Podcasts about Japan

Metaplanet establishes subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. Metaplanet establishes subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan as the firm doubles down on its bitcoin commitment. And, insights into Brazil's approach to crypto regulation. CoinDesk's Jennifer Sanasie hosts a special “CoinDesk Daily” from Rio de Janeiro. - Break the cycle of exploitation. Break down the barriers to truth. Break into the next generation of privacy. Break Free. Free to scroll without being monetized. Free from censorship. Freedom without fear. We deserve more when it comes to privacy. Experience the next generation of blockchain that is private and inclusive by design. Break free with Midnight, visit midnight.network/break-free - This episode was hosted by Jennifer Sanasie. “CoinDesk Daily” is produced by Jennifer Sanasie and edited by Victor Chen.

Guy Adami is joined by Peter Boockvar to discuss the ramifications of the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts and market trends. The conversation covers factors influencing stock, bond, and metals markets, including the Fed's motives behind rate cuts, the labor market, and inflation dynamics. They delve into political influences within the Fed and the potential for further economic deceleration. Additionally, they examine the global economic landscape, including central bank actions in the UK and Japan, foreign trade impacts, and US home builder market challenges. The episode concludes with insights on the importance of economic data and historical market patterns. Checkout 'The Boock Report' —FOLLOW USYouTube: @RiskReversalMediaInstagram: @riskreversalmediaTwitter: @RiskReversalLinkedIn: RiskReversal Media

This week on the podcast, we talk about the cruise(s) that almost didn't happen. Our flight to our epic cruise got CANCELLED as we were driving to the airport, and we'll share what happened next, how it's been going on our cruise adventure in Japan, and what we've been up to in the ports of Keelung, Taiwan, and the Southern Islands of Japan. We'll also share cruise #2, with zero sea days and a pretty packed schedule! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

Just when we thought we were spending all our time abroad, we find ourselves tethered to Brooklyn. But before Girls, we discuss the way too toxic discourse and Alexia Umansky's wedding has one of us HEATED. Then we get into it all - Shosh is lost in translation, Jessa and Adam are cute, and Hannah is on some sort of tirade. To support Shortcomings, visit us patreon.com/shortcomingspodcast

This week on the Sinica Podcast, I chat with well-known author and public intellectual Yascha Mounk about his recent fascination with China, his approach to learning about the country and learning Chinese, and his thoughts on how China fits into the current crisis of Western liberal democracy.7:15 – Yascha's experience of living in China and learning Chinese12:18 – Yascha's perspective on China's strengths and weaknesses20:12 – China in a global comparative perspective: Generational aspirations and demographic decline29:45 – China's Soft Power vs. Japan, Korea, and the U.S.45:30 – Media narratives on China: have they shifted?54:20 – Western Liberalism confronts China01:07:07 – Backlash & criticism01:11:35 - Polarization and “China as enemy” narrativesRecommendations: Yascha: The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa (book), The Leopard (1963) (movie)Kaiser: A Thousand Small Sanities: The Moral Adventure of Liberalism by Adam Gopnik (book)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It took countless efforts and nearly three decades to convince Second Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda that World War II was over. When those efforts finally paid off, Hiroo Onoda went home to Japan. He received a hero's welcome. But did he deserve it? Remember, kids, history hoes always cite their sources! For this episode, Norm pulled from: Allyra Crowdfunding. “Donation Page by Searching For Onoda.” https://searchingforonodadoc.allyrafundraising.com/campaigns/9769. “Bushido and Japanese Atrocities in World War II.” Michael Fassbender, May 2, 2015. https://michaeltfassbender.com/nonfiction/the-world-wars/big-picture/bushido-and-japanese-atrocities-in-world-war-ii/. “Domitable Myth: Three Depictions of Japanese Holdout Soldier Hiroo Onoda | International Documentary Association.” May 17, 2023. https://www.documentary.org/online-feature/domitable-myth-three-depictions-japanese-holdout-soldier-hiroo-onoda. New York Times. “Hiroo Onoda, Soldier Who Hid in Jungle for Decades, Dies at 91” March 28, 2022. https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/18/world/asia/hiroo-onoda-imperial-japanese-army-officer-dies-at-91.html. Onoda, Hiroo. No Surrender: My Thirty-Year War. Naval Institute Press, 1999. “Onoda: The Man Who Hid in the Jungle for 30 Years.” April 14, 2022. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20220413-onoda-the-man-who-hid-in-the-jungle-for-30-years. Sims, Watson. “You're a Better Man, Hiroo.” Battle Creek Enquirer, March 17, 1974. The Record (New Jersey). “‘I Have Done My Best,' Japanese Holdout Says.” March 11, 1974. Are you enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Then please leave us a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts! Are you *really* enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Well, calm down, history ho! You can get more of us on Patreon at patreon.com/oldtimeypodcast. At the $5 level, you'll get a monthly bonus episode (with video!), access to our 90's style chat room, plus the entire back catalog of bonus episodes from Kristin's previous podcast, Let's Go To Court.

It's EV News Briefly for Wednesday 17 September 2025, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show. Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDaily LEAPMOTOR TO BUILD CARS IN SPAIN https://evne.ws/4mgfwEX SK ON OPENS SOLID-STATE BATTERY PILOT PLANT https://evne.ws/4poDxws RIVIAN BREAKS GROUND ON GEORGIA PLANT https://evne.ws/3VWurJG RENAULT 4 EV GETS A CARGO VAN VARIANT https://evne.ws/4nDkCwo UK GEELY EX5 CUSTOMERS GET FREE ANDERSEN A3 HOME CHARGER INSTALLED https://evne.ws/47G1wRs GAC AION V APPROVED FOR AUSTRALIA https://evne.ws/465ShsA TESLA MELBOURNE FSD TEST WAS NOT APPROVED  https://evne.ws/4nrNoQc TESLA ADDS 7‑YEAR WARRANTY TO SOME PARTS https://evne.ws/3IgdcQE NHTSA OPENS PROBE INTO 2021 TESLA MODEL Y DOORS https://evne.ws/465VwjM SUZUKI LAUNCHES E VITARA EV IN JAPAN IN JANUARY https://evne.ws/4prFSqo ID. TOUAREG COULD BE THE FIRST SSP MODEL https://evne.ws/3VkOLo4 VOLKSWAGEN DROPS FLUSH DOOR HANDLES FOR FUNCTION https://evne.ws/4gs1T4t NISSAN CUTS NEW LEAF OUTPUT OVER BATTERY SHORTAGE https://evne.ws/3VlzNya LEAPMOTOR TO BUILD CARS IN SPAIN Stellantis will enable Chinese automaker Leapmotor to assemble vehicles at a Spanish plant to bypass steep EU import tariffs, likely beginning with the B10 electric SUV next year. The €1.5 billion joint venture includes major investment in battery production at Zaragoza, positioning Leapmotor for broader European expansion under Stellantis's international partnership. SK ON OPENS SOLID-STATE BATTERY PILOT PLANT SK On has opened a Daejeon, South Korea pilot facility focused on sulphide- and polymer-oxide solid-state battery development, aiming for commercialization of sulphide-based cells in 2029—one year ahead of schedule. Backed by Solid Power's tech, the facility will produce prototype batteries featuring advanced lithium-metal and silicon anodes with targets up to 1,000 Wh/l energy density. RIVIAN BREAKS GROUND ON GEORGIA PLANT Rivian has started building a $5 billion EV plant in Georgia, aiming for 200,000 vehicles yearly by 2028, unaffected by the discontinuation of federal EV tax credits. The facility will support scale and lower costs for new models like the R2, following Tesla's profitability playbook as Rivian moves into higher-volume, lower-priced vehicles. RENAULT 4 EV GETS A CARGO VAN VARIANT Renault's new electric 4 is now offered as a cargo van with a load capacity of 1,045 litres and up to 254 miles of range, priced in France from €29,300 before VAT. The conversion is managed in-house by Renault at its Maubeuge plant, with multiple battery and power options for commercial customers. UK GEELY EX5 CUSTOMERS GET FREE ANDERSEN A3 HOME CHARGER INSTALLED Geely will provide buyers of the all-electric EX5 a free Andersen A3 home charger, featuring unique design and smart charging integration, for orders placed before October 23, 2025. The charger, which includes full installation and a seven-year warranty, is compatible with solar power and smart charging tariffs. GAC AION V APPROVED FOR AUSTRALIA Chinese automaker GAC's Aion V electric SUV has been cleared for sale in Australia, featuring a 75 kWh LFP battery for up to 374 miles of range and fast charging from 30% to 80% in 16 minutes. Pricing will start below $45,000 AUD, with deliveries and detailed specs announced closer to launch. TESLA MELBOURNE FSD TEST WAS NOT APPROVED Victorian authorities confirmed Tesla was not authorized to test "Full Self-Driving" on Melbourne's public roads after a viral video showed a Model Y performing an autonomous hook turn in the city center. Tesla says FSD is driver-supervised and not yet legal for autonomous use in Australia, where regulatory permits are required for such trials. TESLA ADDS 7‑YEAR WARRANTY TO SOME PARTS Tesla's 2026 model year vehicles in the US and Canada now carry a “High-Priced Propulsion-Related Part Warranty,” giving seven years' coverage for key electrical components like the power conversion system and high-voltage parts. This new warranty is separate from existing battery and drive unit terms, aimed at lowering costly repair risk for buyers. NHTSA OPENS PROBE INTO 2021 TESLA MODEL Y DOORS U.S. safety regulators have launched a probe into 174,000 Model Y vehicles from 2021 after reports the electronic door handles could fail, potentially trapping children inside. Preliminary findings suggest the issue is linked to low-voltage battery problems, and several parents broke windows to access their children during incidents. SUZUKI LAUNCHES E VITARA EV IN JAPAN IN JANUARY Suzuki's first battery-electric car, the e Vitara SUV, will go on sale in Japan in January 2026, produced in India for export and offering 267 miles per charge at around $27,000. It represents Suzuki's major push into global EVs with significant investments and ambitions for high-volume exports. ID. TOUAREG COULD BE THE FIRST SSP MODEL Volkswagen may transform its Touareg into the first fully electric SSP platform model, with combustion production ending in 2026 and SSP assembly possibly starting in Bratislava by 2029. The SSP platform promises cost savings and fast charging, with VW's wider rollout across brands and models to follow. VOLKSWAGEN DROPS FLUSH DOOR HANDLES FOR FUNCTION Volkswagen will move away from flush-mounted door handles in favor of traditional grab handles in response to customer frustration, as outlined by the brand's CEO at IAA Mobility. The company's next-gen ID. models will prioritize practicality to appeal to mainstream buyers over early adopters. NISSAN CUTS NEW LEAF OUTPUT OVER BATTERY SHORTAGE Nissan has halved production plans for its new Leaf due to shortfalls in battery supply, with revised output at the Tochigi plant being several thousand lower per month. The cutback delays a key launch for Nissan, which is betting on the new Leaf to reinvigorate its lagging EV business.

