Podcasts about Japan

Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 15:31

2. The Loss of Sacrifice and the Shadow of the Pacific War The debaters contrast the modern era with the Pacific War (1941-1945), noting that Pearl Harbor provided an immediate, unifying rationale for total war. During that time, there was no doubt regarding the mission to defeat Japan and Germany, and the nation embraced a spirit of sacrifice. Germanicus points to the film *They Were Expendable* as an artifact of a time when martyrdom bound the people together in a shared national identity. Today, however, he argues that the sacred narrative has been "hollowed out" and corrupted by leaders who use it for manipulation. Modern Americans, described as increasingly narcissistic, have lost the memory of what it means to be part of something larger than themselves. Furthermore, the U.S. has transitioned into a society that prefers striking from afar via technology rather than engaging in "boots on the ground" combat. This leads to a dangerous disconnect: while the leadership feels "in command pushing buttons," they are oblivious to the fact that they may be losing the war, repeating the failures of Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Without a clear U.S. war aim, the military appears to be merely executing an Israeli mission to degrade Iran, leaving the American public without a sense of purpose or a defined end to the hostilities. (3)1944 OKINAWA

Historic USA vs Mexico Rivalry, Japan Clinches Tokyo Pool & DR Takes Over the WBC!

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 35:59

The World Baseball Classic is off the charts this year, and it's not even halfway done! In this episode, we break down all the must-watch moments and biggest storylines so far: Team Japan punches their ticket to Miami, dominating Pool C with a relentless lineup and unforgettable performances. Team Korea pulls off an insane 3-way tiebreaker over Australia—7-2 in the 9th inning, ending in a celebration you have to hear to believe. Team Dominican Republic is redefining fun in baseball, playing with energy, flair, and pure excitement. Forget the “old way”—this is baseball made for the fans! Team USA sits 2-0 entering a massive clash against Team Mexico, fighting to break a 20-year losing streak in the WBC rivalry. Gunnar Henderson, Paul Skenes, and the squad bring intensity, emotion, and unforgettable highlights. We also recap the other top teams, key players, and pool play drama, including Puerto Rico, Cuba, Venezuela, and more. Whether you're a hardcore fan or just tuning in for thrilling baseball, this episode has everything: historic rivalries, clutch plays, and a behind-the-scenes look at the excitement you can't see on TV. Tune in, subscribe, and get ready for all the WBC highlights, analysis, and stories that make this tournament one of the greatest spectacles in sports. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome 01:49 WBC Updates 14:00 USA vs Mexico 20:15 Team Japan 31:30 Upcoming WBC 34:00 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3.192 Fall and Rise of China: Soviet–Japanese Neutrality Pact

