Podcasts about Japan

This week on Sheena Interrupted, we're back from Japan…and it completely lived up to the hype.From the most incredible food (yes… even the pizza), to the level of organization, cleanliness, and thoughtfulness in everyday life, Japan felt like stepping into a completely different world (in the best way). We're sharing everything from our trip: Tokyo vs. Kyoto, our favorite experiences (including what you should book in advance), traveling with kids, and the small moments that ended up meaning the most.We also talk about what's changed since we last lived there, what surprised us, and why Japan continues to leave such a lasting impression. 

Join the WAWD Substack: https://whatarewedoingonthedesk.substack.com/ Guy Adami and Danny Moses open with a brief New York Giants aside before turning to markets, focusing on Jerome Powell's final Fed press conference as Chair, his plan to remain a governor, and expectations that Kevin Warsh will become Fed Chair as the administration seeks more influence over the Board. They discuss how markets have stayed resilient despite $100 oil, rising global yields, a weakening yen with Japan intervention near 160, geopolitical stress, and a subdued VIX, attributing much of the strength to passive flows and forced institutional chasing. Moses flags inflation beginning to filter through via price hikes and warns the consumer may eventually feel higher energy costs. They debate energy stocks' durability even if crude eases, remain constructive on gold amid fiscal/geopolitical risks, note elevated valuation signals like the Buffett indicator, and address concerns about “fantasy math” in AI, citing OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar's tempered adoption comments and cautioning retail on private-market secondaries. —FOLLOW USYouTube: @RiskReversalMediaInstagram: @riskreversalmediaTwitter: @RiskReversalLinkedIn: RiskReversal Media