(00:00-23:58) – Query & Company opens on a Hump Day Wednesday with Jake Query and producer Eddie Garrison chatting about the Fever defeating the Dream last night to force a game three tomorrow night. Plus, they start previewing this weekend’s game for the Colts down in Nashville. (23:58-38:33) – Don Fischer makes his weekly appearance on Query & Company, and the voice of the Indiana Hoosiers previews Saturday’s big game against Illinois. Don comments on playing a night game on NBC, the running back depth that Curt Cignetti has built, does believe that there were some things that Curt Cignetti learned in the demolishing of Indiana State, and how the fan support is rapidly growing for the Hoosiers. (38:33-44:05) – The first hour of the show concludes with Jake discussing some news that he found out yesterday when preparing for the show. (44:05-1:06:50) – The one o’clock hour starts with Jake Query and Eddie Garrison discussing their thoughts on how the other teams in the AFC South have looked thus far. It leads to a debate as to whether the Colts are, in fact, the best team in the division and should be considered the favorites to win it. (1:06:50-1:25:45) – Indiana Fever Head Coach Stephanie White joins Query & Company to recap last night’s win over the Atlanta Dream to force a winner-take-all game three on Thursday night. She shares what the team must do against the Dream to win tomorrow night, credits the group of players for sticking together through everything this season, shares what it was like last night being able to host a playoff game, and the support that the team receives from the Pacers. (1:25:45-1:28:50) – The second hour of the show concludes with Jake discussing history that was made in Major League Baseball last night. (1:28:50-1:55:31) – Independent journalist and writer David Woods joins the program to discuss how Cole Hocker is doing over in Japan right now and previews his upcoming book “Inspiring Women of Indiana Sports” by highlighting some of the ladies that will be featured in it. (1:55:31-2:04:04) – Earlier in the show, Jake and Eddie discussed who the best team was in the AFC South. They examine the rest of the divisions through two weeks to say who they believe is the best team in each one and then discuss which team they are least confident in. (2:04:21-2:11:26) – Today’s show closes out with Jake and Eddie discussing what they will be doing the rest of the night and if they were fans of the Monday Night Football double header. Plus, JMV joins the show to tell Eddie he saw his mom earlier today and preview his show!Support the show: https://1075thefan.com/query-and-company/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The inner voices are back, and they're telling you not to miss this episode of Live, Laugh, Larceny! This week, Trevin's nostalgia gets wrecked as he finally sits down to watch the Netflix sequel Happy Gilmore 2. From awkward sports switches to overcomplicating every scene, not even Bad Bunny can save this mess of a movie. Expect comedic movie commentary and cringe-worthy pop culture takes. Amanda shares a back-to-school dilemma featuring her daughter Lyla, who's bravely ready to ride the bus… while Amanda is the one secretly terrified to let her go. Between parenting fears, first-day-of-school jitters, and navigating mom guilt, Amanda turns to Trevin for advice. With a little help from friends (and his trademark deadpan wisdom), she may just find the solution to this relatable mom-life crisis. Amanda kicks off trivia with a question about a canceled mascot from days gone by. Was it a fighting pickle, a Nittany Lion, or a banana slug? One of these “losers” might just be a winner. Then Trevin brings a current events trivia story from Japan, where McDonald's food was abandoned in stores and littered on the streets—blame Pokémon, contamination, or a viral social media challenge? For the main stories, Amanda shares the villain origin story of Chuck E. Cheese, following 41-year-old Jermel Jones from Tallahassee, Florida, who feels the spirit of a mascot possess him at work—turning him into a literal rat. Trevin follows with a tale of adult mom guilt, adultery, and spicy family drama from Bangladesh. Rasheda Begum, her daughter-in-law Tahmina, and Imran discover a dirty family secret about her son Kamruzzaman Imon, leading to a bombshell phone call that will make you say, “Whoa… petty, but iconic.” Both stories are tied together by determined mothers, inner voices, and the mischievous impulses that make us do things we probably shouldn't. Today's Stories: The Villain Origin Story of Chuck E. Cheese Mom Guilt and the Dirty Secret

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 14:00 (JST), September 17

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 23:00 (JST), September 17

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 03:00 (JST), September 18

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 18:00 (JST), September 17

In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the secrets of ancient geology, explore the watery past of an asteroid, and delve into the origins of globular clusters.Supercontinent Breakup RevealedScientists have made significant strides in understanding the breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia, which occurred over 800 million years ago. Research conducted on rare minerals in Outback Australia has revealed how niobium-rich carbonatites rose through fault zones during tectonic rifting, providing insights into the geological processes that shaped our planet. These findings not only illuminate the history of Rodinia but also highlight the importance of niobium in modern technologies, such as electric vehicles and advanced alloys.Water Activity on Asteroid RichieExciting new research confirms that liquid water once flowed on the parent body of the near-Earth asteroid Richie, challenging previous assumptions about water activity on asteroids. Analysis of rock samples returned by Japan's Hayabusa2 mission has shown evidence of water movement through Ryugu's rocks, indicating that carbon-rich asteroids may have played a more significant role in delivering water to Earth than previously thought. This discovery has profound implications for our understanding of planetary formation and the conditions that made Earth habitable.Origins of Globular ClustersAstronomers are closer to solving the mystery of globular clusters, dense stellar systems that have puzzled scientists for centuries. Recent high-resolution computer simulations have revealed multiple pathways for their formation, suggesting that some may originate from satellite dwarf galaxies stripped of their outer stars during galactic mergers. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into dark matter and the formation of the universe's earliest stars.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesGeological Magazinehttps://www.tandfonline.com/journals/tgeo20Naturehttps://www.nature.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.Supercontinent Breakup RevealedWater Activity on Asteroid RichieOrigins of Globular Clusters

Who was Miyamoto Musashi, and was he the most dangerous samurai? Today, we take a closer look at the epic story of one of the most famous samurai. We'll talk about who Miyamoto Musashi was, Musashi's first samurai battle, the capture of Musashi, training while in exile, and other interesting topics... WELCOME TO History CAMP!

Dr. Peter Nash, Australia, reports highlights from a range of sessions presented at the APLAR 2025 Congress in Fukuoka, Japan. Hot Topics in AxSpA  Precision Medicine in PsA PSA Therapeutic Update CAR T Therapy with Immunomediated Diseases Imaging Use of Micro CT Low Radiation for PsA  

So much to love. 2 strong yokozunas. An in-form ozeki. A strong wrestler going for an ozeki promotion. Let the fun begin! More about Sumo Kaboom and our BINGO game at www.sumokaboom.com We play Sumo BINGO every basho, and it's always free. We give away sumo merch to our winners with the help of our sponsors Big Sumo Fan and Cheeky Sumo. • Bigsumofan.com is an online sumo merch store based in US, and they ship to over 30 countries. www.bigsumofan.com • Cheeky Sumo is an online sumo-inspired apparel and merch company that aims to celebrate, educate, and support the sumo community with cheeky designs and training gear. Laugh at their fun graphics and proudly rep your sumo spirit - because sumo's got more than just power - it's got personality! www.cheekysumo.com • Support us Ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/sumokaboom Twitter @SumoKaboom Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sumokaboom/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SumoKaboom/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/SumoKaboomPodcast • Check out our Sumo Kaboom tshirts and sweatshirts at Bonfire.com/sumokaboom • Ever wonder where we get our research? Check out the Show Notes section of our website. • Please follow, like or send us a review. It all helps! Thank you so much!

In this episode, DB talks with Midori, a sex eduator and artist who focuses on domination and power play for anyone who identifies as a woman. What does femme domination look like -- and why can it be so intimidating to tap into? Learn to tap into your domme side with tips from Midori on how to get there, and why domming is often so much simpler and sweeter than people might think. Guest Details Midori (she/her) is an educator, artist, and provocateur reshaping how we understand kink, consent, and connection. For over three decades, she has inspired people around the world to explore desire with courage, curiosity, and a touch of mischief. Born in Japan and forged in 1990s queer San Francisco, she brings a multicultural perspective to topics like Shibari, power dynamics, and playful negotiation. Founder of ForteFemme and Consent Dojo, she trains mental health professionals, educators, and everyday people in kink expertise, cultural competence, and trauma-informed care, making learning both profound and delightful. Event listing and all that Midori offers: https://planetmidori.com/ For great resources, class videos, live zoom events, and more : https://www.patreon.com/c/PlanetMidori ForteFemme Women's Dominance Intensive: https://www.fortefemme.com/ -- Register for upcoming intensive! November 14-16, 2025 Midori's socials https://bsky.app/profile/planetmidori.bsky.social https://www.instagram.com/planetmidori/ https://www.facebook.com/PlanetMidori/ https://substack.com/@planetmidori Midori's books Seductive Art of Japanese Bondage - https://www.twistedmonk.com/collections/bondage-education-books/products/seductive-art-of-japanese-bondage/?rfsn=264649.d9eeca Wild Side Sex: The Book of Kink - https://www.therippedbodice.com/aff/hello_34966/book/9781881943228 Silk Threads: Three Tales of Passionate Japan - https://www.therippedbodice.com/aff/hello_34966/book/9781626015302 An Intersectional Approach to Sex Therapy: Centering the Lives of Indigenous, Racialized, and People of Color - https://www.routledge.com/An-Intersectional-Approach-to-Sex-Therapy-Centering-the-Lives-of-Indigenous-Racialized-and-People-of-Color/Malone-Stewart-Gary-Smith-Wadley/p/book/9780367471958 Fundamental Concepts and Critical Developments in Sex EducationIntersectional and Trauma-Informed Approaches - https://www.routledge.com/Fundamental-Concepts-and-Critical-Developments-in-Sex-Education-Intersectional-and-Trauma-Informed-Approaches/Malone-Gilbert-Dukes-Fonte/p/book/9781032615431 DB is proud to be an affiliate of The Ripped Bodice! We may receive a percentage of profits from books purchased using our link. Thank you for supporting us by shopping The Ripped Bodice! ABOUT SEASON 12 Season 12 of Sex Ed with DB is ALL ABOUT PLEASURE! Solo pleasure. Partnered pleasure. Orgasms. Porn. Queer joy. Kinks, sex toys, fantasies—you name it. We're here to help you feel more informed, more empowered, and a whole lot more turned on to help YOU have the best sex. CONNECT WITH US Instagram: @sexedwithdbpodcast TikTok: @sexedwithdbTwitter: @sexedwithdb Threads: @sexedwithdbpodcast YouTube: Sex Ed with DB SEX ED WITH DB SEASON 12 SPONSORS Lion's Den, Uberlube, & Magic Wand Get discounts on all of DB's favorite things here! GET IN TOUCH Email: sexedwithdb@gmail.comSubscribe to our BRAND NEW newsletter for hot goss, expert advice, and *the* most salacious stories. FOR SEXUAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS Check out DB's workshop: "Building A Profitable Online Sexual Health Brand" ABOUT THE SHOW Sex Ed with DB is your go-to podcast for smart, science-backed sex education—delivering trusted insights from top experts on sex, sexuality, and pleasure. Empowering, inclusive, and grounded in real science, it's the sex ed you've always wanted. ASK AN ANONYMOUS SEX ED QUESTION Fill out our anonymous form to ask your sex ed question. SEASON 12 TEAM Creator, Host & Executive Producer: Danielle Bezalel (DB) (she/her) Communications Lead: Cathren Cohen (she/her) Growth Marketing Manager and Producer: Wil Williams (they/them) MUSIC Intro theme music: Hook Sounds Background music: Bright State by Ketsa Ad music: Soul Sync by Ketsa, Always Faithful by Ketsa, and Soul Epic by Ketsa. Thank you Ketsa!