Kings and Generals: History for our Future

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 35:06

Last time we spoke about the end of the battle of khalkin gol. In the summer of 1939, the Nomonhan Incident escalated into a major border conflict between Soviet-Mongolian forces and Japan's Kwantung Army along the Halha River. Despite Japanese successes in July, Zhukov launched a decisive offensive on August 20. Under cover of darkness, Soviet troops crossed the river, unleashing over 200 bombers and intense artillery barrages that devastated Japanese positions. Zhukov's northern, central, and southern forces encircled General Komatsubara's 23rd Division, supported by Manchukuoan units. Fierce fighting ensued: the southern flank collapsed under Colonel Potapov's armor, while the northern Fui Heights held briefly before falling to relentless assaults, including flame-throwing tanks. Failed Japanese counterattacks on August 24 resulted in heavy losses, with regiments shattered by superior Soviet firepower and tactics. By August 25, encircled pockets were systematically eliminated, leading to the annihilation of the Japanese 6th Army. The defeat, coinciding with the Hitler-Stalin Pact, forced Japan to negotiate a ceasefire on September 15-16, redrawing borders. Zhukov's victory exposed Japanese weaknesses in mechanized warfare, influencing future strategies and deterring further northern expansion. #192 The Soviet–Japanese Neutrality Pact Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Despite the fact this technically will go into future events, I thought it was important we talk about a key moment in Sino history. Even though the battle of changkufeng and khalkin gol were not part of the second sino-Japanese war, their outcomes certainly would affect it. Policymaking by the Soviet Union alone was not the primary factor in ending Moscow's diplomatic isolation in the late 1930s. After the Munich Conference signaled the failure of the popular front/united front approach, Neville Chamberlain, Adolf Hitler, and Poland's Józef Beck unintentionally strengthened Joseph Stalin's position in early 1939. Once the strategic cards were in his hands, Stalin capitalized on them. His handling of negotiations with Britain and France, as well as with Germany, from April to August was deft and effective. The spring and summer negotiations among the European powers are well documented and have been examined from many angles. In May 1939, while Stalin seemed to have the upper hand in Europe, yet before Hitler had signaled that a German–Soviet agreement might be possible, the Nomonhan incident erupted, a conflict initiated and escalated by the Kwantung Army. For a few months, the prospect of a Soviet–Japanese war revived concerns in Moscow about a two-front conflict. Reviewing Soviet talks with Britain, France, and Germany in the spring and summer of 1939 from an East Asian perspective sheds fresh light on the events that led to the German–Soviet Nonaggression Pact and, more broadly, to the outbreak of World War II. The second week of May marked the start of fighting at Nomonhan, during which negotiations between Germany and the USSR barely advanced beyond mutual scrutiny. Moscow signaled that an understanding with Nazi Germany might be possible. Notably, on May 4, the removal of Maksim Litvinov as foreign commissar and his replacement by Vyacheslav Molotov suggested a shift in approach. Litvinov, an urbane diplomat of Jewish origin and married to an Englishwoman, had been the leading Soviet proponent of the united-front policy and a steadfast critic of Nazi Germany. If a settlement with Hitler was sought, Litvinov was an unsuitable figure to lead the effort. Molotov, though with limited international experience, carried weight as chairman of the Council of Ministers and, more importantly, as one of Stalin's closest lieutenants. This personnel change seemed to accomplish its aim in Berlin, where the press was instructed on May 5 to halt polemical attacks on the Soviet Union and Bolshevism. On the same day, Karl Schnurre, head of the German Foreign Ministry's East European trade section, told Soviet chargé d'affaires Georgi Astakhov that Skoda, the German-controlled Czech arms manufacturer, would honor existing arms contracts with Russia. Astakhov asked whether, with Litvinov's departure, Germany might resume negotiations for a trade treaty Berlin had halted months earlier. By May 17, during discussions with Schnurre, Astakhov asserted that "there were no conflicts in foreign policy between Germany and the Soviet Union and that there was no reason for enmity between the two countries," and that Britain and France's negotiations appeared unpromising. The next day, Ribbentrop personally instructed Schulenburg to green-light trade talks. Molotov, however, insisted that a "political basis" for economic negotiations had to be established first. Suspicion remained high on both sides. Stalin feared Berlin might use reports of German–Soviet talks to destabilize a potential triple alliance with Britain and France; Hitler feared Stalin might use such reports to entice Tokyo away from an anti-German pact. The attempt to form a tripartite military alliance among Germany, Italy, and Japan foundered over divergent aims: Berlin targeted Britain and France; Tokyo aimed at the Soviet Union. Yet talks persisted through August 1939, with Japanese efforts to draw Germany into an anti-Soviet alignment continually reported to Moscow by Richard Sorge. Hitler and Mussolini, frustrated by Japanese objections, first concluded the bilateral Pact of Steel on May 22. The next day, Hitler, addressing his generals, stressed the inevitability of war with Poland and warned that opposition from Britain would be crushed militarily. He then hinted that Russia might "prove disinterested in the destruction of Poland," suggesting closer ties with Japan if Moscow opposed Germany. The exchange was quickly leaked to the press. Five days later, the first pitched battle of the Nomonhan campaign began. Although Hitler's timing with the Yamagata detachment's foray was coincidental, Moscow may have found the coincidence ominous. Despite the inducement of Molotov's call for a political basis before economic talks, Hitler and Ribbentrop did not immediately respond. On June 14, Astakhov signaled to Parvan Draganov, Bulgaria's ambassador in Berlin, that the USSR faced three options: ally with Britain and France, continue inconclusive talks with them, or align with Germany, the latter being closest to Soviet desires. Draganov relayed to the German Foreign Ministry that Moscow preferred a non-aggression agreement if Germany would pledge not to attack the Soviet Union. Two days later, Schulenburg told Astakhov that Germany recognized the link between economic and political relations and was prepared for far-reaching talks, a view echoed by Ribbentrop. The situation remained tangled: the Soviets pursued overt talks with Britain and France, while Stalin sought to maximize Soviet leverage. Chamberlain's stance toward Moscow remained wary but recognized a "psychological value" to an Anglo–Soviet rapprochement, tempered by his insistence on a hard bargain. American ambassador William C. Bullitt urged London to avoid the appearance of pursuing the Soviets, a view that resonated with Chamberlain's own distrust. Public confidence in a real Anglo–Soviet alliance remained low. By July 19, cabinet minutes show Chamberlain could not quite believe a genuine Russia–Germany alliance was possible, though he recognized the necessity of negotiations with Moscow to deter Hitler and to mollify an increasingly skeptical British public. Despite reservations, both sides kept the talks alive. Stalin's own bargaining style, with swift Soviet replies but frequent questions and demands, often produced delays. Molotov pressed on questions such as whether Britain and France would pledge to defend the Baltic states, intervene if Japan attacked the USSR, or join in opposing Germany if Hitler pressured Poland or Romania. These considerations were not trivial; they produced extended deliberations. On July 23, Molotov demanded that plans for coordinated military action among the three powers be fleshed out before a political pact. Britain and France accepted most political terms, and an Anglo-French military mission arrived in Moscow on August 11. The British commander, Admiral Sir Reginald Plunket-Ernle-Erle-Drax, conducted staff talks but could not conclude a military agreement. The French counterpart, General Joseph Doumenc, could sign but not bind his government. By then, Hitler had set August 26 as the date for war with Poland. With that looming, Hitler pressed for Soviet neutrality, or closer cooperation. In July and August, secret German–Soviet negotiations favored the Germans, who pressed for a rapid settlement and made most concessions. Yet Stalin benefited from keeping the British and French engaged, creating leverage against Hitler and safeguarding a potential Anglo–Soviet option as a fallback. To lengthen the talks and avoid immediate resolution, Moscow emphasized the Polish issue. Voroshilov demanded the Red Army be allowed to operate through Polish territory to defend Poland, a demand Warsaw would never accept. Moscow even floated a provocative plan: if Britain and France could compel Poland to permit Baltic State naval operations, the Western fleets would occupy Baltic ports, an idea that would have been militarily perilous and diplomatically explosive. Despite this, Stalin sought an agreement with Germany. Through Richard Sorge's intelligence, Moscow knew Tokyo aimed to avoid large-scale war with the USSR, and Moscow pressed for a German–Soviet settlement, including a nonaggression pact and measures to influence Japan to ease Sino–Japanese tensions. On August 16, Ribbentrop instructed Schulenburg to urge Molotov and Stalin toward a nonaggression pact and to coordinate with Japan. Stalin signaled willingness, and August 23–24 saw the drafting of the pact and the collapse of the Soviet and Japanese resistance elsewhere. That night, in a memorandum of Ribbentrop's staff, seven topics were summarized, with Soviet–Japanese relations and Molotov's insistence that Berlin demonstrate good faith standing out. Ribbentrop reiterated his willingness to influence Japan for a more favorable Soviet–Japanese relationship, and Stalin's reply indicated a path toward a détente in the East alongside the European agreement: "M. Stalin replied that the Soviet Union indeed desired an improvement in its relations with Japan, but that there were limits to its patience with regard to Japanese provocations. If Japan desired war she could have it. The Soviet Union was not afraid of it and was prepared for it. If Japan desired peace—so much the better! M. Stalin considered the assistance of Germany in bringing about an improvement in Soviet-Japanese relations as useful, but he did not want the Japanese to get the impression that the initiative in this direction had been taken by the Soviet Union." Second, the assertion that the Soviet Union was prepared for and unafraid of war with Japan is an overstatement, though Stalin certainly had grounds for optimism regarding the battlefield situation and the broader East Asian strategic balance. It is notable