom/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Stitcher[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZVgnljVM8gcR1ar98eK0D" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Spotify[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-59510504/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]iHeartRadio[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/mv3zr-ad2df/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyo.com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]PodBean[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyocom-p1290988/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Tunein[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://ichimonjapan.libsyn.com/rss" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]RSS[/btn] Support on Patreon If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha. And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance! Support on Patreon Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Get 10% off a voice & data SIM card plan by using my mobal affiliate link. https://mobal.com/tonyjapan Support the show by getting a t-shirt! https://mechanekosushi.com/ Here are some of the Japanese language articles found when researching the topic of this episode. もっともブスな女性が多そうな街は…「日本三大ブス」説が崩壊? 茨城ブスについて。 都市伝説をさらっと考えてみる。 石川県金沢市は美女が多いのでしょうか? 日本三大美人の根拠&美人が多いと思われている都道府県は? 日本三大美人!なぜ、この三県が?その理由やいかに! 秋田・京都・福岡が「日本三大美人」に選ばれた理由とは? 様々な三大○○に面白おかしく迫る! 山口ブス伝説 【山口ブス伝説】女子にとっては超迷惑な「姫山伝説」知ってる? 姫山のお万 月曜から夜更かし「山口呪われたブス伝説」 (山口姫山伝説)のルーツ? 【ネタ】山口の女性はブスばかり?「呪われた山口県ブス伝説」に迫る     Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below. Black Box: Discussing the Shiori Ito Story (Allison Markin Powell Part 1) | Japan Station 72 You Know What I Mean? On Translating Japanese Fiction (Allison Markin Powell Part 2) | Japan Station 73 Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com. Check out Kimito Designs Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Bijin Busu We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com. Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan  

Fernando Ulrich
Os programadores estão ameaçados pela IA?

Fernando Ulrich

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 87:17


No vídeo de hoje recebemos Fábio Akita para uma conversa profunda sobre o estado atual da inteligência artificial e o fim da era do hype. Akita compartilha sua experiência técnica de trinta anos para explicar por que a empolgação com a IA costuma ser inversamente proporcional ao conhecimento real sobre o tema. Discutimos a evolução dos modelos de linguagem e como o foco mudou da busca por uma consciência artificial para a eficiência pragmática da engenharia de software. O convidado detalha como utilizou ferramentas como o Claude Opus e o GPT para multiplicar sua produtividade em sete projetos reais provando que a IA não substitui o engenheiro mas amplifica a capacidade de quem já domina a técnica.Exploramos o impacto no mercado de trabalho a quebra da bolha dos programadores que apenas replicavam códigos prontos e a nova barreira energética que limita o crescimento infinito dos datacenters. Analisamos também a disputa geopolítica entre as big techs americanas e a China além das polêmicas contratuais envolvendo o uso de modelos por departamentos de defesa. É uma aula sobre realismo tecnológico para investidores e profissionais que buscam entender onde termina o marketing e onde começa a utilidade real das novas ferramentas.

Art Life Faith Podcast
72. 15th Anniversary of 3/11

Art Life Faith Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2026 29:51


Welcome to the Art, Life, Faith Podcast, and I’m your host, Roger Lowther. This week on March 11, 2026, we remember the 15th anniversary of that terrible earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster that struck the northeast coast of Japan. In memory of that event, last month, we had a big gathering within JEMA, which is the Japan Evangelical Missionary Alliance, the organization that represents every missionary and every mission organization in Japan. We all met in our new church space, Grace City Church Tokyo’s space and spent three days looking at the earthquakes and floods since 2011 and trying to see what we could learn from them and prepare for the next one. Some of the stories that they told were actually quite funny. There was a group that came to mud-out a house. The seawater had gone clear up to the ceiling, and so the walls and the insulation were all soaked and full of mildew. But this group, instead of starting with the ceiling and then the walls, and then the floor, started with the floor. They not only removed the floors but cut through the beams and very foundations of the house. Well, that next team that came in to take out the walls, first had to fix the foundations and then put the floors back before they could work on the rest of the house. And so, at the gathering, they were talking about the need for someone who can lead groups who actually knows what they’re doing. And hopefully, knows a little something about how a house is built. Basically, the problem that kept coming up over and over again during the course of the gathering was that the Church of Japan felt like they had to start from scratch every single time a disaster happened. They needed to try to find new resources: new people, new networks, new money. And so to that end, recently, a new network was formed called Zenkisai, which is the Christian National Disaster Network. And little by little, it’s growing. And also, after this past earthquake, the Noto Earthquake, within Mission to the World, I led a committee to form a disaster relief project account that is for every disaster in Japan, not just for one. When that next disaster comes, we will be ready to receive your help. I’ve put the details for that in the show notes for this episode. So now, through this project account, we can receive funds that will be used to buy food, water, supplies, and also cover costs of sending groups of Japanese people to the disaster area from our churches in Japan. And also very important, we will be able to pay Japanese workers to aid in the relief effort. That next disaster is coming. We know it is, but we’re doing what we can to plan for it. Anyway, before we move on to two conversations I had with people at the gathering, I want to let you all know about a sale coming up. On March 11, on the 15th anniversary of the earthquake, for one day only, all of the ebooks I’ve written about the earthquake will be available for $0.99 on Amazon in the US, and just 100 yen on Amazon in Japan. This includes both children’s books, “The Tsunami Violin” and “Pippy the Piano and the Very Big Wave”, in English and in Japanese. The sale also includes another book I wrote called “Aroma of Beauty”, with a beautiful foreword by Makoto Fujimura. Personally, I think you should get the book just to read what he wrote, his experiences after 9/11. And by the way, we also have an exhibit going on in our church space with “The Tsunami Violin”, showcasing the beautiful artwork by the very talented Holly Rose Wallace, as another way that our church community is remembering the people and towns affected by the disaster. A big thank you to all of you who’ve already bought all three of these books and left reviews. Thank you so much. Okay, now let’s turn to my conversation with Dean Bengston. Roger We are here at the JEMA Gathering (Japan Evangelical Missionary Alliance), spending three days talking about disaster relief and trying to prepare for the next disaster. There’s been quite a few ways that many of us here in this room have been involved over the past. But, Dean, I really wanted to talk with you. You moved into a disaster area soon after the 2011 earthquake. Can you tell us a little bit about who you are? Dean I am with the Lutheran Brotherhood Mission in Japan. We were living in Sendai at the time, and through a number of circumstances, we ended up connecting with Abe-san in Ishinomaki and delivering necessary goods. We soon realized there were a lot more needs and started mudding-out houses. I commuted from Sendai for a year and 10 months before we moved. Roger I have very fond memories of a concert that we gave in that home you started up there. Can you tell us a little bit about how arts played a role in your ministry there? Dean I think early on, we realized that people needed healing in many ways. And we had a friend, Shizu-san, who’s a singer-songwriter, and we invited her to come. She wanted to come to mud-out houses, but we said, Shizu-san, you have to come and sing and minister to people through song, that people need healing, and music brings healing. And so she reluctantly agreed to do a concert in an open space, a lot that we were using for gatherings for takedashi cookouts. Shizu had lived in Ishinomaki in her junior high years, but she explained to people, I don’t know how to really sympathize with you. So she started by singing songs that everybody knew, old Japanese songs. And after several songs and people singing along, she said, Well, I just like to sing a song that I wrote. Singing old Japanese songs or popular songs that people knew drew people in. And then they opened the door for her to sing songs that she’s written and to share a part of her life and her faith in a very natural way. Roger Do you feel like that was surprising to her or to the people in the room that it had the impact that it did? Dean I don’t really know, but all I know is I think for several musicians, it changed their ministry so that even when they were doing concerts in churches, they moved from doing all “Christian” music to actually starting out their concerts with songs that people maybe knew. And Kosaka Chu is really good at this. He could share a testimony and weave it in with that there’s somebody loves you, and he would just sing a song about love, and then he’d share about God and how he loves you. I don't know, I think it changed people’s lives. An awful lot of musicians volunteered, and they were well received. So we really appreciated it. We’ve had a lot of concerts. Roger Yes, you sure have. What was the name of the house that you were… Dean House of Hope or Kibou no Ie. Roger And how often were you having concerts there? Dean At least once a month. But before House of Hope, we were having them outside in empty lots, empty parking lots that we were using or empty house lots that we were using. Then we moved into the community center and had several concerts in the community center and very varying concerts. Everything from a Hawaiian Luau to gospel choirs to vcontemporary singers, and Roger, you on organ, and also the koto. Roger Right, the koto player, Chieko. Dean Yeah, that was beautiful. And we have a small place, so people were just enamored with being able to be so close to the koto and watch the keys on the organ. And also, wasn’t there a flute? Roger I was trying to remember if it was flute or violin or something. Dean Flute, I think. Roger It was so moving for me to be there and see the people… I mean, it wasn’t like background music. Everybody was so focused on what we were doing and interacting with us. It really was a moving time. Dean I think music has played a big part in bringing healing to people. Roger Tell us a little bit about your son. He’s a visual artist. Dean Yeah, he was actually starting art school, but it got delayed because of the earthquake. And so he volunteered with us at the beginning. And then he was able to, because he speaks English fluently, he was able to not take English and got Fridays off. So he volunteered for the first semester every day, every week on Fridays with us. And through that, he did one project, a byobu folding screen made out of cell phone parts. Roger Cell phone parts? Dean Yeah, the old flip phones. And there was a farmer who’s a small farmer in our neighborhood with a cell phone factory next to it. Now, as the waters came in, it drove all the parts of the cell phones into his ground, and we cleaned out his field. Joshua also did a number of things. He made paint from the muck and did some paintings with that. Roger Wait, I don’t understand. It was out of mud? Dean Yeah, out of the muck, he created paint. Roger No, I didn’t see that work. Dean Yeah. Actually, most of his art shows are interactive. He’s an interesting character because he always wished that he could touch paintings when he was a kid. So he did one show where he had all the paintings hanging at different levels, and you could walk around and touch them because they were all at touching level. So usually, his art shows are interactive. Roger Well, the cell phone project, that wasn’t just him looking for pieces. Wasn’t it collaborative in some way? Asking for people to bring in things? Dean Oh, that was a different project. He’s had a lot of different shows. Roger But just that way, too, of inviting people in, whether it’s volunteers who are there or people in neighborhood, too, is another connection point through the arts. I thought that was such an important message. Thank you so much for sharing. So Dean and his family were one of the many who moved into the disaster area after the earthquake. And every time I visited up there, I loved seeing the trust built with the community and the ways they were accepted. They were not seen as outsiders. And they're still there now, 15 years later. Okay, so I also want to introduce you to Stephen Nakahashi. He was one of the young men who answered the call to help in the disaster area shortly after the earthquake. So this big organization, Samaritan’s Purse, came in not only with a lot of supplies, but with money to hire workers. And a call went out across the nation of Japan to send them people who could work full-time. Steven was one who answered that call, along with a lot of other young people. My wife’s sister, Virginia, also moved up there as a missionary through Mission to the World as she had just graduated from college. And there was Ryo and Mami Amano, Jordan Foxwell, and so many others that went up there as well. And eventually, through their work, Ishinomaki Christian Center was started. Also, in a past episode, Episode #43, we talked with Rachel Reese Kollmeyer who also came as a missionary through Mission to the World. She is a very gifted violinist and worked with the others to teach and perform and help with the children’s music clubs and a gospel choir for kids and the annual arts festival and so much else. They also had craft-making with the kids. I was particularly moved by a musical that one of the students wrote inspired by all this, and then worked with us for the production of their musical. After the earthquake, it was especially hard for the children. The men, whose livelihood had been the coast, now had long commutes to work in other places, and the women had to go to work as well. Not only did the kids not have their parents around as much, but they also didn’t have as many resources available to them as before. The parks were gone. Many school programs had shut down. And so they did what they could to help the children dream again. And so many relationships came out of that time. Now let’s hear from Stephen. Roger So, Stephen, thank you so much for taking this time to talk with me. This is the Art, Life, Faith Podcast, and with the 15th anniversary of the 2011 earthquake, I wanted to talk a little bit about the role that the arts played in the relief effort. But before we do that, please introduce yourself. Stephen Thank you for having me. My name is Stephen Nakahashi, a pastor’s kid. I grew up in Japan from the age of 11. Prior to that, I lived in Scotland with my family. So I’ve been in Japan for 33 years and counting. I became involved in disaster relief from 2011 with Samaritan’s Purse and then I subsequently started working with Ishinomaki Christian Center and lived in Tohoku for 14 years. And currently, I am serving with Noto Help in the Hokuriku region since 2024. Roger So, you were just in a panel discussion here. You’ve had quite a few experiences with disasters. Can you list them in order with earthquake and floods by year? Stephen Okay, 2011 was the earthquake and tsunami in Tohoku. Then the 2016 earthquake in Kumamoto. Then heavy rain and flooding in Kumamoto in 2020, just south in Hitoyoshi. And then in 2021, there was again heavy rain and flooding in Saga Prefecture, north of Nagasaki. And then in 2022, there was flooding again in Aomori, in the northern part of Japan, which was a bit of a surprise as that has not happened before. And then in 2023, there was again heavy rain and flooding in Akita, again in the north. All of those happened in the summer of those years. And then in 2024, on the first of January, was the earthquake on the Noto Peninsula. Roger And then after you were brought in, I know you went in giving advice, helping in any way you could, but then you moved there. Stephen I did, yeah. Roger And you’ve been there for a year and three months. Stephen Yeah, that was a big decision for us. It was mainly driven by the importance of my family to be together. For 10 months, I had commuted from Miyagi to Noto. I would be down there for two or three weeks before going back home for a week or so and then repeat. So that became quite difficult, and we thought it’d be important for our family to be together. Roger Yeah, I was able to go twice to Noto Help while you were working there. We were in this big room with, I don’t know, maybe there were 60 volunteers or so broken up into four or five groups. You’re introducing, “Okay, here’s what we’re going to do today. This group is going to do that. This group is going to do that.” You were the man in charge, telling everyone what was going to happen. For some, maybe it was their first disaster, and they don’t know what’s going on, but you gave them this assurance, “It’s going to be okay. Your driver is going to get you there safely. They’re going to bring you back. We’re going to serve the Lord in this way.” Really was a powerful experience. Stephen Really? I’m glad you thought so. Roger I think one of the interesting things about the Noto Help situation was how, those who are listening probably don’t even know this, the roads were really hurt by the earthquake. Basically, transportation was almost shut down. Finally, when they were able to open up the roads, they made one road to go up north, one road to come back. It used to be a two-way road, and they made it a one-way road. A police blockade stopped anyone from going because it was bottlenecking the whole peninsula, so y'all became the entrance point for working throughout the whole region. Was that a big responsibility? People contacting from all over the country and all over the world to wanting to help? Stephen Yeah, I think it was really a tricky balance to maintain. We really understood how much people wanted to help, and we knew how important that was for the recovery as well. So we wanted to make sure that we were not getting in the way of first responders, like ambulances or any vehicles like that. It did seem like it would be wise to try to, as a Christian community, to be responsible for that. So we were glad we could help in that way. Roger Let’s back up to 2011. The 15th anniversary is coming up, and so many memories. I mean, Community Arts Tokyo, this organization, was started through the experiences of that. When I was in the shelters in that disaster, in the chaos, and in the anguish, the anxiety people are feeling, and saw how the arts brought healing, to see how they brought comfort, how they helped us build relationships. During a time when people are saying, “We don’t need goods. We don’t need the food and water. We’re good.” And yet there was still an entry point, a way to connect through the arts. And I, experiencing the power of that, I wanted to bring that back to Tokyo. So we started Community Arts Tokyo, building community through the arts in Tokyo. But it was experiencing that with you up in Ishinomaki, in the Tohoku area, that was my first connection to it. I was just wondering, I’d love to hear your memories of that. As you look back and think about those times, what could you do to help me process that and those who are listening to try to understand, especially as artists, what role they can play in a disaster relief situation? Stephen I remember fondly the time that we ran the Junior High School Kids program in Ishinomaki, and I really could connect with those kids over a longer period of time. Where we taught the kids at the local junior high schools for three months from April through July. And then we had the Ishinomaki Gospel Festival. So there was a goal of something beyond just practicing, but to actually have a stage at the end of it for the kids to perform and experience something different. And the catch copy, so to speak, was for the kids to be able “to dream again.” And yeah, in the midst of the devastation at the time, there were lots of kids whose parents were really struggling with the aftermath of the earthquake. In Ishinomaki, especially, there was a lot of parents, the dads of the family who are fishermen, often were gone for a long time. But then post-disaster, the mothers also started working, and the kids didn’t really have anywhere to be or to go. And they didn’t really have that sense of looking forward to something. I think that played a really important role in helping some of those kids at the time to experience something new. Roger I loved those gospel festivals because it was like the whole town was coming together for all the businesses. There were stalls so they could offer food or whatever they made. On a personal note, I also loved giving organ concerts outside. I brought my portable organ up there and I’m playing, and I don’t get to play outside very much as an organist, so that was really fun. Stephen Yeah, that was really an amazing combination of the local people coming with their stalls and then so many different artists coming to serve and to play. We also had a play area for kids, because a lot of the parks had been damaged, there was really not many safe places for kids to play. So that was another aspect that we added to it. So the kids could enjoy something different. It was an amazing coming together of communities through music and through the arts. Roger It definitely was. Thank you so much for all the work you put into those. You were in Ishinomaki right after the disaster and for a long time afterward. And then Ishinomaki Christian Center started. And as I understand it, part of the vision for that was to be a meeting place for creating community. People had their own homes. They had their food and water. But still, that community building aspect was an important part of what was needed to help people recover. Now you had a spot to do it. You had the land. You had the building. I really enjoyed being able to come up, not as often as I wanted to, but when I did, to hear, what the situation was then and how people were doing. And to see you building that community, especially right where that building was. It almost felt like a wasteland from the first couple of years of my memory of that spot. Now it’s a thriving place. It was right next to the train station. When you look back, how would you put it in your own words? Stephen As we were just talking about today, if you approach the situation with the mentality of being the caregiver and then people receiving care, and especially in a physical way, once that need is no longer there, then the relationship also ends there. Music and the arts in many ways is something that we don’t always realize that we need. And it’s a really good way to bring the community together, even after the physical needs are met and people don’t really need those types of support. But whether it be a disaster or not, and all the more so after a disaster, the people in the community were going through a lot of uncertainty. Opportunities often provided by music and different means of the arts has provided the opportunity to continue to build relationships with people. That was really important to continue the relationships with the people that we had come to know. Roger Are you seeing that now in Ichikawa, on the Noto Peninsula, where you’re living now? Is that part of the vision? I know a lot of people ended up moving away. And you were sharing in the panel how a lot of the older people living there are being encouraged by their children to leave and move in with them. They’re answering, “No, this is our home.” But there’s a lot of resistance against rebuilding their homes, rebuilding their towns. What is your vision for that and how do you see the arts playing a role? Stephen I think so. I think as we move into the phase of that physical need not being so much of a need. And we are now reaching out into the temporary housing unit communities, and we are trying to build those relationships with the people. And so definitely, I think from this year onward, and even to this point, there’s a role for the arts to play in this phase. One of the challenges in Noto is that unlike maybe in Tohoku, a lot of the temporary housing unit communities are quite small, and sometimes they don’t really even have a gathering place. If they do, it can only house maybe 10 to 15 people. So it’s hard to reach people in that way. But yeah, I think now that we do have a center in Anamizu that hopefully we can start to connect to people more there. And we look forward to being able to coordinate people coming along. Roger Thank you. Well, I look forward to our next trip. Maybe we’ll bring some artists this summer. Stephen Yes, definitely. I look forward to it. Roger Thank you. Thank you so much. Stephen You’re welcome. Thank you. You’ve been listening to the Art, Life, Faith Podcast. And don't forget to pick up your own copy of “The Tsunami Violin”, “Pippy the Piano”, and “Aroma of Beauty”. As we say in Japan, “Ja, mata ne!” We’ll see you next time.