Last time we spoke about the battle of West Suiyuan. The Ma Clique, Muslim warlords controlling Northwest China, led by Ma Hongkui and Ma Hongbin, rebuffed Japanese overtures to ally, citing historical grievances like the 1900 invasion. Driven by patriotism, they aligned with the Nationalists, reorganizing forces into the 17th Army Group. In 1938, Ma Hongbin commanded West Suiyuan defenses, building fortifications in harsh desert and mountain terrain, blending cavalry tactics with modern training despite equipment shortages. In January 1940, Japanese and puppet troops advanced from Baotou, occupying Wuyuan and Linhe. Chinese forces, including Fu Zuoyi's 35th Army and Ma's 81st Army, employed guerrilla and mobile warfare. A major counterattack in March recaptured Wuyuan, killing Lt. Gen. Mizukawa and thousands, forcing Japanese retreat. Through ambushes and night raids, the Chinese recovered territories, securing Soviet aid routes and the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia region. Over 2,000 Ningxia soldiers perished, their sacrifices underscoring peripheral fronts' role in national resistance.   #200 The battle of Yaoyi 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. After capturing Wuhan, the Japanese army had already stretched itself dangerously thin. Most regular and Class A reserve divisions were committed to the front, yet they failed to annihilate the main Chinese force. Despite losing its core industrial and resource regions, the Nationalist government in Chongqing refused Japan's peace terms. Japan now found itself trapped in the very protracted war it had desperately sought to avoid. The logical Japanese response was to halt major advances, consolidate control over occupied areas, and conduct limited offensives to pressure Chiang Kai-shek into negotiations—essentially repeating the post-Nanjing strategy of late 1937. But the situation had deteriorated sharply: occupied territory had at least doubled, Japanese garrisons were inadequate, and strategic reserves were nearly exhausted. What might have been prudent a year earlier had become plainly unwise by late 1938.   To stabilize the front, Japan reorganized its China Expeditionary Army at the end of 1938. Large numbers of newly raised independent mixed brigades and lower-quality Class B reserve divisions were sent to relieve veteran regular and Class A divisions. The relieved units were either demobilized back to Japan or shifted north to reinforce the Kwantung Army against the Soviet threat.   By early 1940 Japan maintained roughly 24 divisions, 21 independent mixed brigades, and 2 cavalry brigades in China proper (excluding Manchuria), totaling nearly 800,000 ground troops. The enormous scale and expense strained the home economy severely. Even so, the vast occupied zones could not be effectively controlled: divisions often held only a single mobile battalion while dispersing the rest into scattered platoon- and squad-sized outposts. Guerrilla activity by both Nationalist and Communist forces not only persisted but intensified, occasionally clashing with each other in "friction" incidents.   Beyond mere occupation, Japan sought to wear down Chinese strength. With most elite Central Army units held in reserve in the southwest or around Wuhan, Japanese local offensives targeted the Fifth and Ninth War Zones, aiming to methodically destroy Chiang's best troops. Thus, while other Japanese armies focused on garrison relief and brigade substitution, the 11th Army—still holding Wuhan with seven divisions and three brigades—remained the main offensive instrument. In 1939 it captured Nanchang, then mounted major operations against the Fifth War Zone (Suizao Campaign) and Ninth War Zone (First Battle of Changsha). Except for the seizure of Nanchang, however, these offensives inflicted only limited and temporary damage on Chinese forces.   Japan's domestic economy was in even worse shape. In early 1937, it had approved a massive 2.4 billion yen naval and army rebuilding program aimed at countering the United States and Russia, but implementation had barely started when the Sino-Japanese War erupted. The conflict generated enormous war costs while military expansion continued unabated, rapidly draining the Bank of Japan's gold reserves. By the end of 1938, those reserves (valued at just 1.35 billion yen) had shrunk by more than two-thirds. To fund the Battle of Wuhan that year, Japan postponed key elements of the rebuilding plan. After Wuhan fell, the Army revised its wartime reorganization: the original target of forty divisions grew to fifty-five by early 1938, then to sixty-five divisions plus 164 Army Air Force squadrons by 1942. The funding required to equip and stockpile for this expansion escalated steadily; the 1939 expansion budget alone demanded 1.8 billion yen, pushing Japanese finances to the breaking point.   Japan repeatedly sought a way out of China, but its peace terms remained far beyond what Chongqing would accept, leaving negotiations stalled. Efforts to install puppet regimes in North and Central China—culminating in the Wang Jingwei government in 1940—aimed to "use Chinese to control Chinese" and undermine Nationalist influence, yet produced disappointing results.   The 11th Army's 1939 campaigns yielded only mediocre outcomes, hampered by chronic troop shortages. Even its divisions were tied down in occupation duties; mounting a serious offensive required pulling garrison forces, leaving no reserves to hold the line unless new units arrived. Sustained large-scale operations to seriously weaken Chinese strength demanded a major troop increase—otherwise, Japan was limited to shallow, localized attacks. Lt. Gen. Yasuji Okamura, commanding the 11th Army, recognized this clearly. In a December 1939 report, he argued that diplomacy and small offensives were futile and urged a large-scale operation backed by substantial reinforcements. His superiors, however, were preoccupied with funding the broader military buildup and could offer no extra men. The post-Wuhan "defensiveization" of operations was largely a cost-saving measure to support that expansion. Japanese ground strength in China, which peaked near 850,000 after Wuhan, had already dropped by about 50,000. Full-strength regular or Class A divisions numbered roughly 22,000 men (four regiments), while newer garrison divisions had only about 15,000 (three regiments), and independent mixed brigades just 6,000. Okamura's proposal was sensible but politically impossible; high command was even contemplating slashing China troop levels to 400,000.   The Chinese Winter Offensive of December 1939, together with counterattacks at Nanning and Kunlun Pass, inflicted serious losses and exposed the limited damage done to Chinese forces in 1939 operations. The recapture of Wuyuan in March 1940 signaled the start of a new phase. Shortly afterward, intensified Chinese guerrilla raids deep into Japanese rear areas prompted large Japanese "mop-up" operations in southern Shanxi, central Hubei, southern Jiangxi, and northern Hunan. In the Wuhan sector, repeated blows from the Winter Offensive heightened fears of Chinese forces in the Dahong and Tongbai Mountains, which threatened control over the vital Jianghan Plains rice-producing region. In mid-April 1940, the Japanese abandoned outposts at Macheng (eastern Hubei), Fengxin, and Jing'an (northern Jiangxi), withdrew elements of the 6th Division (northern Hunan), 40th Division (northern Jiangxi), and the 3rd, 13th, and 39th Divisions (Hubei), and concentrated them around Zhongxiang, Suixian, and Xinyang for a maximum-effort push.   These setbacks finally forced Tokyo to abandon deep troop reductions in China and approve reinforcements of two regular divisions for a major 1940 offensive. The revised end-1940 target became 740,000 troops in China. In spring 1940, the 11th Army—backed fully by Imperial General Headquarters and the China Expeditionary Army—began detailed preparations for a large-scale assault on China's Fifth War Zone.   On February 25, 1940, the 11th Army issued its "Guiding Strategy for the Campaign." The operational goal was to defeat the main force of China's Fifth War Zone along both banks of the Han River before the rainy season, inflict further heavy losses on Chiang Kai-shek's army through decisive victory, and thereby advance Japan's overall political and strategic position vis-à-vis China. The guiding principle called for the quickest possible preparations, with the offensive to begin around early May: first destroy Chinese forces on the left (east) bank south of the Baihe River, then completely annihilate the core units on the right (west) bank near Yichang. On April 7, under the new commander Lt. Gen. Sonobe Kazuo (who replaced Okamura Yasuji), the 11th Army produced a more detailed plan. On April 10, Imperial General Headquarters Order No. 426 ("Continental Order") authorized the China Expeditionary Army to conduct operations in central and southern China during May–June, even beyond established boundaries, to fulfill current objectives.   Japanese planners viewed the Fifth War Zone—roughly 50 divisions encircling Wuhan—with its main strength concentrated along the Han (Xiang) River in northwestern Hubei. Striking Yichang would deliver a severe blow to the zone. As the gateway to Sichuan, only 480 km from Chongqing, Yichang held immense strategic value: an inland port, Three Gorges logistics hub, and key base for air raids on Chongqing. Capturing it would directly threaten the Nationalist wartime capital and southwestern rear, advancing political leverage. Still, long-term occupation was not pre-decided; initial plans stressed inflicting maximum damage followed by withdrawal, in line with the post-Wuhan policy of avoiding permanent overextension. China, aware that holding the Jianghan Plain's rice-producing areas enabled sustained attrition against Japan, deployed guerrilla units to harass Japanese rear areas (increasing occupier losses) while tasking the River Defense Force to hold key front-line points: Jingmen, Shashi, and Yichang.   To achieve these aims, the 11th Army committed as much as possible of its seven divisions and four brigades (88 battalions total). Core units included the 3rd Division (Maj. Gen. Yamakoshi Masataka; regiments 6, 18, 34, 68), 13th Division (Maj. Gen. Tanaka Shioichi; 58, 65, 104, 116), 39th Division (Maj. Gen. Murakami Keisaku; 231–233), elements of the 40th Division, detachments from the 33rd and 34th Divisions, and others. Reinforcements comprised the Ikeda Detachment (three battalions from 6th Division), Ishimoto Detachment (four–five from 40th), Ogawa Detachment (two from 34th), and Provisional Mixed Brigade 101. Supporting assets included the 6th Field Heavy Artillery Regiment, 7th and 13th Tank Regiments, 3rd Air Group, Navy 1st China Dispatch Fleet, and 2nd Combined Air Team. The China Expeditionary Army transferred seven battalions from the 15th and 22nd Divisions (13th Army, lower Yangtze). The main effort north of the river involved roughly 48–54 battalions, or 80,000–110,000 men, making the Zaoyi (Zaoyang–Yichang) Campaign the largest Japanese operation on the central front since Wuhan. Sonobe's staff structured the offensive in two phases. Phase One targeted the Fifth War Zone's main force around Zaoyang (east of the Han River) through converging pincer movements: right flank from Xinyang (reinforced 3rd Division), left flank from Zhongxiang (reinforced 13th Division), and central thrust by the reinforced 39th Division from Suixian. The plan exploited terrain—Dahong and Tongbai Mountains—for encirclement. After seizing Minggang (right flank) and advancing from Zhongxiang (left), the pincers would close on Zaoyang, with the center (along the Xianghua Highway from Suixian) drawing Chinese forces into the trap for envelopment. Diversionary attacks south of the Yangtze, propaganda hinting at limited scope, and planted false orders helped mask intentions. Japanese radio intelligence—intercepts and direction-finding of Chinese headquarters signals—provided critical advantages, especially in later stages.   By March 1940, Chinese intelligence had already detected the 11th Army's intent to mount a major offensive from Xinyang and Wuhan into northwestern Hubei. On April 10, Chiang Kai-shek telegraphed Li Zongren and other Fifth War Zone commanders, urging immediate preparations for a preemptive strike against any push toward Shapingba and Yichang. He emphasized proactive flanking attacks on Japanese rear areas via Wusheng Pass and threats to the Pinghan Railway, while keeping main forces east of the Han River for decisive engagement once the enemy committed.   Following Military Commission directives, the Fifth War Zone devised a plan that used part of its strength for forward advances and deep raids into Japanese rear areas to harass and divert. The bulk of forces would hold the rear, seizing chances for preemptive strikes and a decisive battle east of Zaoyang or south of Jingmen–Dangyang. Deployments included: the 33rd Army Group garrisoning the Xiang River; in the center, the 45th Corps (22nd Army Group) west of Luoyangdian–Suixian and the 84th Corps (11th Army Group) north of Suixian–south of Gaocheng; in southern Henan, the 30th Corps east of Tongbai and the 68th Corps north of Pingchangguan–Minggang; the 41st Corps in reserve near Xiangyang; the 29th Army Group (with part garrisoning north of Tongqiao Zhen–Sanyangtien) concentrated in the Dahong Mountains; and the 31st Army Group positioned between Queshan and Ye Hsien as the mobile force to strike invaders. River Defense Army commander Guo Chan controlled the 26th, 75th, and 94th Armies, the 128th Division, and the 6th and 7th Guerrilla Columns. Total Chinese strength approximated 350,000–380,000 men across roughly 50–54 divisions. To mask preparations and mislead, the Japanese conducted a late-April "mop-up" near Jiujiang, staged naval feints on Poyang and Dongting Lakes, and bombed key points in Hunan and Jiangxi, simulating an imminent Ninth War Zone operation.   With forces assembled, the Japanese offensive began May 1, 1940, from Xinyang, Suixian, and Zhongxiang. The advance split into five routes: (1) Changtaiguan–Minggang–Biyang–Tanghe; (2) Xinyang–Tongbai; (3) Suixian–Zaoyang; (4) Suixian–Wujiadien; (5) Zhongxiang–Shuangkou. Employing flanking with central breakthrough, the reinforced 3rd Division (right flank, including Ishimoto Detachment from 40th Division with tanks and engineers) spearheaded from Xinyang toward Biyang, breaching the Chinese Second Army front on day one. By May 1, elements of the 3rd and 40th Divisions captured Minggang, Lion's Bridge, and Xiaolintien; on May 5 they took Biyang and Tongbai. The Chinese 31st Army Group (northeast of Biyang) linked with the 68th and 92nd Corps to hit Japanese flanks and rear. Leaving some forces west of Tongbai to press the enemy, the main 30th Corps struck Japanese flanks. After seizing Tanghe on May 7, the Japanese pushed south toward Zaoyang. On May 8–9, the 31st Army Group retook Tanghe and Xinye, pursuing vigorously. On May 8, the Japanese left flank (13th Division) attacked from Zhongxiang, breaking through the 33rd Army front the same day.   On May 3, the Japanese 13th Division—supported by over 20 tanks, 40 aircraft, artillery, and cavalry—advanced north from Zhongxiang, capturing Changshoudian and Tianjiachi. It seized Fengyao and Changjiachi by May 6. Chinese 33rd Army Group forces used favorable terrain to intercept, while the 29th Army Group struck Japanese flanks and rear at Changjiachi and Wangjiadian, and the 41st Corps fought tenaciously to halt the advance. By May 7, Japanese spearheads reached Changjiachi on the Zaoyang–Xiangyang Highway, with elements entering Shuangkou; their rear cavalry took Xinye on May 8. Fifth War Zone commander Zhang Zizhong personally led attacks along Tianjiachi–Huanglongtang, supported by fierce 29th Army Group assaults on Japanese rear.   The Japanese 39th Division and a 6th Division brigade delayed their assault on the Chinese 11th Army Group until May 4 from Suixian. After overrunning Gaocheng and Anchu on May 5, Chinese forces withdrew to Huantan–Tang Hsien–north of Gaocheng. As the 33rd Army Group faltered, part of the 11th Army Group reinforced it; the 175th Division held at Tang Hsien while the main body fell back toward Zaoyang. During the maneuver, Japanese tanks enveloped at Tang Hsien, cutting the Zaoyang–Xiangyang Highway and forcing bitter fighting by the 174th Division. To break out, Chinese abandoned Zaoyang, using the 173rd Division for rearguard resistance while the bulk shifted west of the Tang and Bai Rivers. Japanese captured Suiyangdian and Wujiadien on May 7, Zaoyang on May 8; the 173rd Division suffered heavy losses, including the death of its commander, Gen. Zhong Yi.   