that, despite the USSR's immediate diplomatic and military gains against Japan, Stalin remained anxious to conceal from Tokyo any peace initiative that originated in Moscow. That stance suggests that Tokyo or Hsinking might read such openness as a sign of Soviet weakness or confidence overextended. The Japanese danger, it would seem, did not disappear from Stalin's mind. Even at the height of his diplomatic coup, Stalin was determined not to burn bridges prematurely. On August 21, while he urged Hitler to send Ribbentrop to Moscow, he did not sever talks with Britain and France. Voroshilov requested a temporary postponement on the grounds that Soviet delegation officers were needed for autumn maneuvers. It was not until August 25, after Britain reiterated its resolve to stand by Poland despite the German–Soviet pact, that Stalin sent the Anglo–French military mission home. Fortified by the nonaggression pact, which he hoped would deter Britain and France from action, Hitler unleashed his army on Poland on September 1. Two days later, as Zhukov's First Army Group was completing its operations at Nomonhan, Hitler faced a setback when Britain and France declared war. Hitler had hoped to finish Poland quickly in 1939 and avoid fighting Britain and France until 1940. World War II in Europe had begun. The Soviet–Japanese conflict at Nomonhan was not the sole, nor even the principal, factor prompting Stalin to conclude an alliance with Hitler. Standing aside from a European war that could fracture the major capitalist powers might have been reason enough. Yet the conflict with Japan in the East was also a factor in Stalin's calculations, a dimension that has received relatively little attention in standard accounts of the outbreak of the war. This East Asian focus seeks to clarify the record without proposing a revolutionary reinterpretation of Soviet foreign policy; rather, it adds an important piece often overlooked in the "origins of the Second World War" puzzle, helping to reduce the overall confusion. The German–Soviet agreement provided for the Soviet occupation of the eastern half of Poland soon after Germany's invasion. On September 3, just forty-eight hours after the invasion and on the day Britain and France declared war, Ribbentrop urged Moscow to invade Poland from the east. Yet, for two more weeks, Poland's eastern frontier remained inviolate; Soviet divisions waited at the border, as most Polish forces were engaged against Germany. The German inquiries about the timing of the Soviet invasion continued, but the Red Army did not move. This inactivity is often attributed to Stalin's caution and suspicion, but that caution extended beyond Europe. Throughout early September, sporadic ground and air combat continued at Nomonhan, including significant activity by Kwantung Army forces on September 8–9, and large-scale air engagements on September 1–2, 4–5, and 14–15. Not until September 15 was the Molotov–Togo cease-fire arrangement finalized, to take effect on September 16. The very next morning, September 17, the Red Army crossed the Polish frontier into a country collapsed at its feet. It appears that Stalin wanted to ensure that fighting on his eastern flank had concluded before engaging in Western battles, avoiding a two-front war. Through such policies, Stalin avoided the disaster of a two-front war. Each principal in the 1939 diplomatic maneuvering pursued distinct objectives. The British sought an arrangement with the USSR that would deter Hitler from attacking Poland and, if deterred, bind Moscow to the Anglo–French alliance. Hitler sought an alliance with the USSR to deter Britain and France from aiding Poland and, if they did aid Poland, to secure Soviet neutrality. Japan sought a military alliance with Germany against the USSR, or failing that, stronger Anti-Comintern ties. Stalin aimed for an outcome in which Germany would fight the Western democracies, leaving him freedom to operate in both the West and East; failing that, he sought military reassurance from Britain and France in case he had to confront Germany. Of the four, only Stalin achieved his primary objective. Hitler secured his secondary objective; the British and Japanese failed to realize theirs. Stalin won the diplomatic contest in 1939. Yet, as diplomats gave way to generals, the display of German military power in Poland and in Western Europe soon eclipsed Stalin's diplomatic triumph. By playing Germany against Britain and France, Stalin gained leverage and a potential fallback, but at the cost of unleashing a devastating European war. As with the aftermath of the Portsmouth Treaty in 1905, Russo-Japanese relations improved rapidly after hostilities ceased at Nomonhan. The Molotov–Togo agreement of September 15 and the local truces arranged around Nomonhan on September 19 were observed scrupulously by both sides. On October 27, the two nations settled another long-standing dispute by agreeing to mutual release of fishing boats detained on charges of illegal fishing in each other's territorial waters. On November 6, the USSR appointed Konstantin Smetanin as ambassador to Tokyo, replacing the previous fourteen-month tenure of a chargé d'affaires. Smetanin's first meeting with the new Japanese foreign minister, Nomura Kichisaburö, in November 1939 attracted broad, favorable coverage in the Japanese press. In a break with routine diplomatic practice, Nomura delivered a draft proposal for a new fisheries agreement and a memo outlining the functioning of the joint border commission to be established in the Nomonhan area before Smetanin presented his credentials. On December 31, an agreement finalizing Manchukuo's payment to the USSR for the sale of the Chinese Eastern Railway was reached, and the Soviet–Japanese Fisheries Convention was renewed for 1940. In due course, the boundary near Nomonhan was formally redefined. A November 1939 agreement between Molotov and Togo established a mixed border commission representing the four parties to the dispute. After protracted negotiations, the border commission completed its redemarcation on June 14, 1941, with new border markers erected in August 1941. The resulting boundary largely followed the Soviet–MPR position, lying ten to twelve miles east of the Halha River. With that, the Nomonhan incident was officially closed. Kwantung Army and Red Army leaders alike sought to "teach a lesson" to their foe at Nomonhan. The refrain recurs in documents and memoirs from both sides, "we must teach them a lesson." The incident provided lessons for both sides, but not all were well learned. For the Red Army, the lessons of Nomonhan intertwined with the laurels of victory, gratifying but sometimes distracting. Georgy Zhukov grasped the experience of modern warfare that summer, gaining more than a raised profile: command experience, confidence, and a set of hallmarks he would employ later. He demonstrated the ability to grasp complex strategic problems quickly, decisive crisis leadership, meticulous attention to logistics and deception, patience in building superior strength before striking at the enemy's weakest point, and the coordination of massed artillery, tanks, mechanized infantry, and tactical air power in large-scale double envelopment. These capabilities informed his actions at Moscow, Stalingrad, Kursk, and ultimately Berlin. It is tempting to wonder how Zhukov might have fared in the crucial autumn and winter of 1941 without Nomonhan, or whether he would have been entrusted with the Moscow front in 1941 had he not distinguished himself at Nomonhan. Yet the Soviet High Command overlooked an important lesson. Despite Zhukov's successes with independent tank formations and mechanized infantry, the command misapplied Spanish Civil War-era experience by disbanding armored divisions and redistributing tanks to infantry units to serve as support. It was not until after Germany demonstrated tank warfare in 1940 that the Soviets began reconstituting armored divisions and corps, a process still incomplete when the 1941 invasion began. The Red Army's performance at Nomonhan went largely unseen in the West. Western intelligence and military establishments largely believed the Red Army was fundamentally rotten, a view reinforced by the battlefield's remoteness and by both sides' reluctance to publicize the defeat. The Polish crisis and the outbreak of war in Europe drew attention away from Nomonhan, and the later Finnish Winter War reinforced negative Western judgments of Soviet military capability. U.S. military attaché Raymond Faymonville observed that the Soviets, anticipating a quick victory over Finland, relied on hastily summoned reserves ill-suited for winter fighting—an assessment that led some to judge the Red Army by its performance at Nomonhan. Even in Washington, this view persisted; Hitler reportedly called the Red Army "a paralytic on crutches" after Finland and then ordered invasion planning in 1941. Defeat can be a stronger teacher than victory. Because Nomonhan was a limited war, Japan's defeat was likewise limited, and its impact on Tokyo did not immediately recalibrate Japanese assessments. Yet Nomonhan did force Japan to revise its estimation of Soviet strength: the Imperial Army abandoned its strategic Plan Eight-B and adopted a more defensive posture toward the Soviet Union. An official inquiry into the debacle, submitted November 29, 1939, recognized Soviet superiority in materiel and firepower and urged Japan to bolster its own capabilities. The Kwantung Army's leadership, chastened, returned to the frontier with a more realistic sense of capability, even as the Army Ministry and AGS failed to translate lessons into policy. The enduring tendency toward gekokujo, the dominance of local and mid-level officers over central authority, remained persistent, and Tokyo did not fully purge it after Nomonhan. The Kwantung Army's operatives who helped drive the Nomonhan episode resurfaced in key posts at Imperial General Headquarters, contributing to Japan's 1941 decision to go to war. The defeat of the Kwantung Army at Nomonhan, together with the Stalin–Hitler pact and the outbreak of war in Europe, triggered a reorientation of Japanese strategy and foreign policy. The new government, led by the politically inexperienced and cautious General Abe Nobuyuki, pursued a conservative foreign policy. Chiang Kai-shek's retreat to Chongqing left the Chinese war at a stalemate: the Japanese Expeditionary Army could still inflict defeats on Chinese nationalist forces, but it had no viable path to a decisive victory. China remained Japan's principal focus. Still, the option of cutting Soviet aid to China and of moving north into Outer Mongolia and Siberia was discredited in Tokyo by the August 1939 double defeat. Northward expansion never again regained its ascendancy, though it briefly resurfaced in mid-1941 after Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union. Germany's alliance with the USSR during Nomonhan was viewed by Tokyo as a betrayal, cooling German–Japanese relations. Japan also stepped back from its confrontation with Britain over Tientsin. Tokyo recognized that the European war represented a momentous development that could reshape East Asia, as World War I had reshaped it before. The short-lived Abe government (September–December 1939) and its successor under Admiral Yonai Mitsumasa (December 1939–July 1940) adopted a cautious wait-and-see attitude toward the European war. That stance shifted in the summer of 1940, however, after Germany's successes in the West. With Germany's conquest of France and the Low Countries and Britain's fight for survival, Tokyo reassessed the global balance of power. Less than a year after Zhukov had effectively blocked further Japanese expansion northward, Hitler's victories seemed to open a southern expansion path. The prospect of seizing the resource-rich colonies in Southeast Asia, Dutch, French, and British and, more importantly, resolving the China problem in Japan's favor, tempted many in Tokyo. If Western aid to Chiang Kai-shek, channeled through Hong Kong, French Indochina, and Burma could be cut off, some in Tokyo believed Chiang might abandon resistance. If not, Japan could launch new operations against Chiang from Indochina and Burma, effectively turning China's southern flank. To facilitate a southward advance, Japan sought closer alignment with Germany and the USSR. Foreign Minister Yosuke Matsuoka brought Japan into the Tripartite Pact with Germany and Italy, in the hope of neutralizing the United States, and concluded a neutrality pact with the Soviet Union to secure calm in the north. Because of the European military situation, only the United States could check Japan's southward expansion. President Franklin D. Roosevelt appeared determined to do so and confident that he could. If the Manchurian incident and the Stimson Doctrine strained U.S.