The John-Henry Westen Show
SAINTS vs ANTI-POPES: Medieval History Prof REVEALS the Battles

The John-Henry Westen Show

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 37:47


Nearly 30 anti-popes have risen across two millennia of Church history. In times of deepest confusion, even saints found themselves on opposing sides. St. Catherine of Siena confronted cardinals backing a false pope. St. Vincent Ferrer supported the wrong claimant during the Western Schism. St. Bernard of Clairvaux rallied kings against a rival. None remained silent.Dr. Ed Mazza joins to walk through these battles from his book Saints Versus Anti-Popes, drawing the line from medieval crises to the present. The question now is not whether a pope can be a bad man, history is full of them. The question is whether a pope can formally teach heresy while exercising his authority. No saint or major theologian ever taught that.The discussion moves through Marian apparitions at Akita, the warnings of Malachi Martin, and the possibility of apostasy "at the top." But the conclusion is not despair. The Church has survived anti-popes, schisms, and centuries of confusion. She will survive this. The book is now available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GP6MSSKV/ref=sr_1_3HELP SUPPORT WORK LIKE THIS: https://give.lifesitenews.com/?utm_source=SOCIAL U.S. residents! Create a will with LifeSiteNews: https://www.mylegacywill.com/lifesitenews ****PROTECT Your Wealth with gold, silver, and precious metals: https://sjp.stjosephpartners.com/lifesitenews +++SHOP ALL YOUR FUN AND FAVORITE LIFESITE MERCH! https://shop.lifesitenews.com/ ****Download the all-new LSNTV App now, available on iPhone and Android!LSNTV Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lsntv/id6469105564 LSNTV Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lifesitenews.app +++Connect with John-Henry Westen and all of LifeSiteNews on social media:LifeSite: https://linktr.ee/lifesitenewsJohn-Henry Westen: https://linktr.ee/jhwesten Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Japan Station: A Podcast by Japankyo.com
Why Akita women are so beautiful (and other info about life in Akita) | Japan Station 198

Japan Station: A Podcast by Japankyo.com

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2026 61:10


On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about what life in Akita Prefecture is like AND why women from Akita are (supposedly) so beautiful!

PARANORMAL
⭕️ NO ERAN MILAGROS: LAS APARICIONES MARIANAS QUE TRAJERON TRAGEDIAS PULSO #128 ⭕️

PARANORMAL

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2026 169:24


¿Qué ocurre cuando un mensaje divino se convierte en una tragedia? En este episodio de #PULSO, analizamos las apariciones marianas del siglo 20, casos documentados donde las visiones, los mensajes y la fe estuvieron marcados por consecuencias devastadoras. Revisamos casos como la Virgen de Kibeho en África, una de las apariciones marianas aprobadas por la iglesia, donde niñas videntes aseguraron recibir advertencias años antes del genocidio de Ruanda, mientras eran sometidas a presiones e interrogatorios para probar la veracidad de sus visiones. Investigamos también la Virgen de Zeitoun en Egipto, un fenómeno observado por miles de testigos y registrado en fotografías y video, las visiones de la Virgen de Akita, los trances de las niñas de Garabandal (Virgen del Carmen), y las lágrimas de sangre junto con las visiones de la Virgen de Betania. Acompáñanos en este podcast para descifrar si fueron apariciones divinas… o algo no humano se hizo pasar por la Virgen.