After spending 2 weeks in Japan, we certainly learned a lot! And after reflecting upon our trip to Japan, we have 5 things we wish we would've done differently while in Japan, but also 5 things we are glad we did do in Japan. From Japan travel regrets like not visiting Uji to being glad we went to Okayama, this is what we are happy we did and things we'll just have to do differently next time!   Relevant Links (may contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission-at no additional cost to you!): -Tour of Uji with Matcha grinding experience: https://getyourguide.stay22.com/worldwidehoneymoon/kh_8FW0zB9 -Nintendo Museum: https://museum.nintendo.com/index.html -Giant's Baseball: https://www.giants.jp/en/schedule/    Traveling to France? Check out our Facebook Group called France Travel Tips to ask/answer questions and learn more! Don't forget to follow along! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldwidehoneymoon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldwidehoneymoon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidehoneymoon World Wide Honeymoon Blog: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com France Voyager Blog: https://francevoyager.com Subscribe to the World Wide Honeymoon blog here for monthly updates and tips + get our FREE trip planning guide: https://www.subscribepage.com/o4e5c2

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1148: Buyers rush to lock in EV tax credits, Toyota builds an app to hack your habits, and Walmart's HR chief taps AI for top talent. Legacy automakers saw a sharp EV registration bump in July as buyers rushed to lock in the $7,500 federal tax credit before it expires at the end of September. However, Tesla, Rivian, and VinFast didn't share in the win.EV registrations jumped 27% for legacy brands like Chevrolet and Honda, far outpacing the overall 6% EV market growth and pushing EV share to 8.9% of the light-vehicle market.Tesla saw a 13% YoY drop in registrations, while Rivian dipped 6% and VinFast slid 17%.Chevrolet more than doubled its EV registrations, while Volkswagen posted a 127% increaseHonda's Prologue EV offered nearly $13,000 per unit in incentives, helping it to a 102% rise, while Audi tripled its numbers thanks to strong Q4 e-tron performance.“The current surge in EV sales is being driven by product innovation, motivated dealers and an urgency ahead of the IRA tax credit phaseout,” said Cox Automotive's Stephanie Valdez Streaty.Toyota is getting creative about plug-in hybrid charging with a new app that uses behavioral science to make sure owners actually… plug in. It's dopamine-driven, gamified brain hacking in the name of better fuel economy.Toyota's ChargeMinder app uses over a dozen behavioral interventions to encourage charging, including personalized reminders and gamified streaks.It boosted U.S. user satisfaction by 16 percentage points and increased off-peak charging in Japan by 59%, though U.S. charging frequency only rose 10%.The app uses vehicle telematics and location data to deliver nudges and educational quizzes that make charging habits stick.Toyota says this low-cost strategy can rival expensive infrastructure or incentive programs in moving consumer behavior.Dr. Laura Libby, Manager, Carbon Neutrality, Human Centered AI, Toyota Research Institute: “Small, targeted interventions can have a large impact on people's decisions and actions.”While most associate AI in hiring with resume screening, Walmart's Chief People Officer Donna Morris is tapping tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to help identify potential candidates—especially for high-level internal or external leadership roles.Morris uses AI to ask targeted questions when kicking off key searches, saying the results often align closely with candidates already under consideration.Walmart has already piloted an AI Interview Coach and is launching a custom version of OpenAI's Certification Program through Walmart Academy.Morris also uses AI in daily life—from diagnosing her father's skin bruises to finding art replicas and restaurant recs—crediting it with making research faster and more accessible.“Now, the access to information is phenomenal,” she said. “I thinkJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

As the world's largest agricultural economy, when China makes a move, the world pays attention. China has just unveiled an ambitious plan to accelerate its development of ag machinery by shortening its research and development cycles. So will China dominate the future of agricultural machinery, and what does this mean for dealers, farmers, and agtech companies?Lachlan Monsbourgh, Global Rural Agricultural and Environmental Lead at Rabobank, joins us to discuss China's pivotal role in global agriculture. This includes China's rapidly developing ag machinery industry, which can manufacture tractors and equipment for about half the cost of the other major players in the US, Europe and Japan. While the products currently face quality, durability and serviceability challenges, Lachlan argues it is only a matter of time before these are overcome. Lachlan and Sarah discuss:The price point difference between Chinese agricultural manufacturers and other big OEMsThe impact of cheaper tractors on agtech adoption and autonomyHow China is moving to ensure sustainable supply chains from countries such as Brazil.Global biodiversity targets and the role of autonomous robotics in helping to achieve them.Useful Links:How China is reshaping Global Food Systems for the Climate Change Era, World Economic ForumTarget to accelerate agriculture machinery development, AgTechNavigatorKunming Montreal Biodiversity frameworkThe Three Categories of Autonomy in Agriculture, SwarmFarm RoboticsFor more information and resources, visit our website. 

Burning Bright and Chris Paul dig into Godzilla Minus One, Takashi Yamazaki's striking 2023 take on the iconic monster. At first, the film feels like a standard kaiju entry, but it soon unfolds into a powerful character study and meditation on postwar Japan. The hosts break down Shikishima's arc from cowardice to redemption, drawing parallels between his personal journey and Japan's struggle with honor, shame, and survival in the shadow of humiliation. They highlight Yamazaki's stunning visual effects, achieved on a fraction of a Hollywood budget, and the film's refusal to explain away Godzilla—embracing him instead as a force of nature and a metaphor for existential threats. From kamikaze culture and engineered narratives to the lingering scars of national identity and the dangers of nihilism, Burning Bright and Chris Paul unpack why Godzilla Minus One resonates beyond its setting, offering lessons for sovereignty, resilience, and the fight against dehumanizing systems. A thoughtful and timely discussion that elevates a monster movie into a commentary on civilization itself.

The Allied Intervention into the Russian Civil War remains one of the most ambitious yet least talked about military ventures of the 20th century. Coinciding with the end of the first World War, some 180,000 troops from several countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Italy, Greece, Poland, and Romania, among others, were sent to fight alongside Russian “Whites” against the Red Army. Despite one victory for the Allied troops – independence for the Latvians and the Estonians – the two-year long attempt at reversing the 1917 Russian Revolution ended in humiliating defeat. To explore this crucial event of the early 20th century is today’s guest, Anna Reid, author of “A Nasty Little War: The Western Intervention into the Russian Civil War.” What was originally aimed to prevent Germany from exploiting the power vacuum in Eastern Europe left by the Russian Revolution ultimately morphed into the Allies’ gamble to destroy Communist ideology. It was a mixture of good intentions and self-delusion, flag-waving and empty promises, cover-ups, exaggerations, and downright lies from politicians.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover how geo-arbitrage can double your investing power without requiring a raise, career change, or lottery win! In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are joined by Daniel Mills to explore how remote workers can live lavishly on a middle-class salary by strategically leveraging location differences. This isn't just about moving somewhere cheaper - it's about unlocking a completely different financial trajectory through smart geographic choices. Daniel shares his journey to financial independence while living in Japan, breaking down his simplified investment portfolio, dramatically lower cost of living, and the tax strategies that allowed him to write off six-figure incomes. From navigating international investing challenges to discovering unique real estate opportunities, Daniel's story demonstrates how living abroad can accelerate your path to FIRE in ways you might never have imagined. This Episode Will Cover: How geo-arbitrage can double your investment power on the same income Daniel's path from English teacher to international real estate investor Simplified investment strategies that work from abroad Tax advantages and write-off opportunities for expats Real-world cost of living comparisons between Japan and the U.S. Practical challenges of investing internationally and how to overcome them Cultural integration strategies for successful expat living Whether geo-arbitrage is right for your FIRE journey And SO much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1981 China was nothing but farmers.    Today, it's one of the most technologically advanced civilizations next to the United States, the UK, Switzerland, Japan, and many others.     44 years ago, they weren't.    They had to invest in the tech in order to grow their civilization.   We're in the current age of A.I.     Elon Musk painted a picture of what's to come.    You're already seeing it....   The robots are replacing humans and within 5 years, 20% of the workforce will have been replaced by A.I.   So what does that mean for you?    If you don't accept the tech, you're going to be left.    The changes are coming in 5 years, but you have 5 months to figure out what you're going to do.    About the ReWire Podcast The ReWire Podcast with Ryan Stewman – Dive into powerful insights as Ryan Stewman, the HardCore Closer, breaks down mental barriers and shares actionable steps to rewire your thoughts. Each episode is a fast-paced journey designed to reshape your mindset, align your actions, and guide you toward becoming the best version of yourself. Join in for a daily dose of real talk that empowers you to embrace change and unlock your full potential.    Learn how you can become a member of a powerful community consistently rewiring itself for success at https://www.jointheapex.com/   Rise Above

Join Chris Chavez, Eric Jenkins, Anderson Emerole, Mitch Dyer, and Paul Hof-Mahoney as they recap all the highlights from Day 4 at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. Some of today's highlights include:1500m: Kipyegon Claims Fourth World Title- Faith Kipyegon continued her dominance, clocking 3:52.15 to secure her fourth straight world title at 1500m.- Teammate Dorcus Ewoi ran a massive personal best of 3:54.92 to take silver.- Jessica Hull of Australia added to her breakthrough season with a 3:55.16 performance to earn bronze.Hammer Throw: Katzberg's Monster Throw Breaks Record- Canada's Ethan Katzberg defended his title with a massive 84.70m throw—the longest in the world in 20 years—breaking both the championship record and his own North American record.- Merlin Hummel of Germany surprised with a personal best of 82.77m in round one to briefly lead.- Bence Halasz of Hungary followed with 82.69m, just edging out Ukraine's Mykhaylo Kokhan (82.02m).- For the first time ever, four men surpassed 82 meters in one competition.High Jump: Kerr Completes Global Gold Set- Hamish Kerr of New Zealand, the reigning Olympic champion, soared to 2.36m, matching his Oceanian record and earning his first world title.- Woo Sanghyeok of South Korea cleared 2.34m in a tense battle to take silver.- Jan Stefela (Czech Republic) and Oleh Doroshchuk (Ukraine) tied for bronze at 2.31m.110m Hurdles: Tinch Takes the Title- Cordell Tinch of the USA fulfilled his potential by winning in 12.99 for his first global gold.- Jamaica's Orlando Bennett ran a personal best of 13.08 to take silver.- Tyler Mason, also of Jamaica, equaled his personal best with 13.12 for bronze.- Notably absent from the final was defending champion Grant Holloway.In the Rounds…Women's 400m Semifinals- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) scorched the track in 48.29, breaking the US record and moving to #7 all-time globally.- Marileidy Paulino (Dominican Republic) ran 49.82, and Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain) clocked 49.47 as they also advanced.Men's 400m Semifinals- Collen Kebinatshipi of Botswana ran a world-leading national record of 43.61.- Jacory Patterson (USA) advanced with a time of 44.19.- Paris Olympic medalists Matt Hudson-Smith (Great Britain) and Muzala Samukonga (Zambia) were eliminated.- Yuki Joseph Nakajima of Japan excited home fans by qualifying with a time of 44.53.Men's 800m Heats- Top contenders Emmanuel Wanyonyi (Kenya), Donavan Brazier (USA), and Mohamed Attaoui (France) all advanced comfortably to the next round.____________PRESENTED BY ASICSFor the third consecutive year, CITIUS MAG is proud to partner with ASICS for our global championship coverage. With their support, we're able to bring you the best coverage of the 2025 World Athletics Championships. Support our sponsor and check out ASICS's latest including the MegaBlast and SonicBlast. Shop at ASICS.com____________Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Mac Fleet |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@macfleet on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ + Eric Jenkins | ⁠⁠⁠_ericjenkins on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ + Anderson Emerole | ⁠⁠⁠@atkoeme on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ + Mitch Dyer | ⁠⁠⁠@straightatit_ on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ + Paul Hof-Mahoney | ⁠⁠⁠@phofmahoney on Instagram⁠⁠⁠Produced by: Jasmine Fehr |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@jasminefehr on Instagram

Robert Redford has passed away at 89 years old. Should he be the next inspiration for the next Bob's Movie Club? Bob's banana bread was a hit with John. Vinnie's raving about ‘Wednesday' AGAIN. Here's the need-to-know of Monday Night Football. A classic Sarah and Vinnie story: The Lucky Butt! Can these eye drops replace reading glasses? We're living longer than we used to, and Japan has set a new record for people over 100. Plus, the dating app stigma is officially dead.