–Japanese relations, and the China War and U.S. aid to Chiang Kai-shek deepened mutual resentment, it was Japan's decision to press south against French, British, and Dutch colonies, and Roosevelt's resolve to prevent such a move, that put the two nations on a collision course. The dust had barely settled on the Mongolian plains following the Nomonhan ceasefire when the ripples of that distant conflict began to reshape the broader theater of the Second Sino-Japanese War. The defeat at Nomonhan in August 1939, coupled with the shocking revelation of the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact, delivered a profound strategic blow to Japan's imperial ambitions. No longer could Tokyo entertain serious notions of a "northern advance" into Soviet territory, a strategy that had long tantalized military planners as a means to secure resources and buffer against communism. Instead, the Kwantung Army's humiliation exposed glaring deficiencies in Japanese mechanized warfare, logistics, and intelligence, forcing a pivot southward. This reorientation not only cooled tensions with the Soviet Union but also allowed Japan to redirect its military focus toward the protracted stalemate in China. As we transition from the border clashes of the north to the heartland tensions in central China, it's essential to trace how these events propelled Japan toward the brink of a major offensive in Hunan Province, setting the stage for what would become a critical confrontation. In the immediate aftermath of Nomonhan, Japan's military high command grappled with the implications of their setback. The Kwantung Army, once a symbol of unchecked aggression, was compelled to adopt a defensive posture along the Manchurian-Soviet border. The ceasefire agreement, formalized on September 15-16, 1939, effectively neutralized the northern front, freeing up significant resources and manpower that had been tied down in the escalating border skirmishes. This was no small relief; the Nomonhan campaign had drained Japanese forces, with estimates of over 18,000 casualties and the near-total annihilation of the 23rd Division. The psychological impact was equally severe, shattering the myth of Japanese invincibility against a modern, mechanized opponent. Georgy Zhukov's masterful use of combined arms—tanks, artillery, and air power—highlighted Japan's vulnerabilities, prompting internal reviews that urged reforms in tank production, artillery doctrine, and supply chains. Yet, these lessons were slow to implement, and in the short term, the primary benefit was the opportunity to consolidate efforts elsewhere. For Japan, "elsewhere" meant China, where the war had devolved into a grinding attrition since the fall of Wuhan in October 1938. The capture of Wuhan, a major transportation hub and temporary capital of the Nationalist government under Chiang Kai-shek, had been hailed as a turning point. Japanese forces, under the command of General Shunroku Hata, had pushed deep into central China, aiming to decapitate Chinese resistance. However, Chiang's strategic retreat to Chongqing transformed the conflict into a war of endurance. Nationalist forces, bolstered by guerrilla tactics and international aid, harassed Japanese supply lines and prevented a decisive knockout blow. By mid-1939, Japan controlled vast swaths of eastern and northern China, including key cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing, but the cost was immense: stretched logistics, mounting casualties, and an inability to fully pacify occupied territories. The Nomonhan defeat exacerbated these issues by underscoring the limits of Japan's military overextension. With the northern threat abated, Tokyo's Army General Staff saw an opening to intensify operations in China, hoping to force Chiang to the negotiating table before global events further complicated the picture. The diplomatic fallout from Nomonhan and the Hitler-Stalin Pact further influenced this shift. Japan's betrayal by Germany, its nominal ally under the Anti-Comintern Pact—fostered distrust and isolation. Tokyo's flirtations with a full Axis alliance stalled, as the pact with Moscow revealed Hitler's willingness to prioritize European gains over Asian solidarity. This isolation prompted Japan to reassess its priorities, emphasizing self-reliance in China while eyeing opportunistic expansions elsewhere. Domestically, the Hiranuma cabinet collapsed in August 1939 amid the diplomatic shock, paving the way for the more cautious Abe Nobuyuki government. Abe's administration, though short-lived, signaled a temporary de-escalation in aggressive posturing, but the underlying imperative to resolve the "China Incident" persisted. Japanese strategists believed that capturing additional strategic points in central China could sever Chiang's lifelines, particularly the routes funneling aid from the Soviet Union and the West via Burma and Indochina. The seismic shifts triggered by Nomonhan compelled Japan to fundamentally readjust its China policy and war plans, marking a pivotal transition from overambitious northern dreams to a more focused, albeit desperate, campaign in the south. With the Kwantung Army's defeat fresh in mind, Tokyo's Imperial General Headquarters initiated a comprehensive strategic review in late August 1939. The once-dominant "Northern Advance" doctrine, which envisioned rapid conquests into Siberia for resources like oil and minerals, was officially shelved. In its place emerged a "Southern Advance" framework, prioritizing the consolidation of gains in China and potential expansions into Southeast Asia. This pivot was not merely tactical; it reflected a profound policy recalibration aimed at ending the quagmire in China, where two years of war had yielded territorial control but no decisive victory over Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists. Central to this readjustment was a renewed emphasis on economic and military self-sufficiency. The Nomonhan debacle had exposed Japan's vulnerabilities in mechanized warfare, leading to urgent reforms in industrial production. Tank manufacturing was ramped up, with designs influenced by observed Soviet models, and artillery stockpiles were bolstered to match the firepower discrepancies seen on the Mongolian steppes. Logistically, the Army General Staff prioritized streamlining supply lines in China, recognizing that prolonged engagements demanded better resource allocation. Politically, the Abe Nobuyuki cabinet, installed in September 1939, adopted a "wait-and-see" approach toward Europe but aggressively pursued diplomatic maneuvers to isolate China. Efforts to negotiate with Wang Jingwei's puppet regime in Nanjing intensified, aiming to undermine Chiang's legitimacy and splinter Chinese resistance. Japan also pressured Vichy France for concessions in Indochina, seeking to choke off aid routes to Chongqing. War plans evolved accordingly, shifting from broad-front offensives to targeted strikes designed to disrupt Chinese command and supply networks. The China Expeditionary Army, under General Yasuji Okamura, was restructured to emphasize mobility and combined arms operations, drawing partial lessons from Zhukov's tactics. Intelligence operations were enhanced, with greater focus on infiltrating Nationalist strongholds in central provinces. By early September, plans coalesced around a major push into Hunan Province, a vital crossroads linking northern and southern China. Hunan's river systems and rail lines made it a linchpin for Chinese logistics, funneling men and materiel to the front lines. Japanese strategists identified key urban centers in the region as critical objectives, believing their capture could sever Chiang's western supply corridors and force a strategic retreat. This readjustment was not without internal friction. Hardliners in the military lamented the abandonment of northern ambitions, but the reality of Soviet strength—and the neutrality pacts that followed—left little room for debate. Economically, Japan ramped up exploitation of occupied Chinese territories, extracting coal, iron, and rice to fuel the war machine. Diplomatically, Tokyo sought to mend fences with the Soviets through the 1941 Neutrality Pact, ensuring northern security while eyes turned south. Yet, these changes brewed tension with the United States, whose embargoes on scrap metal and oil threatened to cripple Japan's ambitions. As autumn approached, the stage was set for a bold gambit in central China. Japanese divisions massed along the Yangtze River, poised to strike at the heart of Hunan's defenses. Intelligence reports hinted at Chinese preparations, with Xue Yue's forces fortifying positions around a major provincial hub. The air thickened with anticipation of a clash that could tip the balance in the interminable war—a test of Japan's revamped strategies against a resilient foe determined to hold the line. What unfolded would reveal whether Tokyo's post-Nomonhan pivot could deliver the breakthrough so desperately needed, or if it would merely prolong the bloody stalemate. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. In 1939, the Nomonhan Incident saw Soviet forces under Georgy Zhukov decisively defeat Japan's Kwantung Army at Khalkin Gol, exposing Japanese weaknesses in mechanized warfare. This setback, coupled with the Hitler-Stalin Nonaggression Pact, shattered Japan's northern expansion plans and prompted a strategic pivot southward. Diplomatic maneuvers involving Stalin, Hitler, Britain, France, and Japan reshaped alliances, leading to the Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact in 1941. Japan refocused on China, intensifying operations in Hunan Province to isolate Chiang Kai-shek.