The J-Talk Podcast
JTET - J2 Season Review 2025 (Part 1)

The J-Talk Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 98:32


Happy New Year, everyone! In a vainglorious attempt to get 2026 off to a flying start, we do our best to review the J2 season across a pair of bumper episodes (Part 2 is on the way). In the early stages of this pod, James and Jon wax lyrical about a quartet of J2 clubs: champions Mito (Start to 04:30), runners-up Nagasaki (04:30 to 08:30), as well defeated Play-Off sides Tokushima (08:30 to 11:00) and Iwata (11:00 to 15:45). Then there's a chance for James to take a breather as Jon chats in-depth to special guest contributor Steve Fryer about another team vanquished in the Play-Offs, Omiya (15:45 to 59:40). James is back on deck to talk to Jon about a further trio of teams after that: Tosu (59:40 to 01:03:55), Yamagata (01:03:55 to 01:08:00), and finally Imabari (01:08:00 to 01:12:55). The pod ends with dynamite drop-ins from two of our regular club-specific contributors: Martin Spivey tells us all about Akita's 2025 campaign (01:12:55 to 01:21:40), before Leslie Mabon does similar for Iwaki (01:21:40 to Finish). We hope everyone enjoys the bumper pod - thank you to all of our contributors! *Support The J-Talk Podcast Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/jtalkpod *Join in with the discussion on our JLeague Chat Discord server: https://discord.gg/6Tr3MBAy

Catholic Minute
Why Mary Keeps Appearing

Catholic Minute

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 8:24


Send us a textWhy does the Blessed Virgin Mary keep appearing — across centuries, cultures, and continents?From Fatima and Lourdes to Akita, Kibeho, Aokpe, and Champion, Heaven repeats the same call again and again.In this episode of Catholic Minute, Ken and Janelle explore why Mary appears in times of crisis — and what Heaven is asking of us today.Support the showSupport this show and get all future episodes by email atwww.kenandjanelle.com

Lost in Citations
#193 - Olagboyega, K. W. (2010). “Japanese English” A Descriptive Grammar of the Nominal Phrase of Educated Written English in Japan. Akita International University Global Review, 2, 187-213.

Lost in Citations

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 53:12


Chris interviews Kolawole Olagboyega from Tsuru University. haswellkyudai@gmail.com, lostincitations@gmail.com Book: https://www.amazon.co.jp/Japanese-English%E2%80%95%E2%80%95-Descriptive-Kolawole-Olagboyega/dp/486110680X/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fgKf7-VdFVBcbZnvbYSBHg.ZuNfDTkIXe3b6lNiAelWFgRYoUtxGuEfc57TcY9hskI&dib_tag=se&qid=1758539740&refinements=p_27%3AKolawole+Waziri+Olagboyega&s=books&sr=1-3  

Catholic Minute
Akita Miracle: The Tumor That Vanished Overnight Through Our Lady's Intercession

Catholic Minute

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 7:39 Transcription Available


Send us a textToday's episode tells the astonishing true story of Teresa Chong, a mother of four in Seoul who fell into a coma with an aggressive, inoperable brain tumor. Doctors said there was no chance of recovery. Her family prepared for her death.Then a simple photograph of the weeping statue of Akita was placed beneath her pillow… and Heaven moved.Support the showSupport this show and get all future episodes by email atwww.kenandjanelle.com

Catholic Minute
Akita: Our Lady's Urgent Warning to the Catholic Church

Catholic Minute

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 13:28 Transcription Available


Send us a textOur Lady of Akita: Verified Miracle, Marian Warning, Catholic MessageIn the 1970s, at a convent in Akita, Japan, a wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary began to weep human tears. Scientific testing confirmed the fluids were human tears, human sweat, and human blood. Across multiple years, the statue cried 101 times, witnessed by sisters, clergy, medical professionals, and investigators.Sister Agnes Sasagawa, a member of the Handmaids of the Eucharist, received messages from Our Lady calling for prayer, penance, the Rosary, Eucharistic reparation, and fidelity to Catholic teaching. Her medically documented total deafness was instantly healed during Eucharistic adoration on October 13, the anniversary of the final Fatima apparition.After examining scientific reports, witness testimony, theological studies, and documented healings, Bishop John Ito declared the events of Akita to be of supernatural origin and approved devotion to Our Lady of Akita.Support the showSupport this show and get all future episodes by email atwww.kenandjanelle.com

Supernatural Japan
The Namahage: Terrifying Oni of Winter

Supernatural Japan

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 11:42


Send us a textDive into the legend of the Namahage, one of Japan's most iconic winter spirits, in this episode of Supernatural Japan. We explore the origins of these fearsome oni-like figures from rural Akita, their role in the famous Namahage Sedo Festival, and how this ancient folklore tradition continues to shape modern Japanese culture. Perfect for listeners who love Japanese mythology, regional traditions, and mysterious supernatural beings.Follow the podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapanBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.socialX: https://x.com/MadForMapleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapanEmail: supernaturaljapan@gmail.comTales from Kevin Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevinYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevinNEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.comSupport the show

Echo der Zeit
International: Japans Kampf gegen den Suizid

Echo der Zeit

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2025 29:47


In Japan nahmen sich immer mehr Menschen das Leben. Das schockierte die Öffentlichkeit. Die Zivilgesellschaft rüttelte die politischen Verantwortlichen auf, der Kampf gegen die «stille Epidemie» wurde zur nationalen Priorität. Zwanzig Jahre später zeigt sich: der Kampf war erfolgreich. Jedes Jahr 14 000 Suizide weniger. Anders gesagt: 14 000 verzweifelte Menschen in Japan, die wieder Hoffnung schöpfen – so die statistischen Zahlen im Zwanzigjahresvergleich. Die kollektive Anstrengung hat sich gelohnt. Wie es dazu kam, lässt sich in Akita im Norden von Japan gut nachvollziehen, einer Region mit hoher Arbeitslosigkeit, in der besonders viele Menschen ihr Leben beendeten. Hisao Sato ist einer der Pioniere der landesweiten Präventionskampagne. Trauer um den Verlust eines engen Freundes schlug bei ihm in Zorn übers kollektive Wegschauen um. Er schuf um die Jahrtausendwende in Akita eine Anlaufstelle und begann, Verzweifelten Beratungen anzubieten. Nach und nach liessen sich die japanischen Behörden überzeugen, dass landesweit gehandelt werden müsse - und könne. Ein nationales Präventionsgesetz schuf die Grundlagen. Parallel dazu veränderte sich die Wahrnehmung: «Suizid war ein völliges Tabu. Doch die Menschen begannen, die Selbsttötungen nicht nur als Privatsache zu betrachten, sondern als gesellschaftliches Problem», sagt Sato in der Reportage aus Japan über den Erfolg der Präventionskampagne - und düstere Aspekte, die dennoch bleiben. Wer suizidale Gedanken hat, findet bei folgenden Anlaufstellen Soforthilfe: Pro Juventute für Kinder und Jugendliche, Telefon und SMS 147; Dargebotene Hand/Sorgentelefon für Erwachsene, Telefon und SMS 143.

International
Gemeinsam gegen das Tabu – Japans Kampf gegen den Suizid

International

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 29:47


In Japan nahmen sich immer mehr Menschen das Leben. Das schockierte die Öffentlichkeit. Die Zivilgesellschaft rüttelte die politischen Verantwortlichen auf, der Kampf gegen die «stille Epidemie» wurde zur nationalen Priorität. Zwanzig Jahre später zeigt sich: der Kampf war erfolgreich. Jedes Jahr 14 000 Suizide weniger. Anders gesagt: 14 000 verzweifelte Menschen in Japan, die wieder Hoffnung schöpfen – so die statistischen Zahlen im Zwanzigjahresvergleich. Die kollektive Anstrengung hat sich gelohnt. Wie es dazu kam, lässt sich in Akita im Norden von Japan gut nachvollziehen, einer Region mit hoher Arbeitslosigkeit, in der besonders viele Menschen ihr Leben beendeten. Hisao Sato ist einer der Pioniere der landesweiten Präventionskampagne. Trauer um den Verlust eines engen Freundes schlug bei ihm in Zorn übers kollektive Wegschauen um. Er schuf um die Jahrtausendwende in Akita eine Anlaufstelle und begann, Verzweifelten Beratungen anzubieten. Nach und nach liessen sich die japanischen Behörden überzeugen, dass landesweit gehandelt werden müsse - und könne. Ein nationales Präventionsgesetz schuf die Grundlagen. Parallel dazu veränderte sich die Wahrnehmung: «Suizid war ein völliges Tabu. Doch die Menschen begannen, die Selbsttötungen nicht nur als Privatsache zu betrachten, sondern als gesellschaftliches Problem», sagt Sato in der Reportage aus Japan über den Erfolg der Präventionskampagne - und düstere Aspekte, die dennoch bleiben. Wer suizidale Gedanken hat, findet bei folgenden Anlaufstellen Soforthilfe: Pro Juventute für Kinder und Jugendliche, Telefon und SMS 147; Dargebotene Hand/Sorgentelefon für Erwachsene, Telefon und SMS 143.

Furtune 毛知音 - 寵物新鮮事
狗公園不失禮,玩耍也要講道理|EP226

Furtune 毛知音 - 寵物新鮮事

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 53:26


【本集節目由毛迷 Amy 贊助製播】 虎鯨與海底光纖電纜的研究 馬德里街道被羊群佔領 狗狗運動公園的基本禮儀 忠誠又帥氣的秋田犬 歡迎斗內~支持我們~成為毛知音的後盾吧~ https://portaly.cc/newsfurtune 追蹤IG及粉絲團~收聽時一起服用,效果加倍!! IG: @newsfurtune FB: https://www.facebook.com/newsfurtune 相關連結: 科學家希望海底光纖電纜能幫助拯救瀕危的虎鯨 https://reurl.cc/yKrYMa 法廢棄樂園虎鯨、海豚滯留 圈養設施劣化風險高 https://reurl.cc/6bZvE6 馬德里一年一度的「遷牧節」吸引大批民眾觀賞成群的綿羊與山羊穿越城市 https://reurl.cc/8bovpM -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

JIJI news for English Learners-時事通信英語学習ニュース‐
陸自、クマ被害で秋田県と協定 午後にも鹿角市で活動開始―箱わな輸送など後方支援

JIJI news for English Learners-時事通信英語学習ニュース‐

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2025 0:42


クマ被害防止のための協定を締結した秋田県の鈴木健太知事と陸上自衛隊第9師団長の松永康則陸将、5日午前、秋田県庁陸上自衛隊は5日、クマ被害が深刻な秋田県に部隊を派遣し、捕獲用の箱わな輸送などの後方支援を行うため、同県との間で活動内容や役割分担を定めた協定を締結した。 Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force on Wednesday signed an agreement with the Akita prefectural government to dispatch troops to the northeastern Japan prefecture to help capture wild bears amid a spate of attacks on people.

JIJI news for English Learners-時事通信英語学習ニュース‐
自衛隊、5日にも秋田派遣 小泉防衛相表明、クマ対策で

JIJI news for English Learners-時事通信英語学習ニュース‐

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 0:31


記者会見する小泉進次郎防衛相、4日午前、国会内小泉進次郎防衛相は4日の記者会見で、クマ被害が深刻な秋田県に5日にも自衛隊を派遣すると明らかにした。 Japan's Defense Ministry will send Self-Defense Forces personnel as early as Wednesday to the northeastern prefecture of Akita, where bear attacks have become a serious problem, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Tuesday.

Super Saints Podcast
How The Messages Of Our Lady of Akita Challenge Catholics To Return To The Eucharist

Super Saints Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 35:22 Transcription Available


Send us a textWe trace the apparitions of Our Lady of Akita through the life of Sister Agnes Sasagawa and the Handmaids of the Eucharist, set against postwar Japan. We unpack the three messages, the Eucharistic focus, the weeping statue, healings, and the link to Fatima, then invite concrete steps of prayer and penance.• Postwar Japan context and Catholic minority• Sister Agnes's conversion, deafness and vocation• Founding and charism of the Handmaids of the Eucharist• First apparition and call to reparation• Three messages of Akita and their urgency• Parallels with Fatima and shared themes• Centrality of the Eucharist and reverence• Reported healings and investigated cures• The weeping statue's signs and symbolism• Stigmata as participation in Christ's Passion• Practical response through rosary, confession and adoration• Our ministry's resources, pilgrimages and mediaTake the next step on your pilgrimage of faith with these transformative opportunities... Explore our resources... Join a pilgrimage... Shop devotional treasures... Let's journey together, visit Journeys of Faith today, and let the messages of Akita ignite your faith anew. Be sure to click the link in the description for special news itemsBrowse our Virgin Mary Shop CollectionsOpen by Steve Bailey Support the show

The North-South Connection
Ruthless #4: WWE Monday Night Raw 9/15/03 & WWE SmackDown 9/18/03

The North-South Connection

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 110:47


On this episode of Ruthless, Matt Ferrell is jointed by Ryan Everett to discuss the 9/15/03 Monday Night Raw and 9/18/03 SmackDown! They discuss a go home Raw that just needed to go away, YJ Stinger, an 80 year old's birthday match, the return of Akita, a 60 minute iron match, two title changes and a whole lot more. Check out the companion written piece about that weekend's Heat and Velocity as well!