On May 10, Japanese completed an encirclement east of Xiangdong along the Tang and Bai Rivers—but it collapsed as Chinese exterior forces outflanked both Japanese wings and compressed the center, trapping much of the Japanese in the Xiangdong Plains. The Chinese 2nd and 31st Army Groups plus 92nd Corps pressed south, 39th and 75th Corps east, and 33rd and 29th Army Groups north against the pocket. The 94th Corps advanced along the Han–Yichang Highway deep into Jingshan, Zaoshi, Yingcheng, and Yunmeng to sever Japanese rear communications. Meanwhile, the 7th Corps and eastern Hubei guerrillas seized Jigong Shan, Lijiachai, and Liulin station on the Beijing–Hankou Railway. The 92nd and 68th Corps retook Zaoyang, Tongbai, and Minggang, encircling four Japanese divisions in the Xiangdong Plains. By May 11, battered Japanese retreated eastward under pursuit, Chinese flanking and rear attacks leaving many dead on the field. The 31st Army Group recovered Zaoyang on May 16. Chinese reports claimed 45,000 Japanese casualties, plus capture of over 60 guns, 2,000+ horses, 70+ tanks, and 400+ trucks. The 33rd Army Group fought fiercely to intercept retreating columns, driving large Japanese remnants toward Nanguadian.   Tragically, on May 16 noon, Gen. Zhang Zizhong—personally commanding his Guard Battalion and main 74th Division—was killed in action. With pressure eased on the Japanese left, they counterattacked and retook Zaoyang on May 17. Chinese forces withdrew to Xinye on the Tangbai River's west bank and north of the Tang River, regrouping for a renewed counteroffensive.   The Military Commission anticipated a Japanese withdrawal to original lines, likely along the rain-impassable Xianghua Road. Exploiting the enemy's supply shortages, exhaustion, and retreat difficulties, it ordered Fifth War Zone units to encircle and annihilate Japanese forces near the battlefield, then pursue toward Yingcheng–Huayuan. The zone promptly launched a counteroffensive. By nightfall on May 8, Japanese pincers neared junction, having inflicted serious damage on the Chinese 84th Army but achieved little else. Nonetheless, the 11th Army ordered frontline divisions to withdraw to the Tanghe–Baihe line after reaching it, preparatory to encircling Chinese forces west of the Han River. Chongqing issued general offensive orders at 8 PM and 11 PM that night. By then, six divisions of the 31st Army Group advanced south from Nanyang in the north, five from the 33rd Army Group pressed from the south, and five from the 45th and 94th Armies pursued in the southeast—nearly completing the Japanese encirclement. Intense combat erupted.   On May 10, retreating Japanese first clashed with the advancing 33rd Army Group from the south. Seizing the moment, they ordered the 13th and 39th Divisions plus Ikeda Detachment south to smash it, with the 3rd Division covering the northern flank. Full-scale battle broke out on May 12: two Japanese divisions assaulted five Chinese divisions of the 33rd Army Group, plunging them into desperate fighting. Japanese radio intercepts—including telegrams between the Military Commission and Fifth War Zone, plus Zhang Zizhong's report to Chiang on his five divisions' movements—revealed exact positions and plans. Sonobe Kazuo concentrated the 13th and 39th Divisions to strike south along the Han's east bank against Zhang's army group, while ordering the 3rd Division (south of Xinye) back to Zaoyang to guard the rear. Direction-finding had long pinpointed the 33rd Army Group headquarters radio (call signs and bearings) about 10 km northeast of Yicheng. With air support, the Japanese encircled it. On the night of May 15, the 39th Division advanced from Fangjiaji and Nanying toward Nanguadian, completing tactical encirclement by dawn on May 16. Artillery-supported four-sided assaults followed. The defending 74th Division resisted fiercely with repeated counterattacks. Fighting raged into the afternoon, with the Special Service Battalion joining. Japanese attackers swelled to over 5,000, backed by concentrated artillery and 20+ aircraft for a final push. Zhang Zizhong, wounded multiple times, continued commanding calmly until a severe chest wound killed him heroically. The exhausted, isolated 74th Division and battalion suffered devastating losses. That day, the 13th Division also routed the main 33rd Army Group force, breaking the southern encirclement. Japanese then redeployed, concentrating around Zaoyang.   In the north, 17 divisions (including six from the 31st Army Group) attacked the isolated Japanese 3rd Division from east, south, and north, severing its supply lines. With limited ammunition and no resupply, the division faced crisis; its 29th Brigade telegram pleaded: "Enemy fighting spirit extremely high... safe return very difficult; request battalion reinforcements." Yet southern Chinese forces remained undestroyed amid chaos. Japanese choices narrowed to independent 3rd Division retreat or holding for relief. They opted to lure pursuers: ordering the division southeast toward Zaoyang to draw Chinese into pursuit. From May 16–18, the 3rd Division fought a delaying retreat; relentless Chinese pursuit inflicted limited damage due to insufficient firepower, allowing escape. By evening May 18, it reached northeast of Zaoyang and prepared offensives. The 13th and 39th Divisions, after defeating the 33rd Army Group, also advanced north to the Zaoyang line.   The 3rd Division's retreat shortened Japanese lines and hastened convergence. Unsuspecting Chinese pursued to Zaoyang. After a successful counterattack northeast of Yicheng, the 13th and 39th Divisions rejoined the 3rd Division there. On May 19 morning, three Japanese divisions attacked abreast, forcing decisive battle along the Tang River. Chinese divisions collapsed within hours; the 75th Army took heavy losses, others significant casualties. Fifth War Zone ordered hasty retreat. Japanese pursued vigorously. By May 21, the 3rd Division reached Dengxian, 13th east of Laohekou, 39th Fancheng. Early that day, the 39th Division—crossing the Baihe—met fierce west-bank fire, losing Regiment Commander Kanzaki Tetsujiro and over 300 men. That evening, the 11th Army halted pursuit, ending east-bank (Xiang River) fighting. The 20+ day operation east of the Han inflicted heavy Japanese losses, far exceeding the planned duration, leaving troops exhausted. After halting, units withdrew to Zaoyang vicinity for rest and reorganization rather than immediate return to base positions. Commanders debated proceeding to Yichang west of the Han: abandoning the plan would signal Phase One failure, eroding authority and imperial trust. Most argued troop fatigue and casualties should not deter continuation. Over 1,000 tons of supplies rushed forward via six motor companies. Following east-bank termination, Japanese consolidated for the next phase targeting Yichang. Reinforcements arrived: the 4th Division from Manchuria and 18th Independent Brigade from Wuning. The 4th Division assumed Shayang–Zhongxiang positions east of the Xiang River.   The Japanese bombarded the west bank of the Han River for ninety minutes before forcing a crossing at Wangji north of Yicheng. That midnight, the 3rd Division also crossed southeast of Xiangyang. Both met little resistance and completed crossings before dawn. The 11th Army left the 40th Division at Dahongshan for rear-area mopping-up and assigned the Xiaochuan and Cangqiao Detachments to guard mobile supply depots. On May 31 night, the 3rd and 39th Divisions crossed the Xiang River at Yicheng and Oujiamiao. After seizing Xiangyang on June 1 night, the main force split into columns crossing westward. By June 3, Japanese captured Nanzhang and Yicheng. The Chinese 41st Corps fiercely counterattacked, retaking part of Xiangyang while its main body battled around Nanzhang; the 77th Corps also struck hard. On June 4, Chinese recovered Nanzhang, forcing Japanese retreat southward. Meanwhile, the 13th Division and elements of the 6th Division forced a crossing on the Han–Yichang Highway near Jiukou and Shayang to link with southern columns for a joint push. The Chinese River Defense Force shifted its main strength to key positions, using terrain to block southward advances. The 2nd and 31st Army Groups pursued south separately. Chinese abandoned Shayang on June 5; Japanese took Jingmen, Shilipu, and Shihujiao on June 6. The 77th Corps and river defense units resisted stubbornly from Jingmen to Jiangling. After retaking Yicheng, the 2nd Army Group continued pursuit. Japanese concentrated around Jingmen–Shilipu as Jiangling fell.   On June 9 morning, Japanese launched joint air-ground assaults from Dongshi to Dangyang and Yuanan. By afternoon, penetrating the Chinese right flank forced a night withdrawal to Gulaobei–Shuanlianshi–Dangyang along the Zu River to Yuanan. June 10 saw Japanese capture Gulaobei and Dangyang, pushing Chinese to Yichang outskirts. After days of heavy fighting and prohibitive losses, Chinese abandoned Yichang on their own initiative. The 2nd and 31st Army Groups then reached Dangyang north of Jingmen. On June 16, they mounted a general offensive. By June 17, Chinese briefly retook Yichang; the 2nd Army Group linked with the 77th Corps against Dangyang, while the 31st Army Group severed Dangyang–Jingmen communications and assaulted Jingmen violently. South of the Yangtze, the 5th and 32nd Divisions crossed to hit Shayang and Shilipu. By June 18, Japanese main force held stubbornly from Dangyang to the Xiang River with superior equipment. Chinese, fighting on exterior lines, formed an encirclement from Jiangling–Yichang–Dangyang–Zhongxiang–Suixian–north of Xinyang while maintaining surveillance. Thus, the Zaoyi (Zaoyang–Yichang) Campaign ended. No prior decision existed on holding Yichang long-term. Per post-Wuhan Imperial General Headquarters policy, even extended operations aimed only to inflict severe blows and erode Chinese resistance, not expand occupation. On capture day, the 11th Army declared objectives achieved, ordering reorganization, destruction of Yichang military facilities, and dumping irremovable captured supplies into the Yangtze preparatory to withdrawal. At 10 PM June 15, formal orders withdrew to the Han's east bank: 3rd and 39th Divisions first to Dangyang–Jingmen to cover, then the 13th Division. The 13th began retreating from Yichang at midnight June 16, reaching Tumenya (10 km east) by 7 AM June 17. Chinese counterattacked along the route; the 18th Army pursued and retook Yichang morning of June 17. Japanese held Yichang only four days.   Intense debate erupted between frontline commanders and Imperial General Headquarters over retaining Yichang. With Nazi Germany's Western Europe offensive underway—Paris fell June 12, the day Yichang was taken—global upheaval intensified Japanese urgency to resolve China swiftly and free resources for wider competition. Many in high command and China Expeditionary Army argued long-term occupation would threaten Chongqing more directly, aid political maneuvers, and hasten settlement, offering immense strategic value. This swayed the Emperor, who inquired at the June 15 Imperial Conference about securing it. Backed by imperial support, high command ordered temporary retention (one month) on June 16. By transmission through Expeditionary Army and 11th Army channels, the rearguard 13th Division had withdrawn 52 km. With 3rd Division cooperation, it reversed, broke Chinese resistance, and retook Yichang afternoon June 17. On July 1, to offset expanded 11th Army responsibilities, General Headquarters transferred the 4th Division from Kwantung Army (Jiamusi, Heilongjiang) to 11th Army control. July 13 orders confirmed long-term Yichang retention, redefining Wuhan-region operations to Anqing–Xinyang–Yichang–Yueyang–Nanchang. The 11th Army assigned: 13th Division to Yichang, 4th Division to Anlu, 18th Independent Mixed Brigade east/west of Dangyang; remaining units returned to original defenses.   Post-recapture, Chinese continued counterattacks on Yichang and rear lines until ordered to halt: "To adapt to international changes, preserve National Army combat strength, and facilitate reorganization, Fifth War Zone cease attacks on Yichang immediately." A stalemate followed along lines encircling Yichang, Dangyang, Jiangling, Jingmen, Zhongxiang, Suixian, and Xinyang. To shield Chongqing and Sichuan, Nationalists re-established the Sixth War Zone (briefly created post-First Changsha, abolished April 1940), appointing Chen Cheng commander-in-chief with 33rd and 29th Army Groups, River Defense Army, and 18th Army covering western Hubei, western Hunan, eastern Sichuan. The Zaoyi campaign thus concluded. Japanese combat power again proved markedly superior. Official Japanese records (11th Army/China Expeditionary Army) reported 2,700 killed, ~7,800 wounded (total ~10,500; some phases ~1,403 killed/4,639 wounded). Chinese admitted heavy losses: 36,983 killed, 50,509 wounded, 23,000 missing (total >110,000 in some accounts). Wartime Nationalist claims inflated Japanese casualties to 45,000 killed/wounded with major captures (60+ guns, 70+ tanks, 400+ trucks), likely propagandistic; Japanese sources show far lower equipment losses. With 56 battalions deployed, Japanese suffered 12–15% combat casualties; Chinese (54 divisions, ~380,000 men) incurred 25–30% or higher—underscoring firepower/equipment disparity. Japan achieved tactical success by securing Yichang long-term (as a Chongqing bombing base) but failed to annihilate the main Chinese force or compel peace. Chinese resistance thwarted full encirclement and imposed attrition, albeit at crippling cost to the Fifth War Zone—severely weakened and never fully recovering until war's end. Japanese aims were realized to a significant, though not decisive, degree.   The Fifth War Zone's operational plan was fundamentally sound. Chinese intelligence detected Japanese intentions early, accurately predicted the attack axis, and deployed accordingly. The plan included preemptive strikes at Wusheng Pass and the Guangshui section of the Pinghan Railway to harass Japanese rear areas, threaten Wuhan, gather reconnaissance, and disrupt enemy preparations. Though well conceived, these actions never materialized. In the first phase (Xiangdong operations), Chinese forces resisted while shifting the main body to outer lines, securing mobile flanking positions. This frustrated Japanese encirclement efforts in the Xiangdong Plains. Exploiting the enemy's retreat, China launched a timely counteroffensive that encircled the Japanese 3rd Division. Despite breakout support from over 100 aircraft and 200 tanks, the poorly equipped Chinese inflicted heavy casualties during the three-day siege, blunting the division's momentum.    On the southern front, the 33rd Army Group's intercepting deployment was appropriate, but insufficient strength and compromised communications allowed the Japanese 13th and 39th Divisions to counterattack decisively, inflicting major losses and claiming the heroic death of Commander-in-Chief Zhang Zizhong—whose steadfast patriotism remains a lasting source of national pride. Overall, Chinese assessments and deployments in Phase One were largely correct. The battlefield showed China retained initiative and was not wholly dominated by Japanese plans. The core issue was overestimation of Chinese combat power amid severe shortages of heavy weapons. At least three corps suffered heavy attrition, yet Japanese captured only twenty-three mountain/field guns. Relying on manpower for brute force left Chinese units critically undergunned, enabling repeated encirclement attempts but preventing decisive destruction or severe damage to encircled enemies like the 3rd Division.   Phase Two, by contrast, was entirely passive. The initial Japanese Han River crossings were largely feints, yet the west bank received scant attention in overall planning—leaving Yichang virtually undefended as main forces deployed east of the river. Post-Phase One, Japan reinforced the 11th Army with three infantry battalions and one mountain artillery battalion from the 13th Army (lower Yangtze), plus six motor transport companies rushing massive supplies forward. Chinese intelligence missed these moves, remaining complacent in expectation of Japanese withdrawal eastward. After regrouping, Japan abruptly pivoted west with rapid advances. The Military Commission and Fifth War Zone, caught unprepared, made frantic, chaotic adjustments that failed to mount effective defense. The loss of strategically vital Yichang was inevitable, complicating the resistance both militarily and psychologically. This stemmed directly from command misjudgment of Japanese strategic and operational aims. Had plans anticipated a westward thrust and retained strong reserves—or detected the 10-day regrouping window to readjust deployments—China could have retained greater initiative, inflicted more damage, and reduced its own losses.   I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. Japan's 11th Army launched an offensive in Hubei to encircle Chinese forces in the Fifth War Zone and seize Yichang for bombing Chongqing. Chinese troops countered effectively, encircling Japanese divisions and inflicting heavy losses, though General Zhang Zizhong was killed in action. After intense fighting east of the Han River, Japanese crossed west, captured Yichang, briefly withdrew, then retook and held it long-term. 