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Seiya Suzuki is beloved by his home country's fans

McNeil & Parkins Show

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 14:31

Matt Spiegel and Laurence Holmes discussed how Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki is having a terrific performance in the World Baseball Classic and how he's beloved in his native Japan.

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Catching you up on the Bears' moves as free-agent negotiations opened (Hour 4)

McNeil & Parkins Show

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 43:53

In the final hour, Matt Spiegel and Laurence Holmes reacted to the latest Bears and NFL news as the legal tampering period has opened. After that, they discussed how Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki is having a terrific performance in the World Baseball Classic and how he's beloved in his native Japan.

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WBC Update: Team USA flexes its muscles behind Judge & Harper, Japan & Dominican Republic impressive this weekend

Baseball Bar-B-Cast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 60:27

So far in the 2026 edition of the World Baseball Classic, the teams that we have come to expect positive results from are holding up their end of the bargain. With Team USA, Japan and the Dominican Republic all proving to be who we thought they were, pool play has seemed like just a tune-up for these powerhouses. On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman break down all the action from the WBC this past weekend, which saw the United States handle Great Britain and Brazil with the help of the superstar friendship duo of team captain Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper. While the USA squad might not look like they're having as much fun as other teams on the field, their businesslike approach appears to keep them in the mindset of winning gold or bust for this tournament. Later, Jake and Jordan recap the other pool play from the tourney, which includes Masataka Yoshida returning to the form for Team Japan that made him such a coveted bat by the Boston Red Sox when he first came to the States. They then get into the incredible first-ever walk-off wins in the tournament that saw an emotional Puerto Rico crowd celebrate their home victory against Panama. 1:29 - The Opener: Team USA's impressive weekend 17:57 - The importance of the WBC 27:14 - Judge & Harper friendship 35:25 - Korea advances in thriller 45:26 - Japan in cruise control 50:11 - Turbo Mode: All the action from the tourney Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

Ep.1557 - The Biggest Leadership Mistake: Ignoring Problems

Elevate Construction

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 5:38

Jason explores a powerful leadership insight he encountered during a trip to Japan: a problem is actually a problem. While many leaders like to frame problems as "opportunities," Jason explains why this mindset can sometimes dilute the urgency needed to solve real issues on construction projects. He shares how both perspectives can be valuable but only when applied correctly. Problems can indeed become opportunities for improvement, but only if teams identify, discuss, and solve them before they impact the work. If problems are ignored, hidden, or delayed, they quickly become serious risks that affect schedules, trade partners, and the wellbeing of workers. What you'll learn in this episode: Why calling every problem an "opportunity" can sometimes reduce urgency. The difference between productive problem-solving and ignoring real issues. How great project teams surface and solve problems early. Why hidden problems create major risks for schedules and trade partners. The importance of building a culture that welcomes problem identification. The Toyota mindset: problems aren't bad failing to see them is. Leadership isn't about avoiding problems. It's about creating systems where problems are quickly exposed and solved. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two

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World Baseball Classic, Spending Gap Problem in MLB

Joe Rose Show

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 9:33

The crew discusses the electric atmosphere at the World Baseball Classic, where packed crowds and passionate fans have made the event feel like October baseball. That leads to a debate about the tournament's mercy rule and whether something like that belongs in professional sports. They also break down the tournament favorites—Japan, USA, and Dominican Republic—as the competition heats up in the next rounds. The conversation then shifts to the Miami Marlins and the challenge of building a fanbase in Miami, sparking a larger discussion about parity in Major League Baseball and how spending big—similar to NIL in college sports—has become essential for teams that want to win.

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NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 23:00 (JST), March 09

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 27:58

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 23:00 (JST), March 09

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NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 03:00 (JST), March 10

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 27:57

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 03:00 (JST), March 10

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NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 14:00 (JST), March 09

MLB Morning Lineup Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 27:57

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 14:00 (JST), March 09

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Episode 389: Is Fit Model Bad for Bodybuilding?

The ProPhysique Code

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 61:27

In this episode, our hosts, Evan, Lexie and Paul briefly discuss the outcome from the first ever PRO fit model show in Japan. They also address some "hate" comments pertaining to fit model on recent posts. Is this division a "joke?" Is this division "bad for the sport of bodybuilding?" See what our hosts have to say about some of these rather controversial comments circulating the internet right now.

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WWII Soldier Tells the Story of the Deadliest Night of His Life!

Urban Valor: the podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 63:21

In this episode of the Urban Valor Podcast, we sit down with a World War II Army veteran who survived one of the deadliest moments of the European campaign...the Rhine River crossing! And later walked through a liberated Nazi death camp! At just 19 years old, Paul A. Groves was drafted into the U.S. Army and assigned as an infantry messenger with E Company, 89th Infantry Division under General Patton. In January 1945, he landed in France before pushing toward the Rhine River — one of the final and most dangerous barriers into Nazi Germany.At 2:00 AM, his unit loaded into boats under darkness.Halfway across, German machine guns opened fire.His company commander was killed.His first sergeant was killed.Then the boat exploded.Thrown into the freezing river under direct fire, Paul became the only Soldier from his boat to survive.As American forces advanced into Germany, he helped liberate a Nazi concentration camp — describing the smell of death before they ever saw it.After surviving the Rhine and witnessing the camps, Paul was told he would likely be sent to invade Japan. Then the atomic bomb was dropped.Now over 100 years old, he reflects on combat, fear, survival, and what General Patton meant when he said a Soldier must learn to hate the enemy.This is a firsthand WWII testimony from one of the last living soldiers of that generation.

Tank Abbott - The WCW Years

Lytes Out Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 139:12

Send a textTank Abbott's WCW years in Part 2 of our exclusive interview on theMMA History Podcast. From negotiating with Eric Bischoff over Vince McMahon, training at the Power Plant under legends like Paul Orndorff and Dusty Rhodes, to wild angles like the jacket-on-a-pole brawl with Big Al (yes, that knife moment at SuperBrawl 2000), Tank spills the unfiltered truth on backstage politics, his near-title run, and clashes with icons like Goldberg and Sid Vicious.Fact: Tank debuted in WCW on December 13, 1999, as a legit UFC heavyweight (with wins over Yoji Anjo and Hugo Duarte) brought in to feud with Goldberg, but navigated a rollercoaster of mutinies and mishaps until his 2000 release.0:00 MMA history podcast intro 0:32 Joey Venti's guest introduction 0:48 interview start 2:14 Tank Abbott vs Yoji Anjo 7:12 Tank Abbott being a large draw in UFC 11:50 experience fighting in Japan 15:09 Tank Abbott vs Hugo Duarte 21:39 dedicating fight to Frank Sinatra 22:45 never called out by Rickson Gracie25:11 Tank Abbott vs Pedro Rizzo27:12 incident with Pat Smith 29:28 relationship with Jeff Blatnick30:51 thoughts on Joe Rogan 36:12 rumored fight with Butterbean 37:27 issues before Frank Mir fight 41:18 where the term “Mixed martial arts” came from 46:32 Eddie Ruiz update 48:25 conversations with WCW 59:05 training at the WCW power plant 1:01:27 locker room attitude towards wrestlers 1:05:10 introduction during WCW taping 1:08:19 pushback from the WCW locker room 1:10:36 cutting a Promo on Bill Goldberg 1:12:18 plugs/ promotions 1:14:02 grabbing owner of Chicago Black Hawks 1:15:22 issues with Bob Probert 1:16:20 issues with Terry Taylor 1:19:40 advice from Sid Vicious 1:23:05 false rumors of winning WCW Title 1:28:43 Doug Dillinger 1:29:05 Jerry Flynn 1:29:33 Mark Madden 1:29:52 Chris Cruz 1:31:28 false rumored match with Mark Coleman 1:32:20 pulling out knife during match with Big Al 1:43:40 questioned before match by the locker room 1:46:11 losing wresting match to David Arquette 1:47:38 Tank Abbott vs Goldberg 1:51:32 introduced to the ICP 1:53:36 staying in shape during WCW 1:55:31 being a fan of 3 Count 1:58:44 drinking with the ICP1:59:56 released from WCW 2:02:20 dealings with Bob Sapp 2:03:26 interview wrap up 2:11:39 outro/closing thoughtsPlease follow our channels on Follow the MMA History Team on Instagram: MMA Detective Mike Davis @mikedavis632 Co Host Joey Venti @aj_ventitreRecords Keeper- Andrew Mendoza @ambidexstressSocial Media Manager Andy Campbell @martial_mindset_Thumbnails Julio Macedo @juliosemacentoInstagram https://www.instagram.com/mmahistorypodcast?igsh=aHVweHdncXQycHBy&utm_source=qrSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3q8KsfqrSQSjkdPLkdtNWb?si=aL3D5Y3aTDi-PQZdweWL8gApple Podcast MMA History PodcastYouTube https://youtube.com/@MMAHistoryPodcast?si=bj1RBXTZ2X82tv_JOutro song: Power - https://tunetank.com/t/2gji/1458-powerMike - The MMA Detective - @mikedavis632 Cash App - $mikedavis1231Venmo - Mike-Davis-63ZELLE: Cutthroatmma@gmail.com / ph#: 773-491-5052 #MMA #UFC #NHB #MixedMartialArts #MMADetective #MikeDavis #MMAHistory #OldSchoolMMA #MMAPodcast #fightpodcast Thank You for your supportSupport the show

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Ep 252 - Volcano Girls (YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE)

We Enjoy...

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 68:09 Transcription Available

Matt and Eric head to Japan for the fifth JAMES BOND flick, YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE - which would be Sean Connery's final Bond...until money lures him back a few years later. It's Bond vs. Blofeld in a battle to the save the world from nuking out!