Robert Redford has passed away at 89 years old. Should he be the next inspiration for the next Bob's Movie Club? Here's the need-to-know of Monday Night Football. A classic Sarah and Vinnie story: The Lucky Butt! Can these eye drops replace reading glasses? We're living longer than we used to, and Japan has set a new record for people over 100. Plus, the dating app stigma is officially dead. Sofia Vergara skipped the Emmys for the Emergency Room. And guess what! Her SISTER is coming to our screens soon. Can you name the TV shows that made these songs famous? It's National IT Professionals Day - THANK YOU for suggesting we try turning it off and back on, it usually does work. Keep your eyes peeled for a new iPhone update. The kids are online shopping on their parents' credit cards. California is expanding its fast charging network for electric cars. “We” have a new president! We put our trust in Samwise Gamgee, or Bob from Stranger Things. Thank your knee caps today if they're still serving you well. Seth Rogen and Aziz Ansari's new movie almost took out Keanu Reeves'. If you see Elton John, be sure to compliment his new jewelry. Vinnie warns us of the dark side of the web. GenX and Boomers can agree! The Coachella lineup is here, and whether you want bands, popstars, or EDM there's something for you! Gavin Adcock is not impressed by Zach Bryan's antics - is anyone?? Jelly Roll is still cruising through Europe - dropping LBS and sporting LV! Iron Maiden takes on the National Anthem in Pittsburgh. Today's new term: Gray Divorce! Stay together for the kids? Nah, they're adults now. Plus, lots of giggles.

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back to break down another electric weekend of club action! Over in Europe Ricardo Pepi makes noise in his Eredivisie return with a brace for PSV, while Gio Reyna earns his first start at Mönchengladbach and declares his FIFA World Cup ambitions. We break down Weston McKennie's Juventus redemption, Yunus Musah's Atalanta debut, and a tough loss for Brenden Aaronson and Leeds in England. Plus, a loaded MLS slate, including Idak Toklomati's hat trick over Inter Miami, Thomas Müller's birthday heroics, and Minnesota closing in on San Diego at the top of the West.The guys answer a question in #AskAlexi, on whether the USMNT's win over Japan eases concerns heading toward the World Cup. We also dive into FIFA's new international calendar shake-up, and Alexi takes us along on his trip to Chicago for “One for the Road.” Intro (0:00)Pepi Scores in PSV Return (8:13)Gio Reyna Starts and Declares National Team Ambitions (10:30)Serie A Round-Up & (13:27)Manchester Derby (20:48)Haji Wright vs Josh Sargent (26:38)Champions League Kicks Off (27:37)Thrilling MLS Weekend (28:51)#AskAlexi: USMNT Concerns Persist? (40:15)Alexi's Chicago Trip Recap (46:23)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, NK News Correspondent Joon Ha Park joins the podcast to discuss newly revealed DPRK state media footage that appears to blame Russia for North Korean casualties during fighting against Ukraine. He also talks about what President Lee Jae-myung said about the DPRK at a press conference to mark his first 100 days, as well as Pyongyang's criticism of U.S. military drills with South Korea and Japan that kicked off on Monday. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insights from our very own journalists.

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 03:00 (JST), September 17

Welcome to Day 3 of 10 Days in Tokyo! In this special limited series of The Running Channel podcast, Sarah, Rick and Andy unpack all the action from the World Athletics Championships - along with exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from the team.Mondo Duplantis stunned a sold-out stadium by claiming his third consecutive outdoor World Championships gold and setting his 14th world record in the pole vault. Meanwhile, Cole Hocker (who Rick tipped to win the 1500m) was disqualified for ‘jostling.' 'What do the podcast team do in their spare time?' we hear you ask... Well, Rick spent the day immersing himself in Japanese culture, learning about Anime, the hand-drawn and computer-generated animation style that originated in Japan.Supported by ASICS.

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Doug Nelson explores the concept of bidirectionality - the mutual and reciprocal influence where each factor shapes the other. He discusses how physiological changes during a session affect both client and therapist, and how moments of shared connection and humanity remind us of the profound healing power of touch. Host: Douglas Nelson is Board Certified in Massage Therapy and Therapeutic Bodywork, beginning his career in massage therapy in 1977.  Seeing over 1,200 client visits annually for decades, he is also the owner of BodyWork Associates, a massage therapy clinic in Champaign, IL. with 21 therapists that was established in 1982. He is the founder of NMT MidWest, Inc., providing training in Precision Neuromuscular Therapy™ across the USA. He has personally taught more than 13,000 hours of continuing education and is the author of three books. Doug is a past president of the Massage Therapy Foundation. Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com    PMNT: www.pmnt.org   Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.                      Website: anatomytrains.com                        Email: info@anatomytrains.com             Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains                       Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA    Precision Neuromuscular Therapy seminars (www.pnmt.org) have been teaching high-quality seminars for more than 20 years. Doug Nelson and the PNMT teaching staff help you to practice with the confidence and creativity that comes from deep understanding, rather than the adherence to one treatment approach or technique.   Find our seminar schedule at pnmt.org/seminar-schedule with over 60 weekends of seminars across the country.   Or meet us online in the PNMT Portal, our online gateway with access to over 500 videos, 37 NCBTMB CEs, our Discovery Series webinars, one-on-one mentoring, and much, much more! All for the low yearly cost of $167.50. Learn more at pnmt.thinkific.com/courses/pnmtportal!    Follow us on social media: @precisionnmt on Instagram or at Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars on Facebook.    

What do rising bond yields in Japan have to do with your mortgage, your job or your savings? In this video, Taylor breaks down how it all connects-and what you must do now to protect your wealth. If you own dollars or debt, you need to watch this.Questions on Protecting Your Wealth with Gold & Silver? Schedule a Strategy Call Here ➡️ https://calendly.com/itmtrading/podcastor Call 866-349-3310

Jennifer Sherman is the Culinary Director at the Alice Waters Institute, where she helps advance edible education and advocate for better food in schools. She spent much of her culinary career alongside Alice Waters at Chez Panisse as a cook, co-chef, and General Manager, while also supporting Alice's global projects in food and education. Jennifer spent a decade in Japan developing large-scale food product lines for Rock Field, Ltd., and later served as Culinary Director at The Ecology Center, a 30-acre educational farm and culinary program in San Juan Capistrano. She currently serves on the board of Chez Panisse Restaurant. In her work, Jennifer champions local organic farming, community engagement, and nutritious school food as essential to children's learning, health, and behavior. She continues to inspire individuals to support local food systems and embrace simple, healthy eating. We discuss: Jennifer's unconventional culinary journey and the influence of Alice Waters, the godmother of farm-to-table How the Edible Schoolyard Project and School Supported Agriculture connect kids with gardening, cooking, and local farmers The impact of good school food on children's behavior, learning, and overall well-being The power of parents, volunteers, and communities in shaping better school food systems Why food education and simple, healthy snacks are essential for nutrition and sustainability Learn more about The Edible Schoolyard Project and The Alice Waters Institute here: https://edibleschoolyard.org/alice-waters-institute Learn more about High Vibration Living with Chef Whitney Aronoff on www.StarseedKitchen.com  Get 10% off your order of Chef Whitney's organic spices with code STARSEED on www.starseedkitchen.com  Follow Chef Whitney Aronoff on Instagram at @whitneyaronoff and @starseedkitchen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textTerence "Bud" Crawford shocked the boxing world and cemented his legacy as an all-time great by dominating Canelo Alvarez to become a three-division undisputed champion. We break down every aspect of this historic performance and what it means for boxing's landscape.Crawford's masterful lateral movement, superior hand speed, and perfect game plan completely neutralized Canelo's offense. Despite moving up two weight classes, Crawford made boxing's biggest star look ordinary, winning virtually every round through superior ring generalship and boxing IQ. The victory places Crawford firmly atop the pound-for-pound rankings and into the conversation of boxing's greatest fighters ever.The weekend wasn't just about the main event though. We dive into the absolutely thrilling slugfest between Lester Martinez and Christian Mbilli that stole the show on the undercard. With both men throwing non-stop combinations for 10 rounds, this potential Fight of the Year candidate ended in a draw that left fans clamoring for a rematch.We also discuss Naoya "Monster" Inoue's victory over Murodjon Akhmadaliev in Japan, Calum Walsh's performance against Fernando Vargas Jr., and what might be next for both Crawford and Canelo. Could Crawford be eyeing a move to middleweight for yet another championship? What does the future hold for Canelo after this definitive defeat?Join us for this deep dive into one of boxing's most significant weekends in recent memory, as we analyze the fights, performances, and what they mean for the sport going forward.THE SPAR-INN ON YOUTUBE

Afsted med Shinkansen for fulde gardiner, 30 timer uden søvn, boots-on-the-ground, pas på hjorten, pas på aben, hvor meget Japanofil er du, vores mand Jacob Sommer Simonsen in action til VM i Atletik i Tokyo, ‘de ældres dag er en lavt hængende frugt i dansk politik', Toyota Crown Super Deluxe til Danmark nu, kør altid en morgen-ons, vi skal tilbage til dr-diæt-tiden, Shinkansen - vi kigger på jer DSB, det japanske udtryk for en ensom mund, et deep-dive i kommunalvalget, og hvem stemmer på hvem?, Esben i retningen af Altingets løbeklub, Claus Meyer og en sæk æbler på businessclass, kæmpe fly-gate i Charles de Gaulle, en Burka-lur i 13 timer til Japan, globalt perspektiv og en rejseguide, ‘liv er ikke startet her på jorden', og John Leif har teorien, alle kald og bøvl med Dubai-chokoladen, #Ugensdyr er den japanske abe, ‘nothing beats a jet2 holiday buffet', og den er fem minutter i Anders Agger på rejseprogrammet. Værter: Esben Bjerre & Peter FalktoftRedigering: PodAmokKlip: PodAmokMusik: Her Går Det GodtInstagram:@hergaardetgodt@Peterfalktoft@Esbenbjerre

S&P futures are up +0.2% and pointing to a higher open. Markets are also in a holding pattern ahead of key central bank decisions this week, with the Fed widely expected to cut rates by 25 bps on Wednesday and attention on the updated dot plot, while the BOJ is seen holding on Friday. Asian equities were mostly higher today with Japan and Greater China outperforming, and European markets are narrowly mixed in early trades. The US and China reached a framework agreement on TikTok ownership during talks in Madrid. While details remain unclear, discussions include potential licensing of TikTok's algorithm, with Beijing hesitant to fully transfer control to the US. Companies Mentioned: TikTok, Nvidia, Chord Energy, Oracle