A graduation-season episode turns into a surprisingly deep conversation about careers in the age of AI, anchored by a New York Times article from Jodi Kantor. Don and Tom explore the idea that successful careers are built not by chasing trends, but by developing a personal “craft” and aligning it with real-world need. They connect that concept to investing discipline—ignore noise, focus on what you can control—and emphasize experimentation early in life. The back half pivots to listener questions, where Don dismantles buffered ETFs as overly complex, critiques commission-laden annuity practices masquerading as fiduciary advice, clarifies Social Security spousal benefits, and takes apart the flawed comparison between low-cost index bond funds and leveraged, high-fee active products like the PIMCO Income Fund. The throughline: complexity, whether in careers or investing, is usually a trap.0:05 Graduation season and why young people face a radically different job market1:36 AI, automation, and the uncertainty of future careers2:00 NYT article breakdown—“craft” and “need” as career anchors5:01 Why developing a unique skill set matters more than chasing trends6:37 College as a poor place to discover real-world “craft”7:19 Weekly self-reflection exercise: track what you enjoy vs. hate7:30 Generational career fads—from Japan to “plastics”9:15 Mentorship vs. going it alone in career development10:50 Real-world example: finding a career through evolving skills12:00 Parallels between career decisions and investing discipline13:39 Taking risks early in life when stakes are lower14:32 Listener question: buffered ETFs vs. bonds for stability17:11 Why buffered ETFs deliver limited upside and hidden risks19:39 Counterparty risk explained with 2008 auction-rate securities story21:56 Simpler alternatives: CDs and municipal bonds23:47 Industry hypocrisy: annuities inside “fiduciary” environments24:46 Why putting IRA money into annuities makes no sense25:30 Social Security spousal benefit basics explained26:39 Advisor claim: higher fees justified in certain asset classes27:57 Breaking down active bond fund risks vs. index funds29:44 Leverage dangers in funds like PIMCO Income31:38 SPIVA reality: active managers rarely outperform long termQuestions? Comments? Click!