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5 takeaways from Classic (so far); 7 games today!

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 12:15

The World Baseball Classic is off to a riveting start, with Japan, the D.R. and the U.S. asserting their dominance. Elsewhere, Cuba (2-0) is trying to reclaim its premier standing and don't look past the fun-loving, espresso-chugging Italy squad. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Episode 750: Springtime for the PRC with Dean Cheng

Midrats

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 58:17 Transcription Available

The first quarter of 2026 still has three weeks to go, but the assumptions and friend group of the People's Republic of China has changed dramatically.Recent changes in the assumptions concerning Venezuela, Iran, Japan, and other nations will impact the national security concerns of the West's greatest challenger on the world stage.Returning to the Midrats Podcast today from 5-6 PM Eastern to discuss will be Dean Cheng.Dean is a Non-resident Senior Fellow, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and Non-resident Fellow, George Washington University Space Policy Institute.He recently retired after 14 years with the Heritage Foundation, where he was a senior research fellow on Chinese political and security affairs, and wrote on various aspects of Chinese foreign and defense policy.Prior to joining the Heritage Foundation, he was a senior analyst with the China Studies Division (previously, Project Asia) at CNA from 2001-2009. Before joining CNA, he was a senior analyst with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) from 1996-2001. From 1993-1995, he was an analyst with the US Congress' Office of Technology Assessment in the International Security and Space Division, where he studied the Chinese defense industrial complex.He is the author of the book Cyber Dragon: Inside China's Information Warfare and Cyber Operations (NY: Praeger Publishing, 2016), as well as a number of papers and book chapters examining various aspects of Chinese security affairs.Show LinksDean Cheng's article on Chinese military purgesAn Army at Dawn, by Rick AtkinsonChina's HQ‑9B Defense System Under ScrutinySummaryIn this episode, Dean Cheng discusses China's strategic posture, military reforms, cyber capabilities, and the implications of recent global events on China's long-term plans. We explore China's economic outlook, military modernization, regional influence, and the impact of purges within the PLA.Chapters00:00: Introduction and Context of Global Tensions03:01: China's Strategic Position and Five-Year Plan07:07: Defense Spending and Global Security Concerns10:05: China's Vulnerabilities and Energy Security11:44: Military Purges and Leadership Control18:22: Military Readiness and Combat Experience23:27: Testing Chinese Military Equipment in Conflicts28:45: Global Arms Market and Strategic Alliances30:24: Military Culture and Learning from Underperformance32:57: Training and Realistic Combat Experience35:40: Cyber Warfare and Electronic Warfare Concerns38:05: Regional Conflicts and China's Diplomatic Stance40:46: China's Image and Political Warfare44:48: Shifts in Global Alliances and Economic Influence47:34: The Importance of Economic Engagement50:25: China's Diplomatic Approach to Neighbors54:16: Cyber Threats and Infrastructure Vulnerabilities

Frank Dikötter: Red Dawn over China, How Communism Conquered a Quarter of Humanity

Commonwealth Club of California Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 69:57

Join us to hear from renowned historian Frank Dikötter, who offers a commanding history recasting how communists seized power in China. In April 1927, soldiers and detectives descended upon the Russian Embassy in Beijing, revolvers drawn. An hour later, they emerged with a trove of documents, some of them partly damaged by Russians who had tried quickly to destroy them. In these singed and soggy papers was proof that Moscow, despite agreeing three years earlier not to “propagate communistic doctrines,” had, in fact, sent what amounts to millions in today's dollars—along with shiploads of arms and advisors—to support nothing less than a revolution in China. These findings are hardly ever mentioned by historians—until now. Dikötter says the history of modern China has long been framed as an organic enterprise, wherein Communists mobilized the “peasants,” took land from the rich and redistributed it to the poor. Drawing on the Beijing raid as well as several other overlooked archives, Dikötter's new book Red Dawn Over China reveals how unlikely a communist victory actually was, had it not been for massive financial and military support from the Soviet Union; a brutal war of occupation by Japan; severe miscalculations by the United States; and—most of all—the Communist Party's unflinching will to conquer at all costs. Dikötter reveals how what began in 1921 with 13 delegates in a dusty room led to a red flag being raised over the Forbidden City in 1949, forever altering the course of history for a quarter of humanity and shaping the global balance of power as we know it today. About the Speaker: Frank Dikötter is the Milias Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also Chair Professor of Humanities at the University of Hong Kong. His books have changed the way historians view China, from the classic The Discourse of Race in Modern China to his award-winning People's Trilogy, a series of books that document the lives of ordinary people under Mao: Mao's Great Famine: The History of China's Most Devastating Catastrophe; The Tragedy of Liberation: A History of the Chinese Revolution, 1945-1957; and The Cultural Revolution: A People's History, 1962-1976. An Asia-Pacific Affairs Member-led Forum program. Forums and chapters at the Club are organized and run by volunteer programmers who are members of The Commonwealth Club, and they cover a diverse range of topics. Learn more about our Forums. Organizer: Lillian K NakagawaNotes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Australian YouTuber Wants to Buy an Akiya

Japan Real Estate

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 74:59

What should he be thinking about? What should he watch out for? Also - two more bonus calls on the topic of Japan real estate property investments - don't go away after the first call!

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NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - Vietnamese News at 20:00 (JST), March 09

Vietnamese News - NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 9:59

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - Vietnamese News at 20:00 (JST), March 09

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Governor-General Attends Emperor's Birthday Reception as Japan–Australia Treaty Marks 50th Anniversary - 天皇誕生日祝賀レセプションに連邦総督が初出席、日豪友好協力基本条約署名から50周年

SBS Japanese - SBSの日本語放送

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 11:29

Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC attended a reception at the Japanese Ambassador's residence in Canberra marking the Emperor of Japan's birthday and the 50th Anniversary of Friendship and Cooperation Treaty. It was the first time an Australian Governor-General has attended the Emperor's Birthday reception since Japan established its embassy in Canberra in 1953. - 今月4日（水）、キャンベラの在オーストラリア日本国大使公邸で、天皇誕生日と日豪友好協力基本条約50周年を祝うレセプションが開かれました。1953年にキャンベラに日本大使館が設立されて以来、天皇誕生日レセプションに、オーストラリアの連邦総督が出席するのは、今回が初めてです。

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NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - Portuguese News at 18:00 (JST), March 09

Portuguese News - NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 9:59

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - Portuguese News at 18:00 (JST), March 09

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NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - Chinese News at 15:10 (JST), March 09

Chinese News - NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 9:55

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - Chinese News at 15:10 (JST), March 09

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DAB March 09 - 2026

1 Year Daily Audio Bible Japanese - オーディオ・バイブル・ジャパン

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026

Num 11:24-13:33, Mark 14:22-52, Ps 52:1-9, Pr 11:1-3

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NZ sharemarket takes hit as investors rattled by war

RNZ: Checkpoint

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 6:50

New Zealand's sharemarket has taken a hit today as economic ripples from the war in the Middle East, are felt further afield. The NZX50 joined other markets in the region, including Australia, Japan and Korea, in seeing investors rattled by the war and oil price hikes. The market closed 3.2 percentage points lower, while the S&P200 in Australia is currently tracking the same way, around 3.3 percent down. Jeff Ruscoe, the managing director of AMP Wealth Management spoke to Lisa Owen.