Hello Youtube Members, Patreons and Pacific War week by week listeners. Yes this was intended to be an exclusive episode to join the 29 others over on my Youtube Membership and Patreon, but since we are drawing to the end of the Pacific War week by week series, I felt compelled to make some special episodes to answer some of the bigger questions. Why did Japan, or better said, why did Emperor Hirohito decide to finally surrender? It seems obvious on the face of it, but there is actually a lot more to it than bombs or Soviet invasions. I guess you can call this episode a teaser or a shameless plug for going over to my Youtube Membership or Patreon. There's honestly a lot of interesting subjects such as ‘why was the japanese army so brutal”, “Hirohito's war time responsibility”, “the 4 part Kanji Ishiwara series”. Thus if you liked this one please show some love and check out my other stuff on my Youtube Membership or over at www.patreon.com/pacificwarchannel.   Stating all of that lets just jump right into it.   We first need to start off briefly looking at Emperor Hirohito.    Upon taking the throne, Emperor Hirohito in 1926 Hirohito inherited a financial crisis and a military that was increasingly seizing control of governmental policies. From the beginning, despite what many of you older audience members may have been told, Hirohito intensely followed all military decisions. Hirohito chose when to act and when not to. When the Kwantung Army assassinated Zhang Zuolin, he indulged their insubordination. This emboldened them to invade Manchuria in 1931, whereupon Hirohito was furious and demanded they be reigned in. Attempts were made, but they were heavily undermined by radicals. Hirohito could have put his foot down, but he chose not to. On September 22nd, at 4:20pm Hirohito said to the IJA Chief of General staff, Kanaya Hanzo “although this time it couldn't be helped, the army had to be more careful in the future”. Thus Hirohito again acquiesced to the military, despite wanting them to stop or at least localize the conflict. The military had disregarded his wishes, they should have been severely punished. Why did Hirohito not take a firmer stance?    Again for older audience members you may have heard, “hirohito was a hostage at the whim of his own military”. This narrative made it seem he was some sort of hostage emperor, but this is not the case at all. In fact Hirohito was instrumental in many military decisions from 1931-1945. The reason this, I will call it “myth” , went on was because after Japan's surrender, the US basically rewrote the Japanese constitution and covered up the Emperor's involvement in all the nasty stuff, to maintain control over Japan. Yeah it sounds a bit conspiracy esque, but I assure you it was indeed the case. This narrative held firm all the way until Hirohito's death, when finally meeting notes and personal accounts from those close to him came out, illuminating a lot. Though to this day, many records are still red -tapped.   The reason Hirohito did not stamp his foot down has to do with the Kokutai.    The Kokutai   So before I carry on, I have to explain what exactly is the Kokutai.    The Kokutai, loosely translated as "national essence," refers to the qualities that distinguish the Japanese identity. However, this concept is remarkably vague and poorly defined; even Japanese historians acknowledge this ambiguity. In contrast to Kokutai is seitai, or "form of government." While the Kokutai embodies the eternal and immutable aspects of Japanese polity—rooted in history, traditions, and customs centered around the Emperor—Japan's seitai has evolved significantly throughout its extensive history. For instance, shoguns governed for over 700 years until 1868, when the Meiji Restoration reinstated direct imperial rule.   Nevertheless, Emperor Meiji's direct authority came to an end with the adoption of the Meiji Constitution in 1889, which established a constitutional monarchy, introducing significant complexities into the governance system.   Article 4 of the constitution declares: “The Emperor is the head of the Empire, combining in Himself the rights of sovereignty, uniting the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, although subject to the consent of the Imperial Diet.” Under this framework, the Emperor alone possessed the power to appoint or dismiss ministers of state, declare war, negotiate peace, conclude treaties, direct national administration, and command the army and navy.   A glaring flaw in this arrangement is the inherent ambiguity of the Meiji Constitution. While it established a democratic parliament, it simultaneously afforded the Emperor absolute authority to usurp it. The document failed to clearly define the relationships between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and its language was intentionally vague. Most critically, the military—the army and navy—were not directly accountable to the civilian government.    So with the kokutai, the Emperor is a divine figure who embodies the state's sovereignty. It was not necessarily the Emperor's job to surrender on behalf of the official government of Japan, but he most certainly could do so, given the Japanese people still remained faithful to the kokutai.    Now Hirohito did not live an ordinary life. According to the imperial custom, Japanese royals were raised apart from their parents, at the age of 3 he was placed in the care of the Kwamura family who vowed to raise him to be unselfish, persevering in the face of difficulties, respectful of the views of others and immune to fear. One thing that was absolutely indoctrinated into him was to defend the kokutai. It became his top mission as a monarch, it was the only mission in many ways. At the very core of how he saw the world and how he acted, it was always to protect the kokutai.    So when the Japanese military began these insubordinate acts, Hirohito's primary concern was to the kokutai, ie: anything that threatened his imperial authority and the imperial institution itself. Although the military usurped his authority, the operations had been successful. Hirohito was not at all opposed to seeing his empire expand. He understood the value of manchuria, he was fully onboard with the military plans to eventually seize control over it, but these radicals were accelerating things to quickly for everyone's liking. He turned a blind eye, dished light punishments and carried on. However the local conflict escalated. It traveled to Shanghai by 1932 and here Hirohito took action. He understood Shanghai was full of western powers. Nations like Britain and America could place economic sanctions on Japan if things were allowed to get out of hand here. So he ordered General Yoshinori Shirakawa to bring the Shanghai expedition to a close.    During this period, two factions emerged within the Japanese military: the Kodoha, or “Imperial Way,” and the Toseiha, or “Control” faction. The Kodoha was founded by General Sadao Araki and his protégé, Jinzaburo Masaki. Their primary objective was a Shōwa Restoration aimed at purging Japan of corrupt politicians and businessmen, especially those associated with the zaibatsu. Composed mainly of young army officers, the Kodoha espoused a romanticized and radical interpretation of Bushido, idealizing pre-industrial Japan, which Araki believed had been tainted by Western influences. To achieve their goals, they resorted to assassinations and planned a coup d'état.   In response, the Toseiha faction was formed, initially led by Lt. General Tetsuzan Nagata and later by Hideki Tojo. Like the Kodoha, the Toseiha sought a Shōwa Restoration but adopted a more moderate and conservative approach. They recognized the importance of preserving traditional values while integrating Western ideals, advocating for a balanced perspective. The Toseiha promoted pragmatic military strategies to navigate the complexities of modern warfare. Although they acknowledged the existence of corrupt politicians and zaibatsu, they preferred to work within the existing political system, anticipating that future total wars would necessitate a strengthened industrial and military capacity. Their ranks primarily included promising graduates from the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) Academy, Army Staff College, and select naval members. The most significant distinction between the two factions was that the Toseiha explicitly rejected the use of a coup d'état in pursuit of their goals.   Between 1932-1936 radical officers, mostly of the Kodoha faction assassinated politicians and military leaders trying to usher in a showa restoration. You might be led to believe this was in the interest of Hirohito, you would be mistaken. Hirohito did not want a military dictatorship at the whim of the cult of the emperor. Ironic to say, given how WW2 turns out mind you. This really would have been a hostage situation. Hirohito wanted to maintain the exact ambiguous situation that was Showa Era Japan pre 1945. He saw this as the most ideal structure to defend the kokutai, because blame could not be placed solely upon his shoulders. He always maintained a get out of jail free card one could say.    The February 26 incident of 1936, was the climax of the Kodoha faction. They performed a mutiny trying to usher in a SHowa restoration. They assumed when their messenger came to the emperor he would join them and take direct rule. Instead Hirohito was furious. His first thought was the mutineers were trying to enlist his brother Chichibu to overthrow him. He dragged his brother who was a fraternizer amongst the kodoha members mind you, into a meeting, demanding he never associate with them again nor attempt to challenge him. Then Hirohito furious demanded the mutineers be dealt with. At one point he even threatened to lead the imperial guards to put them down. The coup failed, the kodoha faction was destroyed. Ironically the toseiha faction were the ones to do it and thus they became the defacto ruling clique.    The military, especially the kwantung army did not stop with their insubordination.    On July 8th of 1937 the Kwangtung army performed the Marco Polo Bridge incident, ushering in the second sino-japanese war. This was one of many false flag operations they had pulled off over the years. Upon being told about this Hirohito's first response was whether the USSR would invade Manchukuo over the matter. This is what he said to Prime Minister Konoe and army minister Sugiyama “What will you do if the Soviets attack us from the rear?” he asked the prince. Kan'in answered, “I believe the army will rise to the occasion.” The emperor repeated his question: “That's no more than army dogma. What will you actually do in the unlikely event that Soviet [forces] attack?” The prince said only, “We will have no choice.” His Majesty seemed very dissatisfied. Hirohito furious demanded to know what contingency plans existed and his advisors told him before he gave his red seal of approval to invade northern china.   Henceforth he micromanaged a lot of the military decisions going forward and he oversaw the forming and dissolving of numerous cabinets and positions when things went his way or did not in the military and political scene.  Emperor Hirohito was presented with several opportunities to cause cease-fires or peace settlements during the war years. One of the best possible moments to end it all came during the attack on Nanking when Chiang Kai-sheks military were in disarray. On July 11 of 1938, the commander of the 19th division fought a border clash with the USSR known to us in the west as the battle of Lake Khasan. It was a costly defeat for Japan and in the diary of Harada Kumao he noted Hirohito scolded Army minister Itagaki “Hereafter not a single soldier is to be moved without my permission.” When it looked like the USSR would not press for a counter attack across the border, Hirohito gave the order for offensives in China to recommence, again an example of him deciding when to lay down the hammer.   By 1939 the US began threatening sanctions for what Japan was doing in China. Hirohito complained to his chief aide de camp Hata Shunroku on August 5th “It could be a great blow to scrap metal and oil”. Hirohito was livid and scolded many of his top officials and forced the appointment of General Abe to prime minister and demanded of him “to cooperate with the US and Britain and preserve internal order”.   Fast forward a bit, with war raging in Europe Hirohito, on June 19th of 1940 Hirohito asked if chief of staff Prince Kan'in and Army Minister Hata “At a time when peace will soon come in the European situation, will there be a deployment of troops to the Netherlands Indies and French Indochina?” This question highlighted Hirohito's belief at that time that Germany was close to achieving victory, which led him to gradually consider deploying troops to French Indochina and the Dutch East Indies since neither of those parent nations was in a position to protect their territories and vital resources. Regarding the war in China, the Japanese aimed to stop the flow of materials entering China from places like Hong Kong. Hirohito received reports indicating that Britain would not agree to block the shipment of materials into China via Hong Kong. The military recognized that an invasion of Hong Kong might be necessary, which would mean declaring war on Britain. When this was communicated to him, Hirohito responded, “If that occurs, I'm sure America will enforce an embargo, don't you think?” In response, Kido, the lord of the privy seal, reassured him by stating, “The nation must be fully prepared to resist, proceeding with caution and avoiding being drawn into events instigated by foreign interests.”   Hirohito went through countless meetings, but eventually signed order number 458 authorizing the invasion of French Indochina, knowing full well the consequences. The US,UK and Netherlands began embargoes of oil, rubber and iron. In the words of Admiral Takagai “As time passes and this situation continues, our empire will either be totally defeated or forced to fight a hopeless war. Therefore we should pursue war and diplomacy together. If there is no prospect of securing our final line of national survival by diplomatic negotiations, we must be resolved to fight.” Hirohito understood the predicament full well, that each day Japan was wasting its oil reserves, if they were to strike it had to be quickly.   On October 13th Hirohito told his closest advisor Koichi Kido “In the present situation there seems to be little hope for the Japan–U.S. negotiations. If hostilities erupt this time, I think I may have to issue a declaration of war.”   The reason I am bringing up all this stuff is to solidify, Hirohito had agency, he was micromanaging and forming decisions. After the war broke out with the west, Hirohito did have the ability to stamp his foot down. Of course there could have been wild repercussions, his military could have usurped him with Chichibu, it was definitely possible. But you need to keep this mind set, as far as why Hirohito acts or doesn't, its always to protect the Kokutai. Thus one of the levers for peace, solely rested on Hirohito's perception if the kokutai could be retained or not.    From the outset of the Pacific War, Hirohito believed Germany was going to defeat the USSR. In line with his military leaders, they all believed Japan had to seize everything they could in the asia-pacific and thwart off the US until a negotiated peace could be met. Hirohito committed himself to overseeing the war, determined to achieve victory at any cost. He was a very cautious leader, he meticulously analyzed each campaign, anticipating potential setbacks and crafting worst-case scenario predictions. He maintained a skeptical view of the reports from his senior officials and was often harshly critical of high commanders.   While he did not frequently visit the front lines like other commanders in chief, Hirohito wielded significant influence over theater operations, shaping both planning and execution whenever he deemed necessary. Similar to his approach during the war in China, he issued the highest military orders from the Imperial Headquarters, conducted audited conferences, and made decisions communicated under his name. He regularly welcomed generals and admirals to the imperial palace for detailed briefings on the battlefront and visited various military bases, battleships, and army and naval headquarters. His inspections encompassed military schools and other significant military institutions, adding to his comprehensive involvement in the war effort.   Now the war went extremely well for Japan until the battle of Midway. This was as major setback, but Japan retained the initiative. Then the Guadalcanal campaign saw Japan lose the initiative to the Americans. Upon receiving the initial report of the Ichiki detachment's destruction, Hirohito remarked, “I am sure it [Guadalcanal] can be held.” Despite the numerous reports detailing the devastating effects of tropical diseases and starvation on his troops, he persistently demanded greater efforts from them. Hirohito exerted continuous pressure on his naval and land commanders to retake the island. On September 15th, November 5th, and November 11th, he requested additional Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) troops and aircraft to be allocated to the cause.   General Sugiyama expressed concerns about dispatching more IJA pilots due to their inexperience in transoceanic combat, preferring to reinforce the North China Army for an attack on Chongqing instead. Hirohito pressed the issue again, but Sugiyama responded that the IJA had diverted its air resources to New Guinea and Rabaul. Undeterred by the objections from senior commanders, Hirohito persisted in his demands. By late November, it became evident that Guadalcanal was a lost cause.   At an Imperial Headquarters conference on December 31st, 1942, the chiefs of staff proposed canceling the attempts to recapture Guadalcanal. Hirohito sanctioned this decision but stated, “It is unacceptable to just give up on capturing Guadalcanal. We must launch an offensive elsewhere.” He insisted on this point, leading to the selection of new strategic targets in the Solomons, north of New Georgia, and in the Stanley Range on New Guinea. Hirohito even threatened to withhold authorization for withdrawing troops from Guadalcanal until a new plan was established. He later opposed the withdrawal from Munda Airfield, as it contradicted the newly defined defensive line.   As the defensive perimeter in the central and northern Solomons began to crumble, Hirohito continued to insist that the navy engage in decisive battles to regain the initiative, allowing for the transport of supplies to the many soldiers trapped on various islands. When he learned of the navy's failure to reinforce Lae on March 3rd, he asked, “Then why didn't you change plans immediately and land at Madan? This is a failure, but it can teach us a good lesson and become a source of future success. Do this for me so I can have peace of mind for a while.” The phrase “Do this for me” would come to be his signature rallying cry.   