The Forex market is heating up

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne chats with Shaun Keenan, an American photographer living in Hokkaido, Japan. They dive deep into the issue of over tourism, especially its impact on beloved photo locations in Japan and worldwide, and discuss the ethical dilemmas photographers face when sharing these places. Shaun Keenan shares his personal journey from theater and filmmaking to photography, touches on the importance of respecting local cultures, and offers his thoughts on creative motivation, community, and finding meaning in photography beyond metrics or monetization. Throughout, both speakers emphasize the value of thoughtful, respectful engagement with the land, and the importance of leading with personal values rather than simply chasing viral fame or financial gain. The episode is rich with wisdom for anyone interested in sustainable creativity and responsible travel photography. Links and Resources: Shaun Keenan Shaun Keenan on YouTube Shaun's Hokkaido Video Muench Workshops Natural Landscape Photography Awards Nature First Simon Booth Pete Leong Eiji Ohashi Michael Yamashita Support the show on Patreon

Tyler and Mike are sick. Please enjoy this rerelease as they go over some Nintendo DS games they missed (thanks Matt in Japan). Then they start the first part of their history of the PSP! The theme music is by RoccoW. The logo was created by Dani Dodge.

Thanks to Monarch for partnering with me! Start your free trial and get 50% off your first year of total money clarity using my link https://monarchmoney.yt.link/8CnCd5q or code euro50 for 50% Off Monarch Core tier.The Japanese government, working through the Bank of Japan, just set $35 billion on fire. Then flushed it down the toilet. And if that wasn't enough, officials in Tokyo are talking about embarrassing themselves in the oil market. Wasting five and half trillion yen in FX wasn't enough, throw some more money down the hole and all for the public spectacle of it. What a world we live in. Unfortunately for them, and for their counterparts in India, this is the eurodollar's world. Eurodollar University's Money & Macro AnalysisPhone Warning Shows Yen Intervention Is the New Normalhttps://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2026-05-01/katayama-phone-warning-shows-yen-intervention-is-the-new-normalYen's Correlation With Oil Hit 2021 High Before Interventionhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-01/yen-s-correlation-with-oil-hit-2021-high-before-interventionJapan Is Said to Sound Out Market on Oil Futures Interventionhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-24/japan-is-said-to-sound-out-market-on-oil-futures-interventionRBI's Short Dollar Book Surges Past $100 Billion for First Timehttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-30/rbi-s-short-dollar-book-surges-past-100-billion-for-first-timehttps://www.eurodollar.universityTwitter: https://twitter.com/JeffSnider_EDU

This week on Gamertag Radio, Parris Lilly, Peter Toledo and Riana Manuel-Peña talks about the iicon conference, Forza Horizon 6 event in Japan and other gaming industry news.Send us questions - fanmail@gamertagradio.com | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.

For the 3rd time, our guest today is a visual artist, a graphic designer, and the powerhouse bassist for Atreyu, Porter Mcknight.  Porter is a down to earth, genuine person, who has great insights into what keeps a band together, how much he appreciates the fans, and what it takes to keep the band staying creative and together after all these years.  We get into everything from recording in Japan, to moving to Germany, to just how much Atreyu's new album means to Porter.   Make sure to check out The End is Not the End now available for purchase and streaming.  Have a listen!   We also dive into Mike's visit to the Serial Killer exhibit and Scott chats about a video that went viral.  Another great week.

//The Wire//2300Z May 01, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: MASS STABBING REPORTED AT SCHOOL IN TACOMA. FUEL CRISIS DEEPENS AS WAR IN PERSIAN GULF CONTINUES. PIRACY ACTIVITY CONTINUES IN MIDDLE EAST. MAY DAY PROTESTS CAUSE DISRUPTIONS THROUGHOUT UNITED STATES.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE-----  -International Events-Red Sea/HOA: This morning piracy activity continued, with one containership reporting a suspicious approach in the Gulf of Aden. No successful boarding was reported, however this is the first reported piracy attempt to take place in the Gulf of Aden since the war in the Persian Gulf started.-HomeFront-Washington: Yesterday afternoon a mass stabbing was reported at Foss High School in Tacoma. 6x individuals were wounded after one student conducted a stabbing attack at the school.Analyst Comment: Local authorities have been extremely tight-lipped regarding the cause of this attack. It's not clear as to if this is a standard gang-fight-turned-stabbing, or if this was a more deliberate terror attack.Washington D.C. - This afternoon the White House sent a letter to Congress stating that hostilities against Iran have "terminated" and therefore the obligations of the War Powers Resolution are not relevant to the current conflict.Analyst Comment: Regarding this Resolution, under most common interpretations of the law, a President has 60 days to either ask Congress to declare war, or request an extension of an overseas conflict. This 60-day deadline came into effect yesterday, and this afternoon the White House has taken the official position that due to the ceasefire, no Congressional action is required, even if the Strait of Hormuz is closed and no peace agreement is signed. This doesn't mean much, as hostilities can recommence at any moment, and this is mostly a way of the White House skirting Congress by arguing that if the war is paused for a period of time, the clock restarts.USA: Around the nation, various May Day protests were carried out in most major cities with varying levels of attendance. Most of the demonstrations were fairly low intensity, with the most kinetic events taking place at the New York Stock Exchange as activists attempted to rush the entrance and chain themselves to something. They did not succeed and most of the more active riots/demonstrations throughout the country resolved after a few sporadic scuffles.Analyst Comment: As of this report demonstrations are still ongoing, so more active incidents could develop as night falls. This afternoon, at least one activist has climbed the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge in Washington D.C. and set up a tent, so other similar encampment operations may be planned for the weekend in various high-profile locations around the country.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: Around the world, the fuel crisis continues to compound, with costs rising substantially for some industries. Due to the rising costs of aviation fuel, Japan Airlines and Japan Transocean Air have instituted a flat-rate $350 surcharge on ALL tickets for flights from Japan to most of the the world. This measure was intended only for the month of June, but has been extended to go into effect today, for the month of May. So far, Europe has been hit the hardest by the fuel crisis, with prices and sheer availability itself being a challenge throughout the continent, which has also manifested itself even more unusually due to the lack of a centralized way to determine how much time is left before fuel runs out. Two days ago, one energy official was quoted in a Politico article, stating that by and large, Europe doesn't actually know how much time they have left, because there's no real way to know how much fuel is being stockpiled by the dozens of nations throughout the continent. Some places may run out within days, other nations and regions might never run out, it's impossible to know

On this episode of Counterpunch Radio, Rebecca Maria Goldschmidt speaks with Dr. Shahd Abusalama, Palestinian academic, writer, and artist, born and raised in Jabalia Refugee Camp, in northern Gaza. Shahd discusses her book, Between Reality and Documentary: A Historical Representation of Gaza Refugees in Colonial, Humanitarian and Palestinian Documentary Film, published in 2025 by Bloomsbury and SOAS Palestine Studies, and reflects on her recent book and film tour in Japan. Recorded during the opening days of the recent War on Iran, Shahd reflects on the ramifications of the war for Gaza, historical lessons from her time in Hiroshima, and her image of what true liberation could look like for the Palestinian people. The post An Image of Total Liberation w/ Dr. Shahd Abusalama appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

"I just feel so alone, even when I'm surrounded by other people." On this week's episode, we return to Tokyo for a bleary-eyed re-evaluation of Sofia Coppola's 2003 indie dramedy Lost in Translation. Despite being often referenced on the podcast, it was time to finally let Frank air his grievances about this era of Bill Murray's career and see how the movie holds up over 20 years later. Is it really intended as a May-September romance or is it just about the need for connection? Does the movie's view of quirky Japan feel overly snarky and borderline racist? Is it a dick move for an actor to ask if he should turn his head left or right? Has anyone actually figured out the secret whisper at the end of the movie? Pour yourself a glass of whiskey and make it Suntory time with the latest Film Junk Podcast.