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Gold, Debt and the AI Boom: A Financial Historian's Warning

Merryn Talks Money

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 33:39 Transcription Available

On this week's Merryn Talks Money podcast, host Merryn Somerset Webb speaks with financial historian Edward Chancellor about how energy constraints and geopolitical tensions could reshape markets, whether the artificial intelligence boom is a bubble and what it all means for interest rates. Chancellor argues that AI enthusiasm may be overextended, warns of rising long-term rates and sovereign debt risks and makes the case for gold, commodities, Japan and emerging markets over bonds and expensive growth stocks. Sign up to the subscriber event here: https://www.bloombergevents.com/ZZ3kna?utm_source=Podcast&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_medium=Podcast&RefId=subSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - Russian News at 12:30 (JST), March 09

Russian News - NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 9:56

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - Russian News at 12:30 (JST), March 09

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NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - Arabic News at 15:00 (JST), March 09

Arabic News - NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 9:58

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - Arabic News at 15:00 (JST), March 09

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Filipino Lechon among iconic dishes in 'The Food That Built Asia' documentary - Lechon, tampok sa SBS documentary na ‘The Food That Built Asia'

SBS Filipino - SBS Filipino

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 3:31

Aside from lechon, other Asian dishes will also be featured, such as Thailand's Pad Thai, Singapore's Chilli Crab, Malaysia and Indonesia's Nasi Lemak, Hong Kong's Har Gow, and Japan's Sushi and Ramen. - Bukod sa lechon, bibida rin ang iba pang pagkain sa Asya gaya ng Pad Thai ng Thailand, Chilli Crab ng Singapore, Nasi Lemak ng Malaysia at Indonesia, Har Gow sa Hong Kong, at Sushi at Ramen ng Japan.

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Så har Japans järnlady retat upp Kina

Studio DN

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 23:01

I november 2025 stängs elen av mitt under en konsert med den japanska artisten Maki Otsuki när hon uppträder i Kina. Kommuniststyret har just beslutat att japanska artister inte får uppträda i landet. Orsaken stavas Sanae Takaichi – Japans konservativa och nationalistiska premiärminister. Sedan hon tillträdde i oktober har relationen till Kina blivit allt sämre, samtidigt som Japan drabbats av Sanae-mania och handväskan premiärministern bär har sålt slut. Vem är kvinnan som kallas Japans järnlady? Programledare: Maria Hansson Botin. Med Marianne Björklund, Asienkorrespondent på DN. Producent: Måns Mosesson.

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EZ News 03/09/26

EZ News

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 6:00

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex tumbled 1,244-points this morning from Friday's close, at 32,354 on turnover of 27.6-billion N-T. The market fell just over 70-points on Friday, as investors remained worried about geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have sent the price of oil on an upward climb, to hit its highest level in nearly two years. Lai says supporting women makes Taiwan 'more powerful' President Lai Ching-te says he believes Taiwan will become "more powerful" if women have more support and choices from society. Taking to Facebook to mark International Women's Day, Lai said when a society is willing to give women more support and room for choice, Taiwan will not only become kinder, but also more powerful. Noting that the theme of this year's International Women's Day is "Give To Gain," Lai said he hopes every Taiwanese woman, whether striving (努力) in the workplace or cultivating family life, can "freely become her ideal self." Lai's Facebook post went on to say his government has promulgated Taiwan's first national action plan on gender-based violence prevention … .. and that plan aims to integrate violence-prevention resources to "build a more comprehensive and complete gender equality protection network." Japanese-style Mazu float headlines parade at Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi A Japanese-style lantern float featuring Mazu headlined the national baseball team parade at the Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi County this past weekend. The large art piece was a Japanese Nebuta, a traditional lantern float handmade from wood, metal wire, and paper. The float was crafted domestically (國內的) in Taiwan by Nebuta artists Makoto Suwa and Hiromi Hayashi, from Japan's Aomori City. They were invited by the General Association of Chinese Culture to serve as resident artists for this year's Lantern Festival. The float headlined the parade to celebrate Taiwan at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Iranian foreign minister says no plans to increase range of its ballistic missiles Iran's foreign minister says the country currently has no plans to increase (增加) the range of its ballistic missiles. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports US SKorea Begin Drills The United States has begun a large military exercise with South Korea involving thousands of troops while also waging an escalating war in the Middle East. The Freedom Shield exercise that began Monday runs through March 19. South Korea has said about 18,000 Korean troops will take part, while the U.S. hasn't confirmed the number of American troops participating in the training in South Korea. The allies' combined exercise comes amid South Korean media speculation (猜測) that Washington is relocating some assets from South Korea to support fighting against Iran. Canada PM Calls for Special District Elections Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called special elections for three districts that, if his party wins, would give the Liberals a majority government (多數政府). The prime minister announced votes will be cast on April 13-thth The Liberals currently have 169 Members of Parliament in the House of Commons, but they need 172 to secure a majority government which would allow them to pass any bill without the support of an opposition party. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－【遠雄樂元】台中北屯捷運X好市多雙首排 ➤早鳥首付55萬起旗艦級新地標21-39坪，台中北屯機捷總站20米，好市多60米，出站即到家。2147坪新世代遊園宅，全齡化公設✦ 早鳥輕入住 https://sofm.pse.is/8sx7ws -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Taraweeh Tafseer 19 | Mufti Tariq Masood Speeches

Mufti Tariq Masood

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 54:33

(0:00) Intro(0:02) Khutba(0:07) Khawateen ki Saffain aur Vital Tea Stall Msg(1:04) Allah ki Qudrat aur Na-Shukra Insan(1:50) Zameen – Behtareen Qarar Gah(2:31) Dariya, Paharr aur Mukhtalif Pani(3:21) Allah – Pukar Sunne Wala(3:31) Insan – Khalifa fil-Arz(5:00) Sitaron se Rasta(6:49) Roohani Roshni(7:00) Barish se Pehle Hawa(7:16) Allah – Shirk se Balatar(7:26) Takhleeq ki Ibtida(8:20) Dobara Zindagi(8:41) Barish aur Rizq(9:13) Burhan vs Tawaham Parasti(11:06) Aakhirat se Ghaflat(14:10) Aamaal Nama(14:54) Aakhirat se Inkar(16:44) Naiki aur Gunah ka Qanoon(17:14) Musa AS ka Waqia(17:40) Muslim Minorities par Zulm(17:52) Bosnia War(20:39) Yahudi Khalafat(21:21) Mazhab aur Qaumiyat(22:12) Salman Farsi RA(23:00) Zaid bin Haritha RA(23:37) Khilafat-e-Usmania(23:54) Makkah Madina ki Hifazat(24:51) Asmani Mazahib ki Fazilat(25:31) Esai Khilafat(25:57) Islami Khilafat(27:04) Turk Khilafat(27:13) Hitler ke Mazalim(27:34) Japan ka Akhlaq(28:18) Japan vs US Tajruba(31:06) Qaum Parasti(31:57) Muslim Minorities se Hasad(33:40) Bani Israel ki Tehzeeb(34:08) Firauon ke Mazalim(34:42) Family Planning Propaganda(35:35) Karachi Demographics(37:15) Aaj ke Firauon(37:37) Kamzor Logon ki Imamat(38:33) Super Powers System(39:23) Qur'an ka Jalal(39:48) Firauon aur Hamaan(40:21) Allah ki Tadbeer(41:07) Musa AS ki Walida(42:31) Sanduq ka Waqia(43:11) Qur'an ki Balaghat(44:20) Musa AS ka Qatl ka Irada(44:40) Firauon ki Misal(45:00) Firauon ki Biwi(45:42) Joru ka Ghulam(46:12) Musa AS ko Mehel mein Rakhna(46:28) Walida ki Mamta(47:07) Jazbati Faislay(47:20) Mushkil mein Faisla(47:54) Dil ko Tasalli(49:22) Musa AS ki Behen(50:08) Musa AS ki Behen ki Hikmat(50:46) Behen ka Mashwara(51:44) Maa ki Tasalli(52:50) Allah ka Wada(53:19) Musa AS ki Jawani(53:31) Istawa – Jawani ki Quwwat(54:10) Ilm aur Hikmat(54:17) Aameen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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カタールから邦人２０８人退避　チャーター機で帰国へ

japan japanese iran israelis qatar doha riyadh foreign ministry

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 0:30

外務省、東京都千代田区外務省は９日、米・イスラエルとイランの戦闘激化を受け、カタールの首都ドーハから邦人２０８人がサウジアラビアの首都リヤドへ陸路で退避したと発表した。 Japan's Foreign Ministry said Monday that 208 Japanese nationals have been evacuated from Doha, the capital of Qatar, to Riyadh by land amid the growing conflict between U.S.-Israeli forces and Iran.