JIJI news for English Learners-時事通信英語学習ニュース‐
クマに襲われ38歳男性死亡 3人重傷、付近で駆除―秋田

JIJI news for English Learners-時事通信英語学習ニュース‐

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 0:25


4人がクマに襲われた現場周辺を調べる警察官ら、24日午後、秋田県東成瀬村24日午前11時10分ごろ、秋田県東成瀬村田子内で、「クマに襲われている人がいる」と119番があった。 A bear attack in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Akita left one man dead and three others injured on Friday.

The Drew Mariani Show
Chaplet/Anti-Catholic Costumes/Our Lady of Akita

The Drew Mariani Show

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 51:12


Hour 2 for 10/13/25 Drew prays the Chaplet of Divine Mercy with Brooke Taylor and then he discusses Anti-Catholic Halloween Costumes on Amazon with Mary FioRito (33:12). Drew ends the hour talking about Our Lady of Akita (44:25) Resources: Ethics and Public Policy Center: https://eppc.org/

Teatr Polskiego Radia
"Każdy człowiek jest wymyślony" Małgorzaty Sikorskiej-Miszczuk w reżyserii Katarzyny Łęckiej

Teatr Polskiego Radia

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 39:36


Adam i Ida mają po czterdzieści kilka lat. Kiedyś byli parą. Po ich związku zostały wspomnienia, kilka niezabliźnionych ran i... suka rasy Akita, która do dziś przypomina im o tym, co było. Choć od rozstania minęło już sporo czasu, oboje wciąż noszą w sobie przekonanie, że to, co ich łączyło, było czymś wyjątkowym. Teraz spotykają się przypadkiem. Adam, lekarz, wykonuje testy na Covid. Ida, chora, trafia właśnie do niego. Od tej chwili zaczynają rozmawiać codziennie. Oficjalnie, jako pacjentka i jej lekarz rodzinny. Nieoficjalnie, jako ludzie, którzy kiedyś byli sobie bardzo bliscy. I może wciąż są. Reżyseria: Katarzyna Łęcka. Reżyseria dźwięku: Andrzej Brzoska. Muzyka: Szymon Burnos. Kierownictwo produkcji: Beata Jankowska. Obsada: Grażyna Wolszczak i Bartosz Opania

VOV - Việt Nam và Thế giới
Tin quốc tế - Hàng chục ngàn người phải đi lánh nạn do thiên tai tại Akita – Nhật Bản

VOV - Việt Nam và Thế giới

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 1:46


VOV1 - Thời tiết cực đoan trái chiều vẫn đang tiếp tục đe dọa nhiều địa phương của Nhật Bản với những thiệt hại nghiêm trọng về cả về người và tài sản.

The Simple Truth
Fatima and Akita: Our Lady's Urgent Warnings for the World (Joanne Wright) - 8/27/25

The Simple Truth

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 49:39


8/27/25 - What connects the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima (1917) in Portugal and Our Lady of Akita (1973) in Japan, and why are these messages so urgent for the times we live in? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Marian warnings given to the world, exploring their striking similarities and what they reveal about prayer, penance, and the future of humanity. At Fatima, Our Lady called for conversion, the daily Rosary, and reparation for sin, promising peace if her requests were obeyed, and great suffering if they were not. Decades later in Akita, she repeated this urgent appeal, warning of coming trials, attacks on the Church from within, and the need for repentance. These prophetic messages are not relics of the past; they are unfolding before our eyes. Join us as we explore the profound connection between Fatima and Akita, the meaning of Our Lady's warnings for today, and how Catholics can respond with hope, faith, and courage.

Japan Station: A Podcast by Japankyo.com
He SURVIVED a BEAR encounter in Japan! Talking about hiking in Tohoku with GoNorth Japan | Japan Station 172

Japan Station: A Podcast by Japankyo.com

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 46:20


On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking to Quinlan from the GoNorth Japan YouTube channel about surviving a bear encounter in Japan, hiking in the Tohoku area of Japan and more.

First Community Church
08.17.25 Akita Sunday Rev. Sarah Kientz Sermon - Give Me Space

First Community Church

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2025 14:36


08.17.25 Akita Sunday Rev. Sarah Kientz Sermon - Give Me Space by First Community Church

space sermon akita first community church
The J-Talk Podcast
JTET - Emperor's Cup Round 3 Review

The J-Talk Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 14:30


After a summer break, the JTET boys are back with a 15-minute mini-pod to clean deck before J2 returns! This time, James and Jon look back at Round 3 of the Emperor's Cup (held on 16th July) from a J2 perspective. Recording solo, James covers 5 of the pertinent matchups, with Jon (also in isolation this time) talking you though the other 5 (including Hiroshima's high-scoring win at Fujieda). Before time is up, Jon also briefs you on the forthcoming Round 24 fixtures in J2 this weekend, and casts a glance at the midweek Emperor's Cup Round of 16 games on the horizon for Akita and Yamagata. Thanks for waiting patiently for the uploads during our slow summer - we'll have a full review of J2 Round 24 as usual next week!

The Pacific War - week by week
- 193 - Pacific War Podcast - The Siege of Japan - July 29 - August 5, 1945