Sheridan Smith is on board with Captain Alan for a brilliantly chaotic flight - talking tattoos, caravan holidays in Cleethorpes, and a very steamy Greek romance. They dive into spa trips, anxiety and why holidays are all about switching off… before getting into Sheridan's gripping new drama The Cage. Set in a Liverpool casino, it's gritty, emotional, and full of characters you shouldn't root for… but absolutely do. Plus: missed flights, tequila disasters, packing fails and a LOT of oversharing. Fasten your seatbelt...! 00:00 Tattoos, “condemned” and chaos from the start 01:30 Sheridan's favourite tattoos and “sticker” life philosophy 02:15 First holidays chat and Greece with her son 03:10 Spa trips, Malta and ultimate relaxation 04:30 Childhood holidays in Cleethorpes caravans 05:20 Holiday romance with a stuntman 06:10 Dream destinations and Six Senses Oman 07:50 Why holidays are about anxiety relief and switching off 08:40 Not a sightseeing girl… absolutely no itineraries 09:00 Hotel complaints and being too nice to say anything 10:00 The “scalding hairdresser sink” struggle 10:50 Being an empath and feeling everything 11:30 Packing chaos vs organised friends 12:30 Missing a flight for being too drunk 13:00 Alan's Sydney Harbour Bridge breathalyser story 13:50 Food abroad - what's a step too far? 14:30 “Lech” drinks and Chatty Man 15:30 Talking The Cage - gritty, funny, emotional drama 16:30 The story, characters and why you root for them 17:30 Filming in Liverpool and working with the cast 18:30 Sheridan's versatility and stage work 19:30 Biggest holiday mistakes (and oversharing…) 20:30 Dream destinations: Japan, Thailand, Bali 21:15 Quickfire round 23:00 Celebrity encounters and embarrassing mums #LifesABeach #AlanCarr #SheridanSmith #TheCage #ComedyPodcast #TravelPodcast #BritishComedy #TVDrama #Liverpool #HolidayStories #FunnyPodcast #CelebrityPodcastSara Morgan-Beckett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MegaQuake or not, sometimes, you simply needus the Reedus. AbroadInJapanPodcast@gmail.com for all your messages - and remember you can listen to the show in audio form wherever you get your podcasts - https://shows.acast.com/abroadinjapanAbroad in Japan is the podcast devoted to the most unique country in the world. Subscribe for new podcasts twice a week, every week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

this week on Delusional Diaries, Halley and Jaz are back on the couch catching up on everything from Invisalign lisps and New York City overstimulation to brutal hangovers, Disney adult magic, and the chaos of spring in the city. the girls get real about adjusting to life in New York, how constant noise and overstimulation can weirdly become comforting, and why moving there can feel like both a dream and a nightmare. Jaz shares her unexpectedly perfect Disney World trip filled with lucky girl syndrome, short lines, and peach Dole Whip obsession & so much more!the conversation then turns to summer plans, honeymoon arrangements, and major life updates. Halley gives an exciting update on her almost-finished house renovation, from accidentally walking on freshly stained floors to debating the perfect dog-proof couch color, while Jaz talks about finally settling into her own nearly completed home. the girls discuss their goals for the summer: learning how to park a boat, becoming gardening girls, getting snatched, making good content, and embracing a more zen lifestyle. they also debate summer destinations, from Greece to the Amalfi Coast, while weighing beach clubs, shopping, and FOMO over missing Hamptons weekends with friends.of course, they wrap things up with the unhinged takes you know and love so much: online dating discourse, TikTok debates, and their girls trip to Tokyo and Seoul. from whether dads should bring daughters into women's restrooms, to why dating apps may have ruined modern romance, but can still work if you grind hard enough, the girls share brutally honest opinions on love, dating, and the realities of meeting someone on Hinge. plus, they assign roles to their upcoming Asia travel crew, talk trying new foods in Japan, head spa dreams, and all the excitement (and anxiety) of traveling across the world with six girls. Timestamps 3:30 - Living in NYC8:43 - Jaz's recent travels & updates 13:32 - The sleepover 26:55 - Summer goals 29:15 - Tokyo and Seoul 40:04 - Online dating More of Delusional Diaries Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delusionaldiariespodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@delusionaldiariespodcastYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@DelusionaldiariespodcastSubstack: https://delusionaldiariespodcast.substack.com/Website: https://delusionaldiaries.com/More of Halley:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halleykmcg/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@halleykateMore of Jaz:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justjazzzyidk/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justjazzzyidkYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/justjazzzyidkLinks apartments.com - apartments.com Nutrafol - Use promo code DELUSIONAL for $10 off your first month's subscription and freeshipping at https://nutrafol.com/Ollie - Ollie. Feed the Obsession. Go to ollie.com/diaries and use code diaries to get 70% off your first box!RLY Tea - https://drinkryl.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chuck Garfien sits down with Japan-based reporter Yuri Karasawa of JapanBall and WorldBaseball.com to get a firsthand look at “Murakami Mania” from overseas. They dive into the reaction across Japan, whether White Sox gear is popping up more, and if even seasoned observers are surprised by Murakami leading the league in home runs. Yuri also weighs in on his current pace; early expectations, including Shingo Takatsu's bold 55-HR prediction; and how Murakami has exceeded them so far. The conversation shifts to what's next, from Home Run Derby buzz to concerns in Japan about a potential midseason trade and what that means for fans hoping to see him in Chicago. Chuck and Yuri also revisit offseason skepticism about Murakami handling MLB velocity, break down his unique stat line with no doubles and all home runs, and touch on his speed, defense, and overall profile from his NPB days. They wrap with insight into how Japanese fans follow MLB despite the time difference and a quick check-in on Anthony Kay's start to the season.

This podcast audio was accidentally posted yesterday, so you might want to listen to our 4/29 episode, if you've already heard this one.A listener-inspired revisit of emerging markets investing—sparked by the legacy of Mark Mobius—highlights why most investors are dramatically underexposed to this critical asset class. Don and Tom explain that while emerging markets bring higher volatility and currency risk, they also offer diversification, access to faster-growing economies, and exposure you simply can't get from U.S. multinationals alone. The conversation reinforces a core principle: proper global diversification matters more than chasing returns, and for most investors, owning a broadly diversified fund is far more practical than trying to build a perfectly balanced portfolio piece by piece. Listener questions then tackle currency risk (don't worry about it) and expose the dangers of “hodgepodge” portfolios built from random ETF ideas—ending with a strong case for simplicity, discipline, and knowing the purpose behind every dollar invested.0:05 Long-forgotten topic returns: emerging markets investing0:26 Tribute to Mark Mobius and his emerging markets legacy1:00 Why most investors have never heard of him2:02 What emerging markets actually are (and why they feel risky)2:43 Franklin Templeton era and historical performance claims3:26 Efficient market skepticism vs. boots-on-the-ground investing3:42 The real issue: investors massively underweight emerging markets4:59 Long-term returns and the case for inclusion5:57 Volatility, crises, and why diversification still wins6:53 Portfolio reviews reveal almost no EM exposure7:25 The S&P 500 problem: what you're missing globally8:29 Why all-in-one funds (AVGE, DFAW) simplify everything9:40 Listener question: currency risk in international investing11:04 “We own international… right?” portfolio reality check12:16 Currency swings explained (and why you shouldn't obsess)13:55 Japan's lost decades as a diversification lesson15:24 Why global companies ≠ true international exposure17:53 RV nostalgia and listener banter19:21 $17K “play account” turns into portfolio chaos21:55 ETF overload and CNBC-driven investing behavior23:35 Why the portfolio has no coherent strategy24:36 Simple fix: target-date or total market approach25:13 The myth of “play money” in investing26:01 Complexity makes bad portfolios worse over time26:53 Why Talking Real Money stays audio-only27:33 Growth update and listener appreciationQuestions? Comments? Click!

Host JR Sparrow sits down with intellectual property attorney Kirk Sigmon to break down Sony's controversial new DRM policy requiring players to check in online every 30 days to maintain access to their digital games. What starts as a deep dive into the legal fine print turns into a wide-ranging conversation about game ownership, consumer rights, the evolution of console ecosystems, and the future of the gaming industry.Guest: Kirk Sigmon Kirk Sigmon is an intellectual property attorney with over a decade of experience working with companies across the U.S., Japan, Korea, China, and Europe. His specialties include patents, trademarks, and copyrights — with a particular focus on video game law. He is a graduate research cohort member at Dartmouth studying artificial intelligence, deep learning, machine vision, and FPGAs. He also co-founded Ban, a law firm specializing in tech and IP law, and Patent Arcade, a website dedicated to video game intellectual property.Topics CoveredSony's 30-Day DRM Check-In Policy – What it means, how it works, and why it became a controversyDo You Actually Own Your Digital Games? – The difference between ownership and licensing, and what "shrink wrap" and "click wrap" agreements really sayGame Delisting & Preservation – From PT to Cars 3: Driven to Win, what happens when games disappear from storefrontsThe Sony BMG Rootkit Scandal (2005) – A look back at Sony's history of controversial DRM decisionsThe Stop Killing Games Movement – Will legislation eventually force publishers to preserve access to digital titles?Microsoft vs. Sony vs. Everyone Else – How the Xbox One DRM debacle parallels today's Sony situation, and what it means for consumer trustThe Rise of PC & Steam Deck Gaming – Why console manufacturers are more at risk than ever of losing their audienceApple vs. Epic – A brief look at how that legal battle affected digital game access for consumersHalo on PlayStation – The duo's honest take on Microsoft exclusives coming to Sony's platform and what it means for console loyaltyMetal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes – The legal and creative story behind the GameCube remake and its soundtrack licensing issuesKey TakeawaysWhen you buy a digital game, you are most likely purchasing a license, not ownership — the terms of service govern what you can and cannot do.Sony's DRM rollout suffered from a lack of transparency; much of the information surfaced through customer support chats rather than official announcements.Game companies are aware of the legal risk of class action suits and have, in some cases, proactively refunded players when online games shut down early.The gaming landscape is more competitive than ever — between PC, Steam Deck, and cross-platform releases, console makers can no longer take player loyalty for granted.Connect with Kirk SigmonLaw Firm: Ban (specializing in tech & IP law)Website: Patent Arcade – video game IP law news, analysis, and a database of 5,000+ gaming patents https://kelldann.com/gaming/https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/clr/vol45/iss1/4/