長射程ミサイル、熊本に搬入　初の反撃能力、月内配備―防衛省

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 0:42

陸上自衛隊の健軍駐屯地に入る長射程ミサイル関連の機材を載せたとみられる車両、９日未明、熊本市東区反撃能力の要となる長射程ミサイル「１２式地対艦誘導弾能力向上型」の初配備に向け、陸上自衛隊が配備先となる陸自健軍駐屯地に発射装置などを搬入したことが９日、関係者への取材で分かった。 Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force has brought launchers and other equipment of sophisticated long-range missiles into its Camp Kengun in the city of Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, in preparation for their deployment, informed sources said Monday.

japan kumamoto

旧統一教会が特別抗告　解散命令に不服、清算手続きは継続

japan supreme court unification church

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 0:25

【図解】旧統一教会への解散命令を巡る流れ世界平和統一家庭連合は９日、東京地裁に続き解散を命じた東京高裁決定を不服として、最高裁に特別抗告した。 The religious group known as the Unification Church on Monday filed a special appeal to Japan's Supreme Court against a Tokyo High Court order to dissolve the group.

アルペン女子の村岡桃佳が銀　日本勢メダル１号―ミラノ・コルティナ・パラ〔パラリンピック〕

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 0:31

アルペンスキー女子スーパー大回転座位、滑走する村岡桃佳、９日、コルティナダンペッツォ【ミラノ時事】ミラノ・コルティナ・パラリンピック第４日は９日、アルペンスキーが行われ、女子スーパー大回転で村岡桃佳が銀メダルを獲得した。 Momoka Muraoka won the silver medal in the women's alpine skiing super-G sitting event at the Milan-Cortina Paralympics on Monday, bringing Japan its first medal of the ongoing games.

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S8 Ep549: In these interview segments, James M. Scott discusses his book Black Snow, which chronicles the American air campaign against Japan during World War II. (9)

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 10:37

In these interview segments, James M. Scott discusses his book *Black Snow*, which chronicles the American air campaign against Japan during World War II. (9)In these interview segments, James M. Scott discusses his book *Black Snow*, which chronicles the American air campaign against Japan during World War II. (9)1923 TOKYO AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE

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S8 Ep549: 2. The Failure of Precision BombingPrecision bombing fails due to Japan's notorious weather, violent jet streams, and B-29 mechanical issues. Scott details the challenges of 3,000-mile roundtrip missions and the growing debate over shifting fro

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 8:05

2. The Failure of Precision BombingPrecision bombing fails due to Japan's notorious weather, violent jet streams, and B-29 mechanical issues. Scott details the challenges of 3,000-mile roundtrip missions and the growing debate over shifting from pinpoint targets to the firebombing of cities, a strategy already employed by the British in Europe. (11)1944 TOKYO

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S8 Ep549: 7. The Devastating Aftermath The firebombing results in 105,000 deaths, surpassing the destruction in Dresden and Hamburg. LeMay's success validates his tactical gamble, leading to the systematic burning of other Japanese cities throughout the

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Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 15:39

7. The Devastating Aftermath The firebombing results in 105,000 deaths, surpassing the destruction in Dresden and Hamburg. LeMay's success validates his tactical gamble, leading to the systematic burning of other Japanese cities throughout the summer. Scott notes that this conventional campaign had already crippled Japan before the atomic bomb. (16)1946 TOKYO

BRIEFLY: VW ID.Golf, EV Vans, 400-Stall Charger Site & more | 07 Mar 2026

EV News Daily - Electric Car Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 4:16

It's EV News Briefly for Saturday 07 March 2026, 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/EVNewsDailyVW SHOWS WORKERS NINTH-GEN GOLF PLANVolkswagen has given Wolfsburg workers a first look at the ninth-generation Golf, expected to carry the ID Golf name and built on VW Group's new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). From summer 2027, current combustion-engine Golf production shifts to Mexico, freeing Wolfsburg to retool for the ID Golf and an electric VW T-Roc successor.STELLANTIS CUTS ELECTRIC VAN PRICES TO DIESEL LEVELStellantis Pro One is running a European campaign until end of June that matches the purchase price of eight battery-electric vans to their diesel equivalents across compact and mid-size segments. The offer directly closes gaps such as the €7,150 difference between the Opel Combo Cargo Electric and its diesel counterpart, testing whether price parity alone will push fleets to commit.TESLA EYES 400-STALL SUPERCHARGER SITE IN YERMOTesla is planning a 400-stall V4 Supercharger station in Yermo, California on Interstate 15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, which would more than double the current record of 164 stalls. The site would be built in six phases as part of a wider retail hub called Eddie World 2, with Phase 1 delivering 72 stalls breaking ground in 2026.UBER BACKS POD HOME CHARGING SUBSCRIPTION FOR DRIVERSUber has partnered with Pod in the UK to offer drivers a home EV charger subscription for £25 per month over three years, with no upfront cost, a lifetime warranty, and potential cash rewards of up to £170 a year through smart charging. The offer arrives as Uber expands its Uber Electric category to eight new UK cities including Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds.BYD SURGES IN GERMANY AND UKBYD registrations surged 1,550% year-on-year in Germany in February to 3,053 vehicles, while also rising 83% in the UK to 2,154 units and tripling in Spain to 3,003 registrations. The gains come as BYD ramps up its first European plant in Hungary, built partly to sidestep EU tariffs on Chinese-imported EVs imposed in October 2024.NIO SHIFTS EUROPE TO DISTRIBUTORSNio is overhauling its European operations by switching from direct sales to a distributor-led model in Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden, while retaining direct sales only in Norway. The restructure, moving from a country-led to a function-led organisation, has already seen Nio Germany general manager David Sultzer step down.MILENCE OPENS 400 KW TRUCK CHARGING HUB IN GHENTMilence, backed by Volvo Group, Daimler Truck, and Traton, has opened a 400 kW HGV charging hub at the Volvo Trucks plant in Ghent, its fourth Belgian site, positioned on the TEN-T North Sea–Mediterranean freight corridor. A second phase will add Megawatt Charging System infrastructure, targeting charge times of 30 to 45 minutes for large HGV batteries.UK ADDED TO EU PLANS FOR EV PRODUCTION LIMITSThe European Commission's Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) will open EU manufacturing subsidies to up to 40 "trusted partner" nations including the UK and Japan, following lobbying by UK business secretary Peter Kyle after fears that Nissan's Sunderland plant could close under earlier exclusionary proposals. The IAA also targets lifting manufacturing's share of EU GDP from 14.3% to 20% by 2035, though US firms are expected to be excluded due to American public procurement restrictions.ETHIOPIA'S EV IMPORT SHARE JUMPS AFTER ICE BANAfter Ethiopia banned ICE vehicle imports in 2024 and cut EV import duties, EVs rose from under 1% to around 6% of all vehicle imports, surpassing the reported global average of roughly 4%. The government is driving electrification as energy sovereignty, aided by low electricity costs of around $0.10 per kWh and a tiered tariff structure that exempts domestically assembled EV kits from import tax entirely.ORBÁN'S BATTERY BET HITS A DOWNTURNHungary has attracted approximately €26 billion in foreign EV battery investment, mainly from South Korean and Chinese manufacturers, but battery output has fallen during a prolonged sector downturn weeks before the April 12 national election. The strategy faces additional political pressure after a news investigation into health and safety violations at Samsung SDI's factory undermined the narrative around foreign-capital-led industrialisation.QUEENSLAND PUSHES UNDER-16 BAN FOR E-MOBILITYA Queensland parliamentary inquiry has tabled 28 recommendations including a ban on under-16s riding e-bikes and personal mobility devices, prompted by 12 e-mobility deaths and over 6,300 emergency department presentations in the state last year. Key proposals also include requiring at least a learner car licence to ride, cutting footpath speed limits to 10 km/h, and reclassifying any device capable of exceeding 25 km/h as a motorcycle.

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Current Energy Update • Japan Dragon Eggs - Indigo Angel -

Typical Skeptic Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 86:29 Transcription Available

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 04:30 (JST), March 09

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 9:57

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 04:30 (JST), March 09

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NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 03:00 (JST), March 09

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 9:57

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 03:00 (JST), March 09

japan world radio jst nhk world english news

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 23:00 (JST), March 08

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 9:57

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 23:00 (JST), March 08

japan world radio jst nhk world english news

NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN - English News at 18:00 (JST), March 08