The Pacific War - week by week

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 52:23


Last time we spoke about Operation Downfall. The Allies, under General Krueger, initiated a decisive campaign to clear the Japanese from Luzon. As they faced the entrenched Shobu Group, challenges included treacherous terrain and a resilient enemy. Simultaneously, Japan braced for an invasion, mobilizing reinforcements and devising defensive strategies to ward off the impending Allied assault. As July approached, General Yamashita's forces prepared to execute a final breakout, but progress was hampered by relentless guerrilla attacks and adverse weather conditions. With Operation Downfall looming, Allied troops focused on strategic landings in Kyushu and Honshu, driven by a relentless determination to defeat the Japanese militarily. The intense battles of Luzon became a precursor to this monumental operation, marking a turning point in the Pacific War.  This episode is The Siege of Japan Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  Boy I have been waiting a long time to come to this point. One of the most significant events in human history that deeply affects us to this very day. Nuclear war is as much a threat today as it was during the cold war. The dropping of the Atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were deeply complicated events fraught with issues of morality. It goes without saying whether or not the bombs needed to be dropped, their actual impact on the surrender of Japan and so forth are still issues hotly debated to this very day. I have spoken on the issue countless times on my personal channel and podcast, but I figure to do this subject justice I will create a full episode for it. Thus in this episode we are going to just cover what happened, but rest assured I will come back to this later on. As we last explored, following the successful invasion of Luzon in the Philippines, along with the fall of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, American forces began preparing for the final invasion of the Japanese Home Islands. This operation was codenamed Operation Downfall. One key initiative leading up to this invasion was a comprehensive air-sea blockade and bombardment campaign against Japan itself. Previously, we detailed the extensive firebombing and precision bombing efforts executed by General LeMay's 21st Bomber Command. However, during this crucial period, the B-29 Superfortress bombers undertook a distinct operation under the codename Starvation. This single operation would be one of the largest factors that contributed to the surrender of Japan and its one most people have never heard of. In July 1944, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz proposed a bold plan to use B-29 Superfortress bombers to mine the waterways surrounding the Japanese Home Islands. Although Generals Henry H. Arnold and Walter Hansell expressed concerns that this mining campaign could distract from the B-29's primary role as a strategic bombardment aircraft, they eventually agreed to assign one bomber group to focus on aerial mining when conditions permitted. On December 22, Hansell's 21st Bomber Command was directed to formulate a naval mining program aimed at executing between 150 to 200 sorties each month, which was set to begin in April 1945. However, by this time, General Curtis LeMay had taken command of the 21st Bomber Command. LeMay was notably enthusiastic about the idea and successfully recommended to Washington an upgraded mining program that aimed to deploy up to 1,500 mines each month using a full B-29 wing. LeMay viewed aerial mining in a different light than Arnold or Hansell, seeing it as a vital extension of strategic bombing. He recognized that most of Japan's war production materials, as well as a significant portion of its food supplies, were imported from regions such as China, Southeast Asia, and the Dutch East Indies. Japan's industrial heartland is primarily found on Honshu, its largest and most industrialized island, while Shikoku, another island, also lacks essential resources such as iron ore and high-quality coal. These crucial materials were sourced from Kyushu and Hokkaido, both of which are other Japanese islands. All these resources were transported by sea, so without easy access to raw materials, Japan's industrial output would come to a grinding halt. The only aircraft capable of deploying mines effectively where they were needed were the B-29s. Areas such as the Inland Sea, the Sea of Japan, and the Korean Peninsula were out of reach for other Allied aircraft. Additionally, Allied submarines could only venture into these perilous waters with great risk. Notably, about 80% of Japan's merchant fleet utilized the Shimonoseki Strait, a critical waterway that separates Kyushu from Honshu. Understanding the strategic advantage of closing this strait, LeMay decided to allocate an entire wing of B-29s specifically to mine this vital route. Brigadier General John Davies commanded the 313th Bombardment Wing, tasked with deploying approximately 2,000 naval mines each month into Japanese waters. The primary goals of this operation were to prevent essential raw materials and food supplies from reaching the Home Islands, hinder the supply and mobilization of Japanese military forces, and disrupt transportation routes in the Inland Sea of Japan. Between March 27 and April 12, Davies' bombers targeted key enemy shipping bases located in Kure, Sasebo, and Hiroshima. They also focused on the Shimonoseki Strait, a narrow and strategically important waterway that links the Inland Sea with the Tsushima Strait. Notably, after these attacks, this strait was successfully closed for two weeks. On May 3 and 5, the 313th Bombardment Wing laid down a total of 1,422 mines in the waters surrounding the Shimonoseki Strait, as well as near major urban centers like Tokyo, Nagoya, Kobe, and Osaka. These efforts aimed to severely disrupt maritime commerce between Japan's major industrial areas. Just a week later, the minefields expanded from the Shimonoseki Strait to include Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands, and northwest Honshu, the largest island containing Tokyo. By the end of that month, these mines were proving remarkably effective, accounting for the sinking of more ships than Japanese submarines. In fact, within the Shimonoseki Strait alone, 113 ships had been sunk. Between June 7 and July 8, American forces expanded and fortified minefields along the western coast of Japan while also replenishing the existing minefields in the Shimonoseki Strait and the Inland Sea. During this effort, they successfully laid a total of 3,542 mines across 14 missions. The "total blockade" officially commenced on July 9 and continued until the end of the war. Throughout this period, American forces executed 474 sorties, dropping another 3,746 mines that replenished existing minefields and extended coverage to harbors in Korea. In total, Brigadier General Davies conducted 46 missions that laid down 26 minefields containing 12,135 mines. Remarkably, only 15 B-29s were lost during these operations. In turn, the mines accounted for the sinking or damaging of 670 Japanese ships, with a total loss of 1.25 million tons. This mining campaign effectively strangled Japanese industry, as the denial of essential raw materials to factories proved more disruptive than the direct bombing of the plants themselves.  Despite the clear vulnerability of Japan's economy to disruptions in coastal shipping, Japanese authorities were alarmingly unprepared to address the threat posed by air-dropped mines. By August 1945, Japan had committed 349 ships and 20,000 personnel to counter the Starvation campaign, but these efforts were overwhelmingly ineffective. The shipping crisis escalated to such a degree that searchlights and anti-aircraft batteries were redeployed from urban centers to defend expected mining targets. Additionally, suicide boats were employed in desperate attempts to clear the minefields. Royal Navy historian S.W. Roskill commented on the situation, stating, “The blockade had, in fact, been far more successful than we realized at the time. Although submarines initially played a critical role in enforcing the blockade, it was the air-laid mines that ultimately strangled Japan.” Japanese officials shared this assessment. A director from a Tokyo steel company reflected on the situation, noting that the denial of essential raw materials to factories caused far greater disruption than the direct bombing of the plants themselves. This contradicted the views of US Army Air Forces experts back in Washington. In a striking remark after the war, a Japanese minesweeping officer told American forces, “The result of B-29 mining was so effective against shipping that it eventually starved the country. You could have likely shortened the war by starting this campaign earlier.” Meanwhile, General LeMay continued his firebombing campaign against Japan. By the end of May, urban areas around Tokyo Bay had been devastated, prompting the 21st Bomber Command to shift focus westward toward the densely populated industrial complexes lining Osaka Bay. On June 1, 521 B-29s were dispatched to bomb industrial targets situated along the Yodo River, with an escort of 148 P-51 fighters. Unfortunately, an undetected thunderstorm struck en route, which meant only 27 P-51s reached Osaka, while another 27 crashed, and the remaining fighters had to return to Iwo Jima. Despite these complications, the B-29s bombed from altitudes ranging between 18,000 and 28,500 feet, successfully dropping 2,788 tons of incendiary bombs on Osaka. The attack resulted in the burning of 3.15 square miles, destroying 136,107 houses and 4,222 factories. Four days later, on June 3, 530 unescorted B-29 Superfortresses launched a bombing raid on the city of Kobe. Of those, 473 aircraft targeted the city, resulting in the destruction of 4.35 square miles. This devastating strike led to the demolition of 51,399 buildings, while another 928 suffered significant damage. The raid, however, came with losses, as 11 bombers were downed, and 176 were damaged in the operation. On June 7, 449 B-29s returned to Osaka. Despite facing heavy cloud cover that restricted visibility, they managed to burn an additional 2.21 square miles of the city, destroying another 55,333 buildings.  By the conclusion of General Curtis LeMay's maximum-effort area bombing campaign, the six most significant industrial cities in Japan, Tokyo, Nagoya, Kobe, Osaka, Yokohama, and Kawasaki, had been left in ruins. Major factories were either destroyed or severely damaged, while thousands of smaller household and feeder industrial units were consumed by flames. Casualty figures surged into six figures, leaving millions of people homeless. The evacuation of survivors further complicated efforts to secure labor for the factories that remained operational. Japan's air-raid protection system proved woefully inadequate to withstand a protracted siege by very heavy bombers. The system lacked sufficient organization, trained personnel, shelters, fire-fighting equipment, and facilities for relief and evacuation. Additionally, there was a significant deficiency in civilian indoctrination regarding emergency procedures. Under the relentless pressure of repeated major attacks, local Air Raid Precaution organizations collapsed, adding strain to an already overburdened imperial government. Japanese civilians, who had been conditioned by victory propaganda, displayed little of the discipline that helped German citizens endure years of aerial bombardment. As news of military defeats and the impact of B-29 precision strikes filtered into the great cities, residents began to lose confidence in their leaders' ability to protect them or care for the victims of the attacks. Abe Motoki, the Minister of Home Affairs at the time, later remarked, “I believe that after the raids on Tokyo on May 23-24, 1945, civilian defense measures in that city, as well as in other parts of Japan, were considered a futile effort.” Regarding the operational cost of this campaign for the 21st Bomber Command, it was not considered excessively burdensome. Over the course of 17 maximum-effort incendiary attacks, LeMay dispatched a total of 6,960 B-29s, which dropped 41,592 tons of bombs. The losses amounted to 136 B-29s, averaging only 1.9% of the sorties, a rate significantly lower than what had been endured in earlier months, and quite acceptable by the standards of conventional strategic bombing. Meteorologists predicted that the summer monsoon would keep Japan's skies covered with clouds for most of the upcoming months, from June to August. As a result, LeMay shifted strategies under what became known as the Empire Plan. This approach prioritized targeting industrial and military sites during daylight hours when the weather permitted, while secondary cities that had sufficient industrial capability became targets for nighttime area attacks. This change meant that since no single target warranted a full four-wing maximum effort, multiple missions could be scheduled in a single day. Accordingly, on June 9, 110 B-29s attacked three aircraft factories located in Narao, Atsuta, and Akashi. The strikes successfully destroyed the factories in Narao and Atsuta, but an unfortunate miscalculation led to the bombing of the town near Akashi. The following day, June 10, a force of 280 B-29s, escorted by 107 P-51 Mustang fighters, targeted six distinct sites in the Tokyo Bay area. The mission yielded significant results, with all targets sustaining heavy damage. Finally, on June 15, 516 B-29s were dispatched for one last firebombing raid against Osaka and the neighboring city of Amagasaki. In this combined assault, 444 bombers dropped over 1,350 tons of incendiary bombs, incinerating an additional 1.9 square miles in Osaka and more than half a square mile in Amagasaki. Starting on June 17, General Curtis LeMay's firebombing campaigns began to focus on medium-sized secondary cities across Japan. On that day, 477 B-29 Superfortresses targeted the cities of Omuta, Hamamatsu, Yokkaichi, and Kagoshima, burning a combined total of six square miles in these urban areas. The success of this initial multi-target mission ensured the continuation of the program, establishing an operational pattern that would remain standard during the final weeks of the war. In total, multiple incendiary attacks were conducted on sixteen occasions, averaging about two missions per week. Between June 17 and August 14, American forces carried out 8,014 sorties, dropping a staggering 54,184 tons of incendiaries across 58 secondary cities. On June 22, 446 B-29s were dispatched to strike six targets located in southern Honshu, including the crucial Kure Naval Arsenal. In this mission, 382 bombers released 2,103 tons of bombs, inflicting heavy damage to these essential manufacturing facilities. Just four days later, on June 26, a force of 510 B-29s, accompanied by 148 P-51 Mustang escorts, targeted locations in southern Honshu and the nearby island of Shikoku. However, dense clouds over much of the area complicated assembly and forced many aircraft to attack targets of opportunity individually or in small groups. As a result, adverse weather conditions would delay subsequent daytime raids until July 24.  In the coordinated strike program that commenced in June, the decision to focus on either the Empire Plan or urban industrial targets was largely influenced by weather conditions. As the program took shape, the 315th Bombardment Wing (VH) became available for combat operations. This wing operated somewhat independently from the other bomber units, with its activities significantly guided by the specialized equipment of its aircraft. Authorized for deployment in the Pacific in December 1944, the 315th settled at Northwest Field, Guam, during May and June. Its commander, Brigadier General Frank A. Armstrong, Jr., was a seasoned veteran of the strategic air offensive against Germany. The B-29s of the 315th Wing differed in two key respects from those of other units. They were equipped with the AN/APQ-7 (Eagle) radar, a sophisticated radar system designed for bombing, instead of the conventional AN/APQ-13 radar. The latter had primarily served as a navigational aid. While crews had become adept at using the AN/APQ-13 for night or poor-weather bombing, it lacked the precision necessary for accurate strikes. The Eagle radar, however, offered significantly greater definition and, although it required a long bomb run averaging seventy miles, this was not considered a serious hindrance in the tactical context of Japan. To further enhance its night-bombing capabilities, the Superfortresses had been stripped of all armament except for the tail gun. This modification, along with the Eagle radar, clearly marked the 315th as a dedicated night-bombing unit. There were various proposals for the use of these specially equipped B-29s, including high-altitude bombing, area bombing, and aerial mining. However, by the time the 315th Wing was ready for combat, the 313th Bombardment Wing had already gained proficiency in aerial mining, while all wings had become adept at area bombing using the AN/APQ-13. Training for the 315th had focused heavily on night radar tactics, with less emphasis on visual bombing and daytime formation flights. It was evident that if the Eagle radar was to undergo a thorough scientific evaluation, it should be tested against a specific set of targets that were preferably large in size and located along the coastline. In the view of the 21st Bomber Command, the oil industry met these requirements perfectly. The 315th Bombardment Wing initiated its specialized campaign on June 26 with a targeted strike against the Utsube Oil Refinery in Yokkaichi, the top-priority target. By August 14, the wing had conducted 15 additional missions against a total of 10 targets, which included various petroleum refineries and synthetic plants, such as the Maruzen Oil Company in Wakayama, Mitsubishi Oil Company in Kawasaki, and Nippon Oil Company plants spread across Akita, Kansai, Kudamatsu, and Amagasaki, as well as the Imperial Fuel Industry Company in Ube and Toa Fuel Industry in Wakayama. During the campaign, the 315th Wing dispatched a total of 1,200 B-29s, 1,095 of which successfully bombed their primary targets, dropping 9,084 tons of 500-pound general-purpose bombs deemed particularly effective against the scattered installations. The increase in bomb load capacity was made possible by stripping the planes of unnecessary equipment and conducting bombing missions individually at night. As the crews gained experience, they were able to increase the average weight carried from 14,631 pounds during the first mission to 20,684 pounds by August 9. Despite concerns about safety from removing most of the aircraft's armaments, only four planes were lost and 66 sustained damage throughout the campaign. The 20th Air Force estimated that the B-29 attacks led to the destruction of approximately 6 million barrels of tank storage capacity, and the United States Strategic Bombing Survey (USSBS) reported that refining capacity had been reduced from 90,000 barrels a day in December 1941 to around 17,000 barrels. However, the strategic impact was more apparent than real, as many storage tanks were empty and refinery production had fallen to just 4% of capacity before the very heavy bomber campaign began. The lack of precise intelligence regarding the state of Japan's economy had justified the emphasis on the oil program as a form of reinsurance. Nevertheless, the blockade had effectively severed the nation's oil resources, resulting in tankers remaining idle at the docks. On July 1, Admiral Halsey's 3rd Fleet departed San Pedro Bay to initiate the first preliminary strikes in preparation for Operation Olympic. This operation involved battleships and heavy cruisers conducting surface bombardments of industrial targets in eastern Japan, while lighter forces performed anti-shipping sweeps along the coast. Additionally, a fleet of submarines advanced ahead of Admiral McCain's Task Force 38 to eliminate picket boats and establish lifeguard positions. At 18:15 on July 9, the force began its 25-knot approach toward the Home Islands, launching its first strikes against the Tokyo area at 04:00 on July 10. A total of 1,732 sorties were executed, targeting locations from Koriyama to Hamamatsu, dropping 454 tons of bombs and 1,648 rockets over Honshu with negligible opposition. American airmen reported the destruction of 109 enemy aircraft and damage to 231 during these strikes.   Following this, Halsey's fleet moved north to bombard Hokkaido and northern Honshu, which were beyond the effective range of the B-29s and had previously evaded attack. At 05:59 on July 14, Rear-Admiral John Shafroth's Bombardment Group Able, consisting primarily of three battleships and two heavy cruisers, was tasked with attacking the Kamaishi Works of the Japan Iron Company. By midday, Shafroth's forces had opened fire on Kamaishi, marking the first surface bombardment of Japan by a hostile fleet in over 80 years. Between 12:10 and 14:19, a total of 802 16-inch shells, 728 8-inch shells, and 825 5-inch shells were expended, setting the town ablaze as key industrial and residential targets were hit and resulting in the sinking of one oil tanker, two barges, and one small ship in the harbor. Simultaneously, McCain's carriers closed to within 80 nautical miles of Japan, launching 1,391 sorties against Hokkaido and northern Honshu to target railways, shipping, and airfields, again facing only light resistance. In the ensuing strikes, American planes sank over 50,000 tons of shipping and naval craft, including the destroyer Tachibana, four minesweepers, eight naval auxiliaries, and around 20 merchant vessels, with significant losses occurring at Muroran and Hakodate. In addition, 25 enemy planes were destroyed, while American losses totaled 24 aircraft and 17 airmen, about half of whom were lost in combat. Task Force 38 launched another assault on July 15, executing 966 combat sorties that dropped 355 tons of bombs and expended 2,093 rockets. This operation resulted in the sinking of 65 vessels and damaging 128 others, as well as the destruction of 48 locomotives and damage to 28. Widespread destruction was inflicted on several facilities, particularly the Aomori–Hakodate railcar ferry system, which transported 30% of the coal between Hokkaido and Honshu. The strikes devastated the ferry system, sinking eight ferries, beaching eight more, and damaging two. In total, 70 auxiliary sailing colliers were sunk, and 11 were damaged, along with 10 steel freighters lost and 7 damaged. The ferry strikes were the brainchild of Halsey's operations officer, Captain Ralph “Rollo” Wilson. “When the first action reports began to sift in,” Halsey related: He snatched them up and pored over them; the ferries were not mentioned. Later reports also ignored them. Rollo was sulking and cursing when the final reports arrived. I heard him whistle and saw him beam. “Six ferries sunk!” he said. “Pretty soon we'll have ‘em moving their stuff by oxcarts and skiffs!”  