Kentucky Derby 2026 is RAPIDLY approaching, so now it's time for us at In The Money Media to check in the dynamic duo from NBC's coverage of the Kentucky Derby! Peter Thomas Fornatale (PTF) sits down with Jerry Bailey and Randy Moss to discuss the best bets ahead of this year's Kentucky Derby! At the time of recording, a bulk of money remains focused on a select five horses: Renegade (winner of the 2026 Arkansas Derby), Commandment (winner of the 2026 Florida Derby), So Happy (winner of the 2026 Santa Anita Derby), The Puma (runner-up in the Florida Derby & winner of the 2026 Tampa Bay Derby) and Further Ado (winner of the 2026 Blue Grass Stakes). A pair of horses have also ALREADY SCRATCHED from the Kentucky Derby: Arkansas Derby runner-up Silent Tactic and 2026 Jeff Ruby Steaks winner Fulleffort, meaning two also eligibles are in the field at the time of recording: Great White, winner of the 2026 John Battaglia Memorial at Turfway Park, and Ocelli, the third-place finisher in the 2026 Wood Memorial. Some other horses are currently also taking solid early play including one of the representatives from Japan, Danon Bourbon - winner of the 2026 Fukuryu Stakes at Nakayama Racecourse. Chad Brown's representative in Emerging Market, a horse invoking the infamous "Apollo Curse" being unraced as a 2-year-old and making just his third start of his career into the Kentucky Derby, is also drawing a lot of action in the windows. Along with the winner of the 2026 Louisiana Derby, defending Kentucky Derby champion Bill Mott sends a horse also receiving play in Chief Wallabee, who finished third in the Florida Derby behind Commandment and The Puma and will add blinkers heading into the 152nd Run for the Roses. The 2026 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at Churchill Downs, with the post-position draw set for April 25 and post time scheduled for 6:57 p.m. Follow the full Monster Podcast series for continued coverage of Kentucky Derby 2026 contenders as the field for the Run for the Roses comes together.

BrookieCookie04 (iykyk) returns from her trip to Japan!! NATURALLY a trip to Japan brings stories, WARNINGS, annnnnnd bad fortunes?! (Don't worry, she only cries a little). And while some people bring back souvenirs from a trip, Brooke comes with a NEW obsession (spoiler: she actually has 2020 vision), and of courrrrrse a bit that we WILL beat to the ground. Can you manage it? From shrines and lines to Barbie and Bieber, Danielle is back from an “EMPOWERING” time in the desert!! Look, be who you wanna be Barbie girl…you just don't wanna be the one who makes Coachella her first PORTA-POTTY experience (no hunny they DON'T flush). Look, we're just two “BIG Americans” with A LOT of things to discuss!GOTG LTK https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Gals_on_the_Go GOTG Newsletter https://gotg.substack.com/ Gals On The Go Instagram https://www.instagram.com/galsonthegopodcast/ Brooke's Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/brookemiccio Brooke's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brookemiccio/ Danielle's Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/daniellecarolan Danielle's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/daniellecarolan/ Business inquiries can be sent to: GalsOnTheGoGroup@caa.comDanielle's LTK: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/daniellecarolan/productsets/11ee5d6284a6acf19fd50242ac110003 Brooke's LTK: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/brookemiccio/productsets/11ee5d662bea0b67931d0242ac110004 GOTG YouTube Channel (watch full episodes with video!) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkCy3xcN257Hb_VWWU5C5vAFP Movement: Visit www.freepeople.com/gals to shop their fullline of activewear and workout gear.Visit yasso.com/GALS to enter and upgrade your freezer! Find full giveaway details, rules, and regulations. Yasso awarded as product coupons. No purch necessary. Open to 50 US/DC, 18+. Ends 11:59pm ET 4/30. Rules: Yasso.com/GALS 00:22 intro01:55 teen crushes04:48 brooke's glasses obsession07:53 japan recap14:20 homesick15:29 the service in japan23:44 big americans32:22 the lines in japan37:20 the italian restaurant45:40 shopping at the donki51:04 barbiechellaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Download MP3 | Watch Video Episode (coming soon) Full Timestamps: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSY1lIzX8fAkEAd07TTyERbKW8j-wv34pryLQFqxDAH2GyNFjnoZmNbjR2A7HaTgsOYZGqpPrMWZlm-/pub Watch full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@CastleSuperBeastArchive Pragmata's Brilliant Gameplay Loop Nagoryuki's New Move Completes His Character Fantasy Hourglass Shattered: FF14's Biggest Changes Since A Realm Reborn Hustle or Scam: Bar Trivia Night The Absolute Worst Assassin's Creed Retcon Go to http://heroforge.com/and use code CASTLE to get 5% off on all orders of physical miniatures. - Sign up for your 1$-per-month trial today at http://shopify.com/superbeast - Exclusive $25-off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/SUPERBEAST. Promo Code SUPERBEAST  - You can pre-order Invincible VS now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Available April 30th. Docket: FFXIV Fan Fest: All the big news and reveals, including a major anime collab Square Enix's Koji Fox Criticized For Using AI Art During Final Fantasy 14 Fan Fest Panel As fans revive Nier Reincarnation, game devs say giving live-service titles offline versions is trickier than you might expect – potentially more than "building something from scratch" Coyote vs. ACME | Official Trailer  Dead by Daylight studio Behaviour Interactive confirms layoffs Vampire Survivors developer Poncle says it's working on over 15 projects, including working with famous franchises, and opening new studios in Japan and Italy. Shot One Fighters - Official Announcement Trailer Character Action Game From Coreupt creator: Kirk Mephisto 'Gang of Dragon' developer Nagoshi Studios has deleted their trailers and YouTube account