After Guadal canal, it was loss after loss for Japan. By February of 1944, Hirohito forced Sugiyama to resign so Hideki Tojo could take his position as chief of the general staff, note Tojo was prime minister and army minister at this point. Hirohito worked alongside Tojo to plan some last ditch efforts to change the war situation. The most significant one was Operation Ichi-Go. As much damage as they did to China with that, Chiang Kai-Shek's government survived. Hirohito watched as island by island fell to the Americans. When the Americans were poised to take Saipan he warned Tojo “If we ever lose Saipan, repeated air attacks on Tokyo will follow. No matter what it takes, we have to hold there.” Saipan fell, so Hirohito stopped supporting Tojo and allowed his rivals to take down his cabinet by june 18th of 1944.    Hirohito remained resolute in his determination to wrest victory from the Allies. On October 18th, the Imperial Headquarters ordered a decisive naval engagement, leading to the Battle of Leyte Gulf. After the war, Hirohito publicly stated, "Contrary to the views of the Army and Navy General Staffs, I consented to the showdown battle at Leyte, believing that if we launched an attack and America hesitated, we might find an opportunity to negotiate." Leyte Gulf didnt work. The military began the kamikaze program. On new years day of 1945 Hirohito inspected the special last meal rations given to departing kamikaze units. Iwo Jima fell. Okinawa remained, and Hirohito lashed out “Is it because we failed to sink enemy transports that we've let the enemy get ashore? Isn't there any way to defend Okinawa from the landing enemy forces?” On the second day of Okinawa's invasion Hirohito ordered a counter landing by the 32nd army and urged the navy to counterattack in every way possible. It was a horrible failure, it cost the lives of up to 120,000 Japanese combatants, 170,000 noncombatants. The Americans lost 12,500 killed and 33,000 wounded. An absolute bloodbath.    The Surrender time   Now we come to the time period where Japan seriously began looking for ways to surrender. In Europe Germany was heading to its defeat and Japan knew this. As for Japan, their army in Burma had been annihilated. Their forces in China were faring better after Operation Ichi-go, having opened up a land corridor along the main railway from Beiping to Wuhan and from throughout Guangdong but still stuck in a deadlock stalemate, facing a guerrilla war that was costing them 64% of their military expenditures. They deeply feared once the Soviets finished up with Germany, they would undoubtedly turn east against Manchuria. With the Soviets attacking from the north, the US would attack from the south, perhaps landing in Shanghai and the home islands. The Kamikaze tactics were proving formidable, but not nearly enough. By 1945, 43% of the IJA were now stationed in Japan, Korea and Formosa, bracing for the final stand. Former prime minister Reijiro Wakatsuki came out of retirement in may of 1945, having heard Germany collapsed, to urge Hirohito and the Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki to open negotiations with the US as soon as possible. However he also said “the enemy must first be made to see the disadvantages of continuing the war”. To this Hirohito's chief counselor Makino Nobuaki said that “the ultimate priority is to develop an advantageous war situation.” Advisor admiral Kesiuke Okada said Japan should wait for “a moment favorable for us,” then make peace. Advisors Kiichiro Hiranuma and Koki Hirota advised the emperor to fight on until the end.   Now I want to bring in a key player to the surrender decision, that of Prince Konoe. Konoe was very close to Hirohito and understood the emperors mentality, especially how he viewed things in relation to the kokutai.    The senior statesman Prince Konoe had been consulting with Hirohito for over 18 months at this point trying to convey the message that if the war continued it would threaten the kokutai. Many months prior, he confided in the emperor's brother, Prince Takamatsu, that the army was suffering from “a cancer” in the form of the Toseiha faction. However, he noted that “Kido and others” did not share his perspective, while “his Majesty is relatively unconcerned with ideological issues.” For the past four years, he continued, the emperor had been advised and still believed that “the true extremists are the Kodoha faction.” In reality, the greater threat to the kokutai arose from the Toseiha faction. Konoe further asserted that if the war escalated, they would attempt to alter the kokutai.   Konoe speculated that whether the threat originated from communists within the nation, primarily referring to left-wing radicals in the Toseiha faction, or from the “Anglo-American enemy,” both would seek to preserve the emperor while pushing towards the country's communization.In his written report to the emperor on February 14, which Kido listened to attentively, Konoe elaborated on his conspiracy theory. He asserted that the Soviet Union regarded Japan as its primary threat in East Asia. The Soviets had allied with the Chinese Communists, the largest and most formidable Communist party in Asia, and were collaborating with the United States and Britain to drive Japan out of China. He warned that they would enter the war when the opportunity arose.   Defeat, he cautioned the emperor, was inevitable if the conflict persisted. However, he emphasized that a far greater fear was the potential destruction of the kokutai. The ongoing war was eroding the domestic status quo, unleashing forces that threatened Japan and its imperial institution from within as much as from external adversaries. The real danger lay in the emperor's and Kido's trust in the generals of the Toseiha faction, who were unintentionally facilitating the communization of Japan. Konoe implored for a swift peace settlement before a Communist revolution emerged, making the preservation of the kokutai impossible. Hirohito agreed with Konoe but stated “ To end the war would be “very difficult unless we make one more military gain.” Konoe allegedly replied, “Is that possible? It must happen soon. If we have to wait much longer, . . . [a mere battle victory] will mean nothing.” Hirohito replied “If we hold out long enough in this war, we may be able to win, but what worries me is whether the nation will be able to endure it until then.”   On February 15th of 1945, Hirohito's intelligence warned the Soviet Union would likely abrogate its Neutrality Pact with Japan. Even Tojo conceded there was a 50/50 chance the USSR would invade Manchuria. In March, the US began B-29 incendiary bombing raids over Tokyo, turning 40% of the capital into ash. On March 18th, Hirohito with some aides drove around the capital to witness the devastation. The civilians looked exhausted and bewildered to Hirohito. Factory production was collapsing, absenteeism was rising, instances of lese majeste were running rampant. For the next 5 months imperial family members and senior statesmen all began speaking to Hirohito about the “crises of the kokutai”. The threat Konoe had warned about for months was becoming the main talking point. It seemed like the Japanese people within the countryside and urban areas remained steadfast in the resolve to obey their leaders, work and sacrifice for their nation, but for how long would they feel so?    It was only after the battle for Okinawa was lost and 60 Japanese cities had been leveled by American incendiary bombs that Hirohito openly indicated he wanted to negotiate a surrender.   Kido's diary reveals the first clear indication that the emperor might be urged to consider an early peace on June 8, 1945, when Kido drafted his “Draft Plan for Controlling the Crisis Situation.” This marked a pivotal moment. It followed the unintentional bombing of the Imperial Palace, the complete loss of hope for saving Okinawa, and coincided with the day the Supreme War Leadership Council adopted the “Basic Policy for the Future Direction of the War.” With the fighting in Europe concluded, Japan found itself entirely isolated. Kido's plan, although vague, proposed seeking the Soviet Union's assistance as an intermediary to help Japan gain leverage in negotiations with its adversaries. By drafting this plan, Kido signaled the end of his long alliance with the military hard-liners. Hirohito's acceptance of it indicated his readiness for an early peace.   Hirohito was moved to an underground bunker in the mountains of Matsushiro in Nagano prefecture where upon those around him noted he fell into a deep depression. On June 22nd  Hirohito informed the Supreme War Leadership Council he wanted them to open diplomatic maneuvers to end the war. In early July Soviet Ambassador Jacob Malik broke off inconclusive talks with Hirota. Hirohito stepped in immediately and ordered a new special envoy be sent to Moscow. However Hirohito nor the Suzuki government had concrete plans on how to mediate a surrender through the Soviets. The only things they did prioritize was a guarantee of the emperors political position and retainment of the imperial system, ie the kokutai. This was taken into consideration rather than ending the war as quickly as possible to save the lives of millions.    From April 8, 1945, until Japan's capitulation, the Suzuki government's chief war policy was “Ketsugo,” an advanced iteration of the “Shosango” (Victory Number 3) plan for defending the homeland. The hallmark of this strategy was a heavy reliance on suicide tactics, including deploying a massive number of kamikaze “special attack” planes, human torpedoes launched from submarines, dynamite-stuffed “crash boats” powered by truck engines, human rocket bombs carried by aircraft, and suicide assaults by specially trained ground units.   While preparations for Operation Ketsu progressed, the Imperial Diet convened on June 9 to pass a Wartime Emergency Measures Law, along with five additional measures aimed at mobilizing the entire nation for this final battle. On the same day, the emperor, who had yet to initiate efforts to end the war, issued another imperial rescript in conjunction with the Diet's convocation, instructing the nation to “smash the inordinate ambitions of the enemy nations” and “achieve the goals of the war.” Concurrently, the controlled press launched a daily die-for-the-emperor campaign to foster gratitude for the imperial benevolence and, from around mid-July onward, initiated a campaign to “protect the kokutai.”   The Americans countered with their own propaganda aimed at breaking Japan's will to fight. B-29 bombers dropped millions of leaflets written in Japanese, announcing the next scheduled targets for bombing raids and urging surrender, while using the emperor to challenge the militarists. Leaflets bearing the chrysanthemum crest criticized the “military cliques” for “forcing the entire nation to commit suicide” and called on “everyone” to “exercise their constitutional right to make direct appeals [for peace] to the Emperor.” They asserted that “even the powerful military cliques cannot stop the mighty march for peace of the Emperor and the people.” One notable batch of seven million leaflets conveyed the terms of the “joint declaration” issued by the United States, Great Britain, and China. “Today we come not to bomb you,” they stated. “We are dropping this leaflet to inform you of the response from the United States government to your government's request for conditions of surrender.... Whether the war stops immediately depends on your government. You will understand how to end the war if you read these two official notifications.”   Amid pressures from imperial edicts to continue preparations for a final battle and focus solely on victory, the Japanese people were also subjected to an intense American psychological warfare campaign in addition to aerial bombardment. During late July and August, prefectural governors, police chiefs, and officers of the “special higher police” submitted reports to the Home Ministry detailing the rapidly deteriorating national morale.    Now on the other side, Roosevelt made it known back in January of 1943 at the Casablanca conference, the allies would only accept unconditional surrender. By 1945, the allies understood the predicament this left Japan with. On May 8th of 1945, Truman added “Japan's surrender would not mean the extermination or enslavement of the Japanese people” trying to indicate a non vindictive spirit. However the Kokutai question always remained ambiguous. State Department Joseph Grew, the former ambassador to Japan, began arguing to Truman they needed to make public a clear definition of the terms to persuade Japan to surrender. As he argued to Truman: Emperor Hirohito was seen as the key figure in Japan's surrender, likened to a "queen bee in a hive... surrounded by the attentions of the hive." Throughout the war, he was characterized in various ways—as a “puppet” of the militarists, a constitutional monarch, and a pacifist. Grew had immense faith in the influence exerted by what he referred to as the “moderates” surrounding the Japanese throne.    However many of Grew's colleagues argued the future existence of the monarchy was intolerable as it was akin to fascism. Many wanted to punish the emperor. Truman was in a tug of war. The Potsdam declaration issued on July 26th of 1945 came in the form of a ultimatum aiming to quicken japans surrender. Truman clarified the terms for the unconditional surrender at the end of its terms: "We call upon the government of Japan to proclaim now the unconditional surrender of all Japanese armed forces, and to provide proper and adequate assurances of their good faith in such action. The alternative for Japan is prompt and utter destruction." Zero mention of the emperor. Grew had argued to add “this may include a constitutional monarchy under the present dynasty.” But it was deleted from the article. The status of the emperor was not guaranteed, the kokutai was thus up in the air.    The next day, the Suzuki cabinet rejected the terms. The Japanese leadership and Hirohito were still banking and awaiting Soviet replies to their terms.    Lets talk about the Soviet talks now   Back on July 12th ambassador Naotake Satō sent this message to the Soviets: “His Majesty the Emperor, mindful of the fact that the present war daily brings greater evil and sacrifice upon the peoples of all the belligerent powers, desires from his heart that it may be quickly terminated. But so long as England and the United States insist upon unconditional surrender, the Japanese Empire has no alternative but to fight on with all its strength for the honor and existence of the Motherland”.  However the Soviets had made commitments to their allies, promising in fact to invade Japan to aid them.    As for the Soviets their primary objective was to ensure unrestricted access to the Pacific Ocean. The year-round ice-free areas of the Soviet Pacific coastline, particularly Vladivostok, could be blockaded by air and sea from Sakhalin Island and the Kurile Islands. Securing these territories to guarantee free access to the Soya Strait was their main goal. Secondary objectives included acquiring leases for the Chinese Eastern Railway, the Southern Manchuria Railway, as well as gaining control over Dairen and Port Arthur.   To achieve these aims, Stalin and Molotov prolonged negotiations with the Japanese, creating a false sense of hope for a Soviet-mediated peace. Simultaneously, in their discussions with the United States and Britain, the Soviets insisted on strict adherence to the Cairo Declaration, which had been reaffirmed at the Yalta Conference. This declaration stipulated that the Allies would not accept a separate or conditional peace with Japan; thus, the Japanese would need to surrender unconditionally to all the Allies. The Soviets aimed to prolong the war by opposing any efforts to dilute this requirement. This approach would provide the Soviets with the necessary time to complete the transfer of their troops from the Western Front to the Far East and to conquer Manchuria, Inner Mongolia, northern Korea, South Sakhalin, the Kuriles, and potentially Hokkaidō, starting with an assault on Rumoi. AUGUST 1945   Thus we come to at last the critical point, August of 1945.    The Americans prepared for the deployment of atomic bombs and for an invasion of southern Kyushu, known as Operation Olympic, scheduled to commence on November 1. At 8:15 A.M. on August 6, a single B-29 bomber, the Enola Gay dropped little boy, devastating much of the undefended city of Hiroshima, instantly killing an estimated 100,000 to 140,000 people and leading to the deaths of possibly another 100,000 over the next five years. At the epicenter of the explosion, “a light appeared 3,000 times brighter than the sun,” creating a fireball that emitted thermal radiation capable of “instantly scorching humans, trees, and houses.” As the air heated and rushed upward, cold air surged in to ignite a firestorm. Hours later, a whirlwind escalated the flames to their peak until more than eight square miles were virtually reduced to cinders. Subsequently, black, muddy rain filled with radioactive fallout began to fall. Two days later, using Japan's rejection of the Potsdam Declaration as a pretext, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan. Then on August 9, the United States dropped a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, resulting in the immediate deaths of approximately 35,000 to 40,000 people and injuring more than 60,000.   Meanwhile, in Tokyo, during the critical period between the Potsdam Declaration and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Emperor Hirohito remained silent about accepting the Potsdam terms. However, on July 25 and 31, he explicitly conveyed to Kido that the imperial regalia must be defended at all costs. The three sacred objects—a mirror, a curved jewel, and a sword—symbolized the legitimacy of his rule through the northern court and were integral to his identity as the divine sovereign. Hirohito's focus was on protecting these symbols of office, as he insisted on having them brought to the palace. This fixation on maintaining his symbols occurred during a pivotal moment when the pressing issue was whether to accept immediate capitulation. Reflecting on this, he was unprepared to seize the opportunity to end the war himself.   