Additionally, 20 city blocks in Kushiro were razed. The most significant outcome of these operations was the virtual severance of Hokkaido from Honshu. By the end of the raids, Halsey's 3rd Fleet had achieved the sinking of 140 ships and small craft, damaging 235 others, and destroying 38 planes while damaging 46. Meanwhile, Rear-Admiral Oscar Badger's Bombardment Group Baker, composed of three battleships, two light cruisers, and eight destroyers, was assigned to bombard Muroran. Between 09:36 and 10:25, this group fired 860 16-inch shells at the Nihon Steel Company and the Wanishi Ironworks, targeting both the coal liquefaction plant and coke ovens. This bombardment inflicted severe damage on those facilities and resulted in the destruction or damage of 2,541 houses in Muroran. As Hasley recalled “These sweeps and bombardments accomplished more than destruction. they showed the enemy that we made no bones about playing in his front yard. From now on, we patrolled his channels and shelled his coast almost every night that the weather permitted.” Additionally, Rear-Admiral James Cary Jones' four light cruisers conducted a sweep along the east coast of Honshu to hunt for Japanese shipping; however, they reported no contacts during their mission. Early on July 16, Task Force 38 retired east of Honshu to begin refueling and rendezvoused with Admiral Rawlings' Task Force 37, which agreed to operate closely as an additional task group for Admiral Halsey. At 03:50 on July 17, the two task forces began launching strikes against central Honshu despite adverse weather conditions. The American forces executed 205 sorties targeting the Mito area, while British aircraft flew 87 sorties against airfields and railyards along the northwest coast of Honshu. Despite the bad weather, several small craft and locomotives were destroyed, though the operation resulted in the loss of nine aircraft and four airmen. Later that afternoon, Halsey detached Badger's augmented Bombardment Group to attack Hitachi, a significant industrial and electronics-producing city. The 53-minute bombardment commenced in fog and rain at 23:14, during which 1,207 16-inch shells, 267 14-inch shells, and 292 6-inch rounds were expended against the Tago and Mito Works of the Hitachi Manufacturing Company, as well as the Yamate Plant and copper refining facilities of Hitachi Mine, resulting in severe devastation. On July 18, McCain's two leading carriers launched a total of 592 sorties against Yokosuka, specifically targeting the heavily camouflaged battleship Nagato at the naval base. The attacks resulted in the sinking of one old cruiser, one minesweeper, one submarine, one incomplete destroyer, and three patrol vessels, in addition to damaging one subchaser, one old destroyer, and one old battleship. Although Nagato was hit multiple times and suffered heavy damage, it managed to stay afloat. Meanwhile, three carriers also targeted airfields and other opportunities in Tokyo, while Task Force 37 attacked a seaplane base at Kitaura and airfields at Nobara, Naruto, Chosi, Kanoike, Natori, and Kitakawa. The recent raids resulted in the destruction of 43 enemy planes and damage to 77 others on the ground, along with the destruction of three locomotives and the derailing of four electrified train cars by rockets. However, the American forces incurred losses of 14 aircraft and 18 aircrew, as the 3rd Fleet flyers reported encountering the fiercest anti-aircraft fire they had yet experienced. Additionally, Rear-Admiral Carl Holden's four light cruisers were detached during the night to sweep shipping off Sagami Bay and to target the radar site at Cape Nojima. On July 21, Captain Thomas Hederman's Destroyer Squadron 61, consisting of nine destroyers, was assigned to conduct another anti-shipping sweep off Sagami Bay. Pursuing four radar contacts, the destroyers engaged targets at midnight on July 22, firing guns and torpedoes from 7,000 yards. This action resulted in the sinking of the 800-ton freighter No.5 Hakutetsu Maru and damaging the 6,919-ton Enbun Maru. In response, Japanese coastal artillery, the minesweeper W-1, and subchaser Ch-42 returned fire, but Hederman's squadron successfully retired without damage. Although minor in scale, the Battle of Sagami Bay would ultimately be the last surface action of the war. Meanwhile, as part of Operation Barney, a planned submarine penetration of the Sea of Japan, nine submarines succeeded in sinking 27 Japanese merchant vessels and one submarine, totaling 54,786 tons.  On June 8, the submarine Barb commenced her twelfth patrol, tasked with terrorizing the Sea of Okhotsk using her newly installed 5-inch rocket launchers. Over the following weeks, Skipper Commander Eugene “Luckey” Fluckey executed successful rocket bombardments on Shari, Hokkaido, and targets in Shikuka, Kashiho, and Shiritoru on Karafuto (southern Sakhalin), also employing the submarine's deck guns to destroy 35 sampans in the town of Kaihyo To. Observing Karafuto trains transporting military supplies to ports, Fluckey devised a plan to intercept these trains. Engineman Third Class Billy Hatfield recalled how, as a child, he had placed nuts on railroad ties and watched as the weight of passing trains cracked them between rail and tie. Realizing this principle could be adapted, he suggested rigging an automatic detonator. Fluckey had many volunteers for the mission, including a Japanese POW, and carefully selected Hatfield and seven others, deciding against leading the shore party himself. Just after midnight on July 23, 1945, Fluckey maneuvered Barb to within 950 yards of the Karafuto coast. Led by Lieutenant William Walker, the team launched two rubber rafts at 00:30. Before they left, Fluckey instructed them, “Boys, if you get stuck, head for Siberia, 130 miles north, following the mountain ranges. Good luck.” Upon reaching the shore, the Americans located the tracks and buried a 55-pound scuttling charge and battery beneath the rails, positioning it under a water tower they planned to use as a lookout. As Motor Machinist's Mate First Class John Markuson climbed up, he unexpectedly found he was scaling a sentry tower, causing him to retreat without alerting the sleeping guard. When a train passed, the team dove for cover before resuming their work after it had gone by. Shortly after 01:30, Walker's team signaled their return to Barb, which was now just 600 yards offshore. Fifteen minutes later, while the boats were halfway back, Fluckey heard the rumble of an approaching train. He hoisted a megaphone and urged the crew to “Paddle like the devil, boys!” At 01:47, a 16-car Japanese train struck Hatfield's detonator, resulting in a massive explosion that sent debris soaring 200 feet into the air and reportedly killed 150 Japanese. Minutes later, all eight Americans were safely aboard Barb, which then slipped back into the night, having successfully executed the only amphibious invasion of Japan during World War II. Returning to the main action, Halsey aimed to eliminate the remnants of the Combined Fleet at the heavily fortified Kure Naval Base. Consequently, Task Force 38 began launching the first of 1,363 sorties against ships and airfields in Kyushu, Shikoku, and Honshu, ringing the Inland Sea at 04:40 on July 24. A total of 599 tons of bombs and 1,615 rockets were unleashed over Kure, resulting in the sinking or damaging of 22 warships, which totaled 258,000 tons. Among the affected vessels were the battleships Hyuga, Ise, and Haruna; fleet carriers Amagi and Katsuragi; the escort carrier Kaiyo; heavy cruisers Tone and Aoba; as well as light cruisers Oyodo and Kitakami. In addition, another 53 vessels amounting to 17,000 tons were sunk at various locations, including Hiroshima Bay, Niihama, Bungo Channel, and Kii Channel. At Kobe, the incomplete fleet carrier Aso was also attacked and damaged. American Hellcats and Corsairs effectively swept aside Japanese aerial opposition, shooting down 18 enemy planes while destroying 40 aircraft and damaging another 80 on the ground. Furthermore, around the Inland Sea, 16 locomotives were destroyed and five were damaged, while 20 hangars sustained damage. Three oil tanks were set ablaze at Kure and one at Tano. Additionally, four electric trains and a roundhouse were strafed at Hamamatsu, and various military installations, including barracks, warehouses, power plants, and factories around the airfields, received significant damage. Simultaneously, Rear-Admiral Rawlings' Task Force 37 conducted 257 sorties against targets in Japan and the surrounding offshore areas, sinking the escort carrier Shimane Maru in Shido Bay, along with a number of destroyers, small escorts, and coasters. Meanwhile, Jones' light cruisers swept through the Kii Channel before bombarding the Kushimoto seaplane base and airfields at Cape Shionomisaki during the night. Supporting these efforts, General LeMay dispatched 625 B-29s against seven targets in the Nagoya and Osaka areas, successfully inflicting heavy damage on all of them despite the spotty weather, marking this as the last major attack on the Japanese mainland during the war, as two weeks of cloudy weather ensued. In the early hours of July 25, McCain's aircraft carriers resumed launching strikes against airfields and shipping in the Inland Sea and the Nagoya-Osaka areas. During this operation, they executed a total of 655 sorties, expending 185 tons of bombs and 1,162 rockets, successfully sinking nine ships totaling 8,000 tons and damaging another 35 vessels. The strikes also resulted in the downing of 21 Japanese planes, with an additional 61 aircraft destroyed on the ground and 68 damaged. After refueling on July 27, Halsey's carrier forces moved to launch points located 96 nautical miles off Shikoku. At 04:43 on July 28, they resumed strikes over the Inland Sea, focusing on targets from northern Kyushu to Nagoya, as well as airfields across Honshu along the Sea of Japan. This resulted in McCain flying a total of 1,602 sorties, dropping 605 tons of bombs and expending 2,050 rockets. These attacks sank 27 ships, amounting to 43,000 tons, including the battleships Ise and Haruna, the fleet carrier Amagi, and the Combined Fleet flagship Oyodo. Additionally, 78 vessels totaling 216,000 tons were reported damaged, among them the fleet carrier Katsuragi, heavy cruiser Tone, and light cruiser Kitakami. American pilots reported the destruction of 21 Japanese aircraft in the air and claimed 115 destroyed on the ground across 30 area airfields. They also successfully destroyed 14 locomotives, four oil cars, two roundhouses, three oil tanks, three warehouses, one hangar, and a transformer station. In support of these efforts, Task Force 37 conducted 260 sorties against the eastern Inland Sea, targeting the dockyard at Harima and sinking or severely damaging four corvettes at Maizuru. Meanwhile, the 7th Air Force's 11th and 494th Bombardment Groups carried out a day-long raid on Kure, successfully sinking the heavy cruiser Aoba. By sunset that evening, the Imperial Japanese Navy had effectively ceased to exist, though the cost for the Americans was steep, with losses amounting to 101 planes and 88 men since July 24. As Halsey moved east to target the Osaka-Nagoya area, Shafroth's reinforced Bombardment Group was detached on July 29 to bombard Hamamatsu. During the night, they successfully unloaded 810 16-inch shells, 265 14-inch shells, and 1,035 8-inch shells, damaging the Imperial Government Railway locomotive works, igniting a blaze at the Japanese Musical Instrument Company, and wreaking havoc on infrastructure along the critical Tokaido main line. The following day, McCain's carriers conducted 1,224 sorties against airfields in Osaka, Kobe, Maizuru, and Nagoya, expending 397 tons of bombs and 2,532 rockets. These strikes resulted in the sinking of 20 vessels totaling 6,000 tons and damaging another 56 ships. The pilots also claimed destruction of 115 enemy aircraft on the ground, while inflicting severe damage on numerous industrial targets, including aircraft factories and naval docks in Maizuru. In Miyazu Bay, the destroyer Hatsushino struck an air-dropped naval mine, marking the final loss of 129 Japanese destroyers sunk during the war. That night, seven destroyers advanced deep into Suruga Bay, unleashing 1,100 5-inch shells on Shimizu within seven minutes, successfully destroying or damaging 118 industrial buildings. Typhoon weather would impede the operations of the 3rd Fleet for the next two weeks, as Admiral Nimitz ordered Halsey to steer clear of southern Japan, which was set to become the target of a new and deadly weapon: the atomic bomb. The U.S. Army had begun its project to develop an atomic bomb on August 16, 1942, under the auspices of the Manhattan Project. The project was directed by Major-General Leslie Groves and involved renowned scientists such as Robert Oppenheimer, Enrico Fermi, Niels Bohr, Richard Feynman, and Albert Einstein. Over time, it expanded to include a design center at Los Alamos and two production facilities at Hanford and Clinton. By August 1945, the teams at Los Alamos had successfully designed, developed, and built a gun-type atomic bomb capable of forcing five pounds of uranium-235 against another 17 pounds at high speed, thereby achieving critical mass and releasing immense heat, light, blast, and radiation. The team was also experimenting with an even more powerful device: the plutonium bomb, which utilized an implosion method whereby a sphere of plutonium was compressed by conventional explosives to reach criticality. By early August, scientists had managed to produce enough nuclear material to create only one uranium device, known as Little Boy, and one plutonium bomb, referred to as Fat Man. Each weapon had the potential to annihilate an entire city, and American leaders were prepared to use them if it could compel the Japanese Empire to surrender without necessitating an invasion of Japan. A Targeting Committee led by Groves, consisting of Manhattan Project and Air Force personnel, recommended Hiroshima, Niigata, Kokura, and Nagasaki as primary targets.  Groves' Targeting Committee employed several criteria to select sites for atomic bomb targets. The chosen targets had to possess strategic value to the Japanese and be situated between Tokyo and Nagasaki. Additionally, the target needed to feature a large urban area with a minimum diameter of three miles and must be relatively untouched by previous bombings, ironically spared for potential atomic destruction at a later stage. A crucial condition was that, to the best of their knowledge, these areas should harbor no concentrations of Allied prisoners of war. However, this requirement was challenging to ascertain accurately due to a lack of reliable information about the locations of prisoners. Initially, the committee considered 17 candidates and selected five primary targets: Hiroshima, Yokohama, Kokura, Niigata, and Kyoto. On May 28, they narrowed the list to three: Kyoto, Niigata, and Hiroshima. Hiroshima was significant as it housed Hata's 2nd General Army headquarters and featured a large shipyard, while Niigata was a major industrial city with an important port. Moreover, Kyoto held considerable cultural and religious significance for the Japanese. Secretary of War Stimson, having previously cautioned General Arnold about the humanitarian consequences of targeting cities with incendiary bombings, insisted on removing Kyoto from the list after intense discussions with Groves. On July 21, President Truman concurred with Stimson during their meetings in Potsdam, deciding that Kyoto should be spared. Subsequently, Kokura, known for its large arsenal and ordnance works, replaced Kyoto. Additionally, LeMay's staff reportedly included Nagasaki as an alternate target due to potential weather issues, as it was home to Mitsubishi's arms factories, electric production facilities, ordnance works, and extensive dockyards, making it a valuable target. Meanwhile, a high-level civilian Interim Committee, under Secretary of War Henry Stimson, ultimately advised President Truman on the use of nuclear weapons, reasoning that their deployment would be no worse than the current incendiary bombing campaigns against Japan. The committee also recommended that an atomic bomb be deployed as soon as possible, without warning, to maximize shock value and target a "war plant… surrounded by workers' houses." Following a successful operational test of the experimental plutonium bomb conducted at Trinity on July 16, President Truman authorized General Spaatz to prepare for the bomb drops before August 3. Colonel Paul Tibbets' 509th Composite Group had been specially organized in secret since September 1944 to deliver nuclear weapons, and by June, it had arrived at Tinian under the command of LeMay's 21st Bomber Command. General Twinning replaced LeMay as commander of the 21st on August 1, and he would ultimately issue the direct orders for Tibbets to drop the atomic bomb. The atomic bomb mission had a convoluted command structure. The Joint Chiefs of Staff were largely left out of the chain of command. LeMay was Tibbet's nominal commander; however, Groves still had extensive control over the operation through his deputy Brigadier General Thomas Farrell on Tinian. The 21st Bomber Command would determine when the atomic bomb mission was launched, based on suitable weather conditions. Even at this stage, General of the Air Force Henry "Hap" Arnold and LeMay were still skeptical about the Manhattan Project; they thought B-29 incendiary and high-explosive bombing operations would suffice to end the war soon. LeMay even questioned the 509th CG pilots' ability to conduct the mission; he wanted seasoned Pacific B-29 veteran crews to drop the nuclear cargo. While the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) and Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) prepared for an impending invasion, the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) continued its bombing campaign against Japan. The crews of the 509th Composite Group needed to acclimate to the navigational challenges, varied weather conditions, extensive distances, and the geography of the region, all while becoming accustomed to combat situations. Training commenced at Tinian on June 30, with conventional operational missions over Japan beginning on July 20. To prepare for their atomic missions, the crews trained with "pumpkins," which were specially constructed bombs designed to mimic the appearance and weight of nuclear weapons. This allowed them to practice handling and releasing the bombs. They also rehearsed navigational procedures, visual bomb release techniques, and dropping the weapon at an altitude of approximately 30,000 feet. Following the drop, the crew conducted high-speed, radical turns to evade the nuclear effects after detonation. During their first mission, a B-29 from the 509th sought an alternative target in Tokyo. The crew aimed to drop their 10,000-pound "pumpkin" on the Imperial Palace, but unfortunately, they missed their target. Had they succeeded in killing the emperor, it could have significantly impacted Japan's decision-making process, potentially fortifying the Japanese people's resolve to continue the war. Military leaders might have seized control in the aftermath, pushing their forces to keep fighting. Throughout their training, the units of the 21st Bomber Command intentionally avoided targeting Hiroshima, Niigata, Kokura, and Nagasaki during these practice runs. In total, Tibbets directed his crews on numerous combat missions that targeted 28 cities and involved the dropping of 49 "pumpkins." Remarkably, the 509th lost no aircraft during these operations. While Tibbets focused on perfecting the delivery method, the weapons Little Boy and Fat Man were being transported to Tinian. Some weapon assemblies were delivered by C-54 and B-29 aircraft from Kirtland Field near Albuquerque, while the cruiser Indianapolis delivered the fissionable material for Little Boy from San Francisco on July 26. Four days later, the submarine I-58 unexpectedly attacked the Indianapolis with six torpedoes while the cruiser was en route to Guam, successfully sinking it. Of the crew, 850 Americans survived the sinking, and another 316 were belatedly rescued by August 8. By July 31, most of the assembly of Little Boy had been completed. However, a detonation expert would need to emplace the cordite charges to fire the uranium "bullet" through the gun device to the uranium core after take-off, minimizing the risk of an inadvertent nuclear explosion in the event of a B-29 crash. Additionally, the crew carrying the atomic bomb had to exercise caution when descending once Little Boy was armed because the primary radar or a backup barometric fuse could potentially trigger an explosion if the aircraft descended too rapidly with the fuses in place. On August 2, B-29 crews arrived at Tinian with the assemblies for Fat Man. On that same day, General Twinning and President Truman approved the plan to bomb Hiroshima. Two days later, Colonel Tibbets briefed the crews about the mission, confirming that he would pilot the aircraft carrying the atomic bomb. Tibbets' B-29 No. 82, later named Enola Gay, was supported by three weather reconnaissance aircraft that reported conditions at Hiroshima, Kokura, and Nagasaki, as well as two additional B-29s assigned to conduct scientific and photographic missions. At 02:45 on August 6, Enola Gay took off from Tinian, with diversionary attacks by 604 B-29s throughout Japan also scheduled for that day, as coordinated by Twinning. After passing through Iwo Jima at approximately 05:55, Captain William Parsons and Second-Lieutenant Morris Jeppson armed the bomb at 07:30. Throughout the journey, the B-29s ascended slowly, reaching an altitude of over 30,000 feet as they crossed Shikoku and Honshu, finally reaching Hiroshima at 31,060 feet. At 09:12, Tibbets executed his final approach from the 'initial point', flying east-west over the city towards the intersection of the Ota and Motoyasu Rivers. Approximately at 09:15, Little Boy was released, and Enola Gay immediately began its turn away to escape the impending explosion. However, the bomb mistakenly descended towards the Shima Surgical Hospital rather than the intended target, the Aioi Bridge. At 09:16, Little Boy detonated at an altitude of 1,890 feet, just as Tibbets was about six miles away from the blast point. As a result of the atomic blast, the immediate area around the epicenter was heated to an astonishing 1 million degrees Celsius, instantly incinerating or vaporizing all people, animals, buildings, and other items within that zone. Hiroshima police officials estimated that immediate casualties amounted to 71,379 individuals who were either killed or reported missing. In the surrounding areas, the blast effects crushed unreinforced structures before igniting them, resulting in an additional 68,023 wounded, with 19,691 of those injuries classified as serious. Subsequent assessments, potentially incorporating the impacts of radiation sickness or more precise accounting, recorded 30,524 individuals as seriously wounded and 48,606 as slightly wounded. Just two minutes after detonation, a growing mushroom cloud of highly radioactive dust and debris soared to a height of 20,000 feet. Within eight minutes, Tibbets' crew could observe the mushroom cloud from 390 miles away. Ultimately, the dust cloud peaked at approximately 60,000 feet in altitude. Soon after, a thick, black, radioactive rain fell upon the areas beneath the cloud. The center of the city was utterly devastated; over four square miles of the urban center, which encompassed seven square miles in total, were completely flattened, resulting in about 60% of the city's area being destroyed. An additional 0.6 square miles suffered damage, while more than 75% of the city's 90,000 buildings were obliterated. The ensuing fires compounded the devastation, contributing to countless deaths and injuries. Tragically, some American prisoners of war were present in Hiroshima and lost their lives in the explosion. Meanwhile, Enola Gay safely returned to Tinian at 14:58, where Tibbets was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, while the rest of the crew received Distinguished Flying Crosses for their participation in the mission. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. Japan was broken. To be perfectly honest she had been broken long ago. Her leadership had been spending months trying to figure out the best possible way to surrender, while the civilians and troops were suffering horribly. Aerial mining strangled her of food, high explosive and incendiary bombs, killed untold scores of people, and then the Atomic weapons were let loose upon her. It was over.

american starting china washington battle japan training americans british germany san francisco boys german japanese kings army world war ii tokyo military sea philippines korea minister air force pacific secretary indianapolis albert einstein led pursuing clinton nuclear eagle areas southeast asia tone siege allies wing albuquerque davies task force notably hiroshima siberia atomic osaka naruto fleet approximately celsius mustang mito truman badger kyoto allied guam ota okinawa subsequently nagasaki tragically halsey cg generals mccain aerial subsequent paddle meteorologists fat man potsdam widespread typhoons royal navy manhattan project starvation casualty little boys groves joint chiefs kawasaki hatfield mitsubishi yokohama rollo robert oppenheimer authorized hokkaido iwo jima tano hitachi richard feynman nagoya los alamos aso korean peninsula lemay home affairs twinning hata ise hanford akita opium wars pacific war kyushu luzon niels bohr enrico fermi kansai shikoku stimson enola gay shimizu honshu tokaido japanese empire niigata tokyo bay corsairs dutch east indies kagoshima kure yokosuka ube imperial palace wakayama haruna imperial japanese navy distinguished service cross between march bomber command japanese pow hamamatsu tinian akashi hansell inland sea tibbets superfortress sasebo distinguished flying crosses nagato aoba tachibana amagi craig watson hyuga okhotsk admiral nimitz operation downfall natori general curtis lemay bombardment group admiral halsey kamaishi
Chuck and Buck
H3 7-21: Corbin Smith, Alex Akita, College Sports.