Prime Minister Suzuki, following his initial rejection of the Potsdam ultimatum, also saw no need for further action. His Cabinet Advisory Council, which included the president of Asano Cement, the founder of the Nissan consortium, the vice president of the Bank of Japan, and other representatives from the nation's leading business interests that had profited significantly from the war, convened on the morning of August 3. They recommended accepting the Potsdam terms, arguing that the United States would permit Japan to retain its non-military industries and continue participating in world trade.    Here are some reactions to the two bombs and invasion of Manchuria.    Yonai Mitsumasa said to admiral Takagi Sokichi, on August 12, that “I think the term is perhaps inappropriate, but the atomic bombs and the Soviet entry into the war are, in a sense, gifts from the gods [tenyu, also “heaven-sent blessings”]. This way we don't have to say that we quit the war because of domestic circumstances. I've long been advocating control of our crisis, but neither from fear of an enemy attack nor because of the atomic bombs and the Soviet entry into the war. The main reason is my anxiety over the domestic situation. So, it is rather fortunate that we can now control matters without revealing the domestic situation”.    Konoe's characterized the Soviet involvement in the war as “a godsend for controlling the army,”. Kido viewed of both the atomic bombings and the Soviet entry into the conflict as “useful” elements for ensuring a smooth transition. A nascent power struggle was unfolding, rendering the potential death toll—whether one hundred thousand or two hundred thousand—immaterial to those involved, as long as their desired outcome was achieved: an end to the war that would leave the monarchy intact and capable of managing the discontent that defeat would inevitably provoke. Throughout the final acts of this wartime drama, the Japanese “moderates” found it easier to capitulate to external pressures than to take decisive action on their own to conclude the war.   Another illuminating looks at Japan's elite's perspective on surrender terms was the document titled “Essentials of Peace Negotiations” (wahei kosho no yoryo). Drafted by Konoe and his adviser, retired Lt. Gen. Sakai Koji, after Konoe had reluctantly accepted a mission to Moscow, this document, stipulated the preservation of the emperor system, along with most of the imperial prerogatives, as the absolute minimum condition for peace. It defined the “original” or “essential homeland” as including the southern half of the Kurile Islands but showed a willingness to concede all overseas territories to the enemy, including Okinawa and the American-occupied Bonin Islands, as well as the southern half of Sakhalin. The “Essentials” also accepted complete disarmament for an unspecified period, thereby compromising on the issues of demobilizing and disarming the armed forces. More significantly, an “explanation” attached to the “Essentials” emphasized that “the main aim is to secure the imperial line and maintain the political role of the emperor.”    Why Japan surrendered   We come to it atleast after a long podcast. Why did Japan ultimately surrender?   The twin psychological shocks of the first atomic bomb and the Soviet entry into the war, combined with Kido's and the emperor's concern over escalating public criticism of the throne and its occupant, fueled an almost paranoid fear that, sooner or later, the populace would react violently against their leaders if the war persisted much longer. These factors ultimately led Hirohito to accept, in principle, the terms of the Potsdam Declaration.   At the first meeting of the six member constituents of the Supreme War Leadership Council, held from 10:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on August 9, Army Minister Anami Korechika, Chiefs of Staff Umezu Yoshijiro, representing the army, and Yonai, representing the navy, along with Tōgō, from the Foreign Ministry, were expected to discuss the acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration. Instead, the conversation revolved around whether to attempt a conditional surrender—specifically, should they insist on one condition, the preservation of the kokutai, or four?   After Suzuki addressed the assembly regarding the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and the Soviet attack, Yonai, as recounted by Navy Chief of Staff Toyoda, was the first to speak, framing the issue in terms of four conditions. “Let's start to talk, Do we accept the Potsdam Declaration with no conditions? If not, and we wish to insist on attaching hopes and conditions, we may do so this way. First, preservation of the kokutai; then for the rest, the main items in the Potsdam Declaration: treatment of war criminals, method of disarmament, and the matter of sending in an army of occupation.” Thus, the participants identified what they perceived to be the ambiguous points within the Potsdam Declaration and used them as the foundation for their discussions.   The army insisted on four conditions: First, the preservation of the kokutai, which they considered distinct from the Potsdam Declaration itself. The other conditions proposed were, second, that the Imperial Headquarters assume responsibility for disarmament and demobilization; third, a prohibition on occupation; and fourth, the delegation of the punishment of war criminals to the Japanese government. The army equated the kokutai with the emperor's right of supreme command. Their self-serving desire for autonomous war crimes trials was based on the belief that the Allies would use such trials to politically indict the military. Consequently, army leaders aimed to preempt the activities of any international tribunal by conducting their own trials—similar to the approach taken by the uninvaded and unrepentant Germans after World War I.   Supporting the military's views during cabinet meetings that day were three civilian members of the Suzuki cabinet: Justice Minister Matsuzaka Hiromasa, Home Minister Yasui Toji, and Minister of Health Okada Tadahiko. At the imperial conference that night, which extended into the early hours of the tenth, Foreign Minister Tōgō's interpretation of the “preservation of the kokutai” referred solely to the safeguarding of the Imperial House or dynasty, rather than the continuation of Hirohito's reign.   Hiranuma, another advocate for the single condition, interpreted the kokutai as the “emperor's sovereign right to rule the state [not] deriving from national law. Even if the entire nation is sacrificed to the war, we must preserve both the kokutai and the security of the imperial house.” This discrepancy illustrated that there was no completely unified understanding of what the kokutai entailed; the debate over one condition versus four represented conflicting visions for the future of the Japanese state and masked the competition for political power that was already unfolding.   It remains doubtful whether the emperor and Kido initially sided with Tōgō against the four conditions proposed by the senior military leaders. A more likely inference is that both men retained sympathies for the hardliners, both military and civilian, who preferred to continue the futile war rather than surrender immediately and unconditionally. This may explain why, on August 9, Konoe had Hosokawa Morisada approach Navy General Headquarters to urge the emperor's brother, Prince Takamatsu, to pressure Hirohito (through Kido) to accept the Potsdam terms. Later that afternoon, Konoe enlisted the help of diplomat Shigemitsu Mamoru to persuade Kido to reconsider his stance on the four conditions. Ultimately, at the urging of Takamatsu and Shigemitsu, Kido did shift to support Tōgō's position.   At the end of the war, as at its beginning and throughout every stage of its progression, Emperor Hirohito played a highly active role in supporting the actions carried out in his name. From the very beginning of the Asia-Pacific war, the emperor played a significant role in the unfolding events around him. Prior to the Battle of Okinawa, he consistently advocated for a decisive victory. Afterward, he acknowledged the necessity of pursuing an early peace, although he did not favor an immediate cessation of hostilities. Instead, he wavered, steering Japan toward ongoing warfare rather than direct negotiations with the Allies. When the final crisis fully unfolded, the only option left was unconditional surrender. Even then, he continued to procrastinate until the atomic bomb was dropped and the Soviets launched their attack. The wartime emperor ideology that once sustained morale made it exceedingly difficult for Japan's leaders to accept the act of surrender. Aware of their objective defeat, yet indifferent to the suffering the war inflicted on their own people—as well as on the populations of Asia, the Pacific, and the West whose lives they had disrupted—the emperor and his military leaders sought a means to lose without appearing to lose. They aimed to mitigate domestic criticism following surrender while preserving their power structure.   Blinded by their fixation on the fate of the imperial house and committed to an overly optimistic diplomacy toward the Soviet Union, Japan's leaders missed several opportunities to end their lost war. Would Japan's leaders have surrendered more promptly if the Truman administration had “clarified” the status of the emperor before the cataclysmic double shocks of the atomic bomb and the Soviet entry into the war? Probably not. However, it is likely they would have surrendered to prevent the kokutai from being destroyed from within. The evidence suggests that the first atomic bomb and the Soviet declaration of war led Hirohito, Kido, and other members of the court to believe that continuing the war would inevitably result in that destruction. They recognized that the populace was war-weary and despondent, with rising hostility toward the military and the government, accompanied by increasing criticism of the emperor himself. More specifically, Kido and Hirohito were privy to Home Ministry reports, which contained information from governors and police chiefs nationwide. These reports indicated that citizens were beginning to label the emperor as an incompetent leader responsible for the deteriorating war situation.   This is the third variable, never spoken about. Many first look at the atomic bombs. Bigger brain people turn to the Soviet Invasion of Manchuria. But hardly anyone reads about how the collapse of Japan's social fabric, scared the shit out of the Emperor and his closest advisors. You can't have a kokutai, without a populace that worshiped you.    When the emperor expressed in February, “What worries me is whether the nation [could] endure” long enough to achieve victory, he was not merely voicing concern for the suffering of his subjects; rather, he feared that such suffering could lead to social upheaval—in short, revolution. At that time, he referred to the ordinary, war-related hardships of food shortages, air raids, devastated cities, destruction of homes, and the omnipresent grief from the loss of loved ones. The atomic bomb escalated death, pain, and suffering to unimaginably higher levels, intensifying the threat from within. After the bombings of Japan and two atomic bombs, Hirohito was in a dark way, given a golden get out of jail free card. Hirohito could now save his suffering people from further anguish by surrendering, allowing him to deflect responsibility for leading them into misery while adopting an air of benevolence and care. Indeed, Hirohito did care—though not primarily for the Japanese people, but rather for the survival of his own imperial house and throne.   After the bombing of Hiroshima, Hirohito delayed for a full two days before instructing Kido, shortly before 10 A.M. on August 9, to “quickly control the situation” because “the Soviet [Union]” had declared war. Kido immediately communicated with Prime Minister Suzuki, who began arrangements for an Imperial Conference scheduled for later that night. Following the seidan of August 10, Chief Cabinet Secretary Sakomizu took charge of drafting the “Imperial Rescript Ending the War” based on Hirohito's directives. Assisted by two scholars of the Chinese classics, Kawada Mizuho and Yasuoka Masahiro, Sakomizu worked tirelessly for over three days before submitting a version of the rescript to the Suzuki cabinet. After six hours of contentious discussion on the night of August 14, the cabinet modified and approved the document. Hirohito promptly signed it, and Shimomura and Kido persuaded him to record a suitably opaque final version for broadcast to the nation.   On the night of August 14, the Suzuki government notified the United States and other Allied nations that it had accepted both the Potsdam Declaration and the Byrnes letter of August 11. Accelerating the emperor's actions during this climactic moment of the unconditional surrender drama was the American psychological warfare campaign. When a leaflet dropped from B-29 bombers came into Kido's possession on the night of August 13 or the morning of the fourteenth, he conferred with the emperor and explained the gravity of the situation. The latest enemy leaflets were informing the Japanese people of the government's notification of surrender under one condition, along with the full text of Byrnes's response. If this continued, it would undermine the imperial government's reliance on secrecy to obscure the true nature of the lost war and the reasons for the prolonged surrender delay.   Given Kido's and the emperor's concerns about rising signs of defeatism, including criticism of the throne, immediate action was necessary to prevent the populace from acting on their own initiative. Thus, the second seidan was convened. At noon on August 15, the Japanese people gathered around their radio receivers and heard, for the first time, the high-pitched voice of their emperor telling them:    “After pondering deeply the general trends of the world and the actual conditions obtaining in Our Empire today, We have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure. We have ordered Our Government to communicate to the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, China and the Soviet Union that Our Empire accepts the provisions of their Joint Declaration. To strive for the common prosperity and happiness of all nations as well as the security and well-being of Our subjects is the solemn obligation which has been handed down by Our Imperial Ancestors and which lies close to Our heart. Indeed, We declared war on America and Britain out of Our sincere desire to ensure Japan's self-preservation and the stabilization of East Asia, it being far from Our thought either to infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations or to embark upon territorial aggrandizement. But now the war has lasted for nearly four years. Despite the best that has been done by everyone—the gallant fighting of the military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of Our servants of the State, and the devoted service of Our one hundred million people—the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest. Moreover, the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is, indeed, incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives. Should we continue to fight, not only would it result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization. Such being the case, how are We to save the millions of Our subjects, or to atone Ourselves before the hallowed spirits of Our Imperial Ancestors? This is the reason why We have ordered the acceptance of the provisions of the Joint Declaration of the Powers... The hardships and sufferings to which Our nation is to be subjected hereafter will be certainly great. We are keenly aware of the inmost feelings of all of you, Our subjects. However, it is according to the dictates of time and fate that We have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is unsufferable”.   Clearly Hirohito sought to justify his decision to surrender by citing the dropping of the atomic bombs. He wanted to become the saviour of the Japanese people. Hirohito wanted to obfuscate the issue of accountability, to prevent expressions of strife and anger and to strengthen domestic unity around himself, to protect and raise the kokutai.  Interestingly, the surrender declaration to the civilian population was not the same one sent to the military. On August 17th Hirohito issued a second “rescript to soldiers and sailors” throughout the asia-pacific.   “ Now that the Soviet Union has entered the war against us, to continue . . . under the present conditions at home and abroad would only recklessly incur even more damage to ourselves and result in endangering the very foundation of the empire's existence. Therefore, even though enormous fighting spirit still exists in the Imperial Navy and Army, I am going to make peace with the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union, as well as with Chungking, in order to maintain our glorious national polity”.   The lesser-known August 17 rescript to the army and navy specified Soviet participation as the sole reason for surrender, while maintaining the kokutai as the primary aim. Dissembling until the end—and even beyond—it was noted that the emperor presented two different justifications for his delayed surrender. Both statements were likely true.   Months later Hirohito's said this about his decision to surrender “The main motive behind my decision at that time was that if we . . . did not act, the Japanese race would perish and I would be unable to protect my loyal subjects [sekishi—literally, “children”]. Second, Kido agreed with me on the matter of defending the kokutai. If the enemy landed near Ise Bay, both Ise and Atsuta Shrines would immediately come under their control. There would be no time to transfer the sacred treasures [regalia] of the imperial family and no hope of protecting them. Under these circumstances, protection of the kokutai would be difficult. For these reasons, I thought at the time that I must make peace even at the sacrifice of myself.”    There exists this sort of childish argument today whether it was the atomic bombs or the Soviet Invasion that caused Japan to surrender. However, this overlooks as I think I've explained in 9000 words jeez, the influence of the kokutai. Defending the kokutai was Hirohito's number one priority. The Soviets threatened it. Communism threatened it. What Japan perceived to be “democracy” threatened it. American victory threatened it. And the destruction of Japan's social fabric threatened it. I love this one piece of history, that I have only come across in one book, that being the main one I am using here.   On August 12th, Hirohito came to the imperial family to tell them he had made the decision to surrender. His uncle Prince Yasuhiko Asaka asked him whether the war would be continued if the kokutai could not be preserved. Hirohito replied “of course”.