Chuck and Buck

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 35:54


Corbin Smith from Emerald City Spectrum and Locked on Seahawks joins the show to talk about what he's looking for just two days before the start of Training Camp. Alex Akita joins the show and of course we start with...movie suggestions for Palmer. Are you still interested in college sports?

Chuck and Buck
H3 7-21: Corbin Smith, Alex Akita, College Sports.

Chuck and Buck

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 35:54


Corbin Smith from Emerald City Spectrum and Locked on Seahawks joins the show to talk about what he's looking for just two days before the start of Training Camp. Alex Akita joins the show and of course we start with...movie suggestions for Palmer. Are you still interested in college sports?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inteligência Ltda.
1583 - A SUPERINTELIGÊNCIA ARTIFICIAL - AKITA, ROBERTA E CAVALLINI

Inteligência Ltda.

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 263:07


RICARDO CAVALLINI é escritor, FABIO AKITA é programador, e ROBERTA DUARTE é astrofísica. Eles são experts em Inteligência Artificial e vão bater um papo sobre a evolução da tecnologia e quando a superinteligência artificial será alcançada. Já o Vilela sente saudades de seu ábaco.

Salve María - Podcast Católico
¿Guerra Mundial? Profecías, Castigos y el Llamado de la Virgen - Podcast Salve María 190

Salve María - Podcast Católico

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 52:31


En este episodio del podcast Salve María, exploramos una inquietante posibilidad: ¿Está el mundo al borde de una tercera guerra mundial como consecuencia de los pecados de la humanidad? A la luz de las Sagradas Escrituras y las profecías de la Virgen María en Fátima, La Salette y Akita, analizamos cómo los actuales acontecimientos pueden ser el cumplimiento de advertencias celestiales ignoradas por generaciones. Un llamado urgente a la conversión, a la reparación y a la confianza en el Inmaculado Corazón de María.

SBS Japanese - SBSの日本語放送
Sharing and reviving traditional miso-making in Australia - 秋田杉桶で作る伝統的な味噌をオーストラリアで、飯田冴子

SBS Japanese - SBSの日本語放送

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2025 12:07


Saeko Iida uses traditional tubs, or kioke, made from Akita cedar to make miso in Melbourne. As the use of these wooden barrels declines in Japan, she hopes to raise global awareness of their value—particularly in producing high-quality miso. This story was first published in March 2023. - 秋田杉桶を使用し、メルボルンで伝統的な味噌作りを行っている飯田冴子さん。海外での発酵食ブームにともない、日本国内で減少しつつある秋田杉桶をオーストラリアでも広めたいと考えています。2023年3月放送。

The Drew Mariani Show
Was Dropping the Nuclear Bomb Moral and Israel and Iran Escalation

The Drew Mariani Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 51:01


Hour 3 for 6/12/25 Msgr. Stuart Swetland joined Drew to discuss the morality of the bombing of Hiroshima (16:46). Then, Daniel Flesch the prospect of Israel striking Iran's nuclear sites (30:56). Finally, Drew covered the apparitions at Akita, Japan (41:22). Link: https://www.donnelly.edu/explore/president https://x.com/daniel_flesch

Rock & Roll Happy Hour
Last Call - Michi Brew Co - Akita Rice Lager

Rock & Roll Happy Hour

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 1:34


Cody from Michi Brew Co continues to impress with his light and crushable beers! After the XPA yesterday he doubled down with a Rice Lager called Akita that checks all the boxes!

English Go! Listening Practice with British English

Thanks for listening to another episode of English Go podcast!

trip acast akita chris p episode transcripts
English Go! Listening Practice with British English

Thanks for listening to another episode of English Go podcast!

trip acast akita chris p episode transcripts
English Go! Listening Practice with British English

Thanks for listening to another episode of English Go podcast!

trip acast akita chris p episode transcripts
English Go! Listening Practice with British English

Thanks for listening to another episode of English Go podcast!

trip acast akita chris p episode transcripts
Pure Dog Talk
682 – Akitas: Guardian Dogs of the Samurai

Pure Dog Talk

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 35:24


Akitas: Guardian Dogs of the Samurai [caption id="attachment_13805" align="alignleft" width="441"] Colleen Sullivan and one of her Sondaisa Akitas.[/caption] Colleen Sullivan joins host Laura Reeves for a Love the Breeds episodes on Akitas. The breed, one of six national monuments in Japan, was introduced to the US by Hellen Keller in 1937. Originally used as guard dogs and companions for the Samurai warriors, the breed is quiet, clean and very devoted to their owners. Sullivan notes that the breed is best for owners who are willing to be leaders in the relationship and that same sex aggression with other dogs and wariness with strangers is par for the course with the breed. Sullivan agreed with Laura's description of the breed as “people with fur” and treating them that way. “They think too much sometimes,” Sullivan said. “If you hesitate, if you're not a calm, confident person, yeah, you're suspicious (to the dog). You're not gonna walk up to some stranger or allow some stranger to give you a hug and a kiss. You know, you're just not. It's like dogs there's Golden Retrievers the extrovert and then there's Akita the introvert. "One of the things we all have in common that have owned an Akita is pride. They're such magnificent dogs, magnificent beings. They're like artwork but with power." Easy grooming, with the exception of “blowing coat,” and a cat-like insistence on cleanness make the breed easy to live with in Sullivan's experience. Training Akitas requires some creativity, Sullivan said, and an ability to make the dog think the work is their idea. Consistency is key to training. “You can't let your dog jump all over you one time and then get mad at it the next time,” Sullivan said. “You have to mean what you say.” Bloat can be an issue with the breed. Sullivan encourages owners to be educated about this disease. “I hesitate to make this statement, but one of the things that I do because the Akita is such a primitive breed, it's one of the oldest breeds, is I look at more the wolves and the coyotes and how they exercise and how they eat. All the exercise is done because they're chasing their prey. Then they're gorging themselves and they're getting all these bodily fluids and all of that, and then they rest. So all my (dogs') exercise is before eating, they get lots of fluid on their food when they're eating. And then rest.”

Gun & Gear Review Podcast
Gun & Gear Review 568 – Cherokee

Gun & Gear Review Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 89:37


  Welcome to the Firearms Insider Gun & Gear Review Podcast episode 568. This episode is brought to you by VZ Grips, Walker Defense, Primary Arms, and XS Sights. In this show Rusty has a chassis review. We talk about a baby Rost, a new 1-8, Akita's, and Ifak pouches   As you may know, we […] The post Gun & Gear Review 568 – Cherokee appeared first on Firearms Radio Network.

guns gear rusty cherokees rost akita gear reviews ifak primary arms firearms radio network xs sights
Firearms Radio Network (All Shows)
Gun & Gear Review 568 – Cherokee

Firearms Radio Network (All Shows)

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 89:37


  Welcome to the Firearms Insider Gun & Gear Review Podcast episode 568. This episode is brought to you by VZ Grips, Walker Defense, Primary Arms, and XS Sights. In this show Rusty has a chassis review. We talk about a baby Rost, a new 1-8, Akita's, and Ifak pouches   As you may know, we showcase guns, gear, and anything else you might be interested in. We do our best to evaluate products from an unbiased and honest perspective.   I'm Chad Wallace, host of the most dedicated firearms podcast around With me tonight are: Tony, Rob, Rusty   Sponsor #1: Walker Defense Research   Walker Defense provides shooters with the finest, most innovative, quality, tactical accessories and firearm components around. From their NILE grip panels to their NERO muzzle brakes, no details are ever left behind. Only top quality materials are used in the manufacturing process. Together, all of this gives you some of the best firearm performance around. Everything they have to offer is proudly made in the USA. Walker Defense, where American ingenuity meets bleeding edge technology.   Our Walker Defense Product of the week is - Dark Matter BCG   Use code “INSIDER15” FOR 15% OFF everything at walkerdr.com   What we did in Firearms:   Announcements: Bandwidth sponsor Patriot Patch Co.  And their Patch of the Month Club! T-shirts are available through our FRN site, or click the “Merch” tab on Firearmsinsider.tv   AFFILIATES / DISCOUNTS: Walker Defense Research - enter “INSIDER15” for 15% off XS Sights - “GGR20” for 20% off Primary Arms VZ Grips - “GGR15” for 15% off handgun and rifle grips Brownells Gun Guys Garage discount code - “FRN15OFF” LA Police Gear Atibal Optics - enter “FIREARMSINSIDER20” for 20% off 5.11 Tactical PowerTac Lights - enter “GGR” for a real good discount JSD Supply Modern Spartan Systems - “GGR15” for 15% off Rough Cut Holsters - “firearmsinsider” for 20% off Global Ordnance Infinite Defense (Infinity Targets) - “PEW15” for 15% off Guns.com Magpul Palmetto State Armory Unique ARs - “GunGearReview” for 10% off CobraTec Knives - “GGR10” for 10% off Nutrient Survival - “GGR10” for 10% off Gideon Optics - “GGR” or “INSIDER” for 10% off Lone Wolf Arms US Optics - “INSIDER15” for 15% off Camorado - “FIREARMSINSIDER” for 5% off Optics Planet Midway USA   ROB - Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual co-hosts and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Firearms Radio Network and/or their employers. This is NOT legal advice, nor should it be considered as such. Viewer discretion is advised. This is especially true on live shows.   Main Topic is sponsored by: Primary Arms     Primary Arms seeks to provide the best shopping experience for everything firearms. They have a smorgasbord of products from your favorite manufacturers, including a complete selection of rifles, handguns, firearm parts, ammunition, and shooting gear.   Are you also looking for optics that deliver unbeatable quality without breaking the bank? Primary Arms Optics has you covered with everything from inexpensive red dots, to top tier magnified optics. Everything Primary Arms carries comes with a commitment to superior service, quality products, and an expert support team.    Our Primary Arms product of the week is - Geissele Gen 2 Super Sabra Trigger Pack for IWI Tavor and X95   Find everything you need by heading over to PrimaryArms.com   Main Topic: Product Review Rusty - Timber Creek 10/22 chassis   Product Spotlight and Discussion:    Rost Martin RM1S MSRP - $469.00   ZeroTech Thrive HD 1-8x24 MSRP - $449.00   Sponsor #3: XS Sights   For over 25 years, XS Sights has helped you get on target faster. Offering tritium sights in all different types and styles,

The John-Henry Westen Show
Brink of global war — and chastisement foretold by Our Lady?

The John-Henry Westen Show

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 22:11


MAKE A GIFT TODAY: https://give.lifesitenews.com/?utm_source=CH24_jhwshow_1205In this powerful episode, we uncover the truth behind the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, the rise of globalist control, and the chilling parallels to prophetic warnings from Fatima and Akita. With the Biden administration greenlighting missile strikes and Putin's alarming nuclear threshold and experimental missiles, what does this mean for the world — and how can faithful Catholics respond?Join us as we expose the globalists' agenda to exploit war for their sinister plans, and discuss the urgent steps we must take to defend truth, freedom, and faith. Watch now to hear the full analysis and find out how YOU can help turn the tide in this critical moment for humanity.U.S. residents! Create a will with LifeSiteNews: https://www.mylegacywill.com/lifesitenews/?utm_source=CH24_jhwshow_1205****PROTECT Your Wealth with gold, silver, and precious metals: https://stjosephpartners.com/lifesitenews +++SHOP ALL YOUR FUN AND FAVORITE LIFESITE MERCH! https://shop.lifesitenews.com/ ****Download the all-new LSNTV App now, available on iPhone and Android!LSNTV Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lsntv/id6469105564 LSNTV Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lifesitenews.app +++Connect with John-Henry Westen and all of LifeSiteNews on social media:LifeSite: https://linktr.ee/lifesitenews John-Henry Westen: https://linktr.ee/jhwesten Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.