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NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - French News at 14:00 (JST), September 16

In this week's episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down the latest shifts across major trades.Asia–Europe: Spot rates dip below spring levels, but Lars explains why it's not yet a full collapse.Trans-Pacific: A striking bifurcation—rates out of Southeast Asia/China erode while Northeast Asia (Korea, Japan) surges by $500/FEU.Atlantic: After months of stability, head-haul rates slide from $1,800 to $1,500 per FEU.Capacity Updates: Carriers move beyond blank sailings, with Gemini canceling an entire service for Q1 2025.Tariff Watch: Mexico considers hikes on Chinese imports, raising the specter of retaliation.Safety & Compliance: Nearly 11% of cargo is misdeclared—new AI initiatives aim to reduce fires, accidents, and container losses.Get the latest maritime news here!

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - Spanish News at 13:00 (JST), September 16

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - Vietnamese News at 20:00 (JST), September 16

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - Portuguese News at 18:00 (JST), September 16

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - Chinese News at 15:10 (JST), September 16

Sean Carroll joined Jonny and Ben to give his thoughts on Japan's two friendlies in the United States, and the state of the J1 title race and relegation dogfight after the weekend's J1 Matchday 29 (to 56:25). Then in Part 2, Jonny and Ben wrap up the remaining four games.

Isaiah 22:1-24:23, Gal 2:17-3:9, Ps 60:1-12, Pr 23:15-16

The US Open ended earlier this month but here is Renaldo talking up Tennis and US players as Coco was getting set to play Osaka the Japanese American player representing Japan, how ironic.