This week, comedian and host Negin Farsad is joined by comedian and writer Benari Lee for a weirdo episode of Fake The Nation! Due to logistical hurdles - all Negin's fault, naturally - this special two person episode will tackle a new way to staff nursing homes out of Japan, the attempted shooting at the White House Correspondant's Dinner, the growing rift of Tucker Carlson, and how RFK does math. Enjoy! Next week we'll be back with the format you're used to.Follow everyone!@BenariLee and he's mostly on Blusky@NeginFarsad and she's mostly everywhere Rate Fake The Nation 5-stars on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!Follow Negin Farsad on TwitterEmail Negin fakethenationpodcast@gmail.comHost - Negin FarsadProducer - Rob HeathTheme Music - Gaby AlterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Michael Robinson Chávez first traveled to Peru with a camera in hand, he couldn't have known it would mark the beginning of a lifelong relationship with photography—and with the country that would become central to his understanding of himself. A native Californian and the son of a Peruvian mother, Chávez has spent decades building a distinguished career as a visual journalist, photographing stories across the globe with a rare combination of rigor, empathy, and clarity. Whether covering war, political upheaval, environmental crisis, or everyday life, his photographs are rooted in a deep respect for the people in front of his lens and a commitment to revealing the emotional truth within complex stories. That same depth of feeling runs through Mestizo, his long-term project on Peru and the subject of our conversation this week. Made over decades, the work is both a portrait of a country shaped by layers of history, culture, and contradiction, and a personal reckoning with heritage, belonging, and identity. These photographs do more than document place—they reflect an ongoing search for connection, a way of understanding how the mixed inheritance of Peru has also shaped the way Chávez sees the world and himself. The result is a body of work that feels both intimate and expansive, deeply personal yet resonant far beyond the boundaries of autobiography. Mestizo will be released as a monograph in early 2026 by Eyeshot. Resources Michael Robinson Chávez https://chavezphoto.com/aboutcontact Mestizo https://www.eyeshotstreetphotography.com/shop/books/mestizo-by-michael-robinson-chavez/ Altadena Photographers https://www.altadenaphotographers.org/ Workshops & Upcoming Education with Ibarionex Perello Japan Spring Workshop 2026 An immersive photographic and cultural experience in Japan, focused on visual storytelling, observation, and creative growth. https://www.nobechicreative.com/ibarionex-perello-spring-workshop-2026-japan X-Pedition Hanoi A destination workshop centered on street photography, culture, and daily life in Hanoi, Vietnam. https://www.f8photographicworkshops.com/x-pedition-hanoi Raw Photo Fest An annual photography festival celebrating emerging and established photographers through exhibitions, talks, and community engagement. https://therawsociety.org/rawphotofest/ Support Ibarionex & The Candid Frame GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/f/perello-familys-journey-to-re-establish-our-life eBook Purchases https://www.ibarionex.net/ebooks Websites The Candid Frame PayPal Contribution Link https://www.ibarionex.net/support Sponsors Charcoal Book Club https://charcoalbookclub.com Frames Magazine https://readframes.com Education Resources Momenta Photographic Workshops https://momentaworkshops.com/workshops/ Candid Frame Resources The Candid Frame Newsletter & Substack Blog http://ibarionex.substack.com/welcome Support the work at The Candid Frame by contributing via PayPal: https://www.ibarionex.net/support You can follow Ibarionex on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ibarionex/?hl=en and Twitter https://twitter.com/Ibarionex?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Get ready for the ultimate 2026 Kentucky Derby Monster Podcast, where JK (Jonathon Kinchen) and PTF (Peter Thomas Fornatale) bring together every standalone breakdown into one complete guide to the Run for the Roses. This master episode covers the full field heading into Churchill Downs, featuring detailed discussions on every contender expected to compete on Saturday, May 2, with post time scheduled for 6:57 p.m. and the post-position draw set for April 25.This episode includes full coverage of the leading contenders on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, including Renegade, the Arkansas Derby winner trained by Todd Pletcher; Albus and Incredibolt from the Riley Mott barn; Intrepido for trainer Jeff Mullins; and Litmus Test representing Bob Baffert. The discussion also includes Right to Party trained by Kenny McPeek, along with Commandment, Further Ado, and Fulleffort from the Brad Cox stable, each arriving with different prep paths and race records.International contenders are also featured, including Danon Bourbon from Japan and Wonder Dean (JPN), along with Dubai-based runner Six Speed. The field continues with So Happy from Mark Glatt's barn, The Puma trained by Gustavo Delgado, and Chief Wallabee from trainer Bill Mott. Additional contenders include Silent Tactic for Mark Casse, Potente from the Bob Baffert barn, Emerging Market trained by Chad Brown, Pavlovian from Doug O'Neill, and Golden Tempo from Cherie DeVaux.The episode also covers horses on the extended leaderboard and those working toward entry into the field, including Great White, Ocelli, Robusta, and Corona de Oro, providing a complete picture of the 2026 Kentucky Derby landscape as it continues to evolve leading into race week.Each horse discussed in this episode has earned a place on the Kentucky Derby trail through a series of prep races that began in the fall of their two-year-old season and continued through major graded stakes races in early 2026. The leaderboard reflects those results, with qualifying points determining entry into the 20-horse field at Churchill Downs.This master video brings together all individual Monster Podcast episodes into one comprehensive breakdown, covering ownership, trainers, pedigrees, race records, prep performances, and current positioning for every contender. The discussion reflects the perspectives of JK, PTF, and their guests across each episode, while combining all available information into a single, complete preview of the 2026 Kentucky Derby.Follow along with the Monster Podcast series for full Kentucky Derby coverage, including deep dives on every runner in the field, trainer insights, and continued updates as the Run for the Roses approaches at Churchill Downs.

What just happened with the Bank of Japan… and why did the market react the way it did? In this episode of The Trading Coach Podcast, we break down the recent Bank of Japan (BOJ) interest rate decision and the mixed reaction that followed across the forex market.Learn To Trade at www.TierOneTrading.comYour Trading Coach - Akil

Join us in the fifth installment of Past Gas: The Golden Era of JDM, as we dive into the history of one of Japan's most elusive car clubs, The Mid Night Club. What later became a popular video game started as a way for Japan's elite car tuners, enthusiasts and even Automotive Executives to test and tune their cars... on public roads.Thanks to Warby Parker for sponsoring this episode! Our listeners can buy one prescription pair and get 20% off additional pairs athttps://www.WarbyParker.com/PastGas — and using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #adThis episode is also brought to you by Chubbies! Chubbies is here to keep you comfy and looking good year-round. Get 20% off with code GAS at https://www.chubbiesshorts.com/gas #chubbiespod #adAnd also thanks to Rula for sponsoring this podcast! Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/pastgas #rulapod #ad

The U.S. Federal Reserve meets this week — so do central banks in Japan, England, Canada, and the European Union. Most will keep rates unchanged for now, as war in the Middle East shakes up the global status quo. But as other banks weigh imminent rate hikes, the U.S. may move in the opposite direction. More on why in today's episode. Plus: Consumer sentiment crept up in April, Medicaid cuts slash pediatric care options, and five Big Tech firms post earnings this week.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Jake Clapham of Flashback History joins Ray to discuss Japan's 1931 invasion of China, setting off a chain of events that will lead to Pearl Harbor. Listen on your usual podcast player or watch the video on YouTube  https://worldwariipodcast.net/  https://youtu.be/H0AXg4i_XlI?si=BIVrXCmcXMHO-caN  Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming.  https://worldwariipodcast.net/members-sign-up/  Follow The History of WWII Podcast: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/  TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy  YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712  Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. https://bit.ly/3Jcu7Aq  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

‘I've always been the youngest, the new kid, the underdog. It helps me not be intimidated'. Arvid Lindblad, the fourth-youngest F1 driver in history, is full of confidence. In his first race he fought wheel-to-wheel with World Champions. The Racing Bulls driver has made a fast start to his first season in Formula 1. He always believed he'd race at the top. He's living his childhood dream and he's loving it.Arvid tells Tom Clarkson how he went from watching F1 on TV aged 4 to racing in F1 aged 18, inspired and supported by his family, his coach – the racing driver Olly Rowland – and Helmut Marko, Red Bull's former Motorsport Advisor. He explains the coaching which helped him beat more experienced drivers as he progressed up the motorsport ladder in ever-faster cars. Arvid also looks back to his Formula 1 debut in Australia, where he overtook Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris at the start and scored points at the end, and relives the stunning qualifying lap in Japan which saw him eliminate Max Verstappen.Listen to more Official F1 PodcastsListen to the latest episodes of F1 Nation and F1 ExplainsThis episode is sponsored by:Bitdefender: visit bitdefender.com to learn more about how Bitdefender supports Ferrari to stay ahead of cyber threats and how you can make your digital life safer Rag&Bone: for a limited time, our listeners get 20% off their entire order with code GRID at Rag-Bone.com CarGurus: go to cargurus.co.uk for complete vehicle details without any surprises

Adventurer Garrett Gee turned a four month family trip in 2015 into The Bucket List Family, documenting world travel with his wife, Jessica, and their kids. What began as videos shared on YouTube and Instagram became a global family travel brand with millions of followers, built on experiences from shark diving in South Africa to hot air balloons in Turkey and biking through shrines and gardens in Japan. Connect with Garrett & The Bucket List Family:  Website Instagram YouTube Explore the REI and Intrepid Travel collections Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Ocean Bottle Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S. Federal Reserve meets this week — so do central banks in Japan, England, Canada, and the European Union. Most will keep rates unchanged for now, as war in the Middle East shakes up the global status quo. But as other banks weigh imminent rate hikes, the U.S. may move in the opposite direction. More on why in today's episode. Plus: Consumer sentiment crept up in April, Medicaid cuts slash pediatric care options, and five Big Tech firms post earnings this week.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Andrew Sartorius is a wood and soda fire potter living in Germantown, New York. Andrew grew up in West Virginia, found his passion for clay working in rural Japan, and completed an apprenticeship and MFA in The Hudson River Valley. Andrew is the Program Director at The Oki Doki Studio. https://ThePottersCast.com/1223

We start with Frank Christ presents They're Fine, Just Fine and Gina tells us her fear of trying to make reservations in Japan, plus, we crown the Boner of the Day. After that, we take your calls for Hello Yeah What and challenge a listener to Beat Gina. Then, we finish with the Boner Recap and news.

The path into acupuncture isn't always clean or linear—sometimes it begins in the grit and confusion of working out just who you are in this world. From anthropology studies in Seattle's Skid Row to the disciplined intensity of kendo in Japan, Jeffrey Dann's journey was shaped by curiosity, discomfort, and a search for something deeper. A knee injury, a moment on a subway, and an unexpected recovery became the doorway into a medicine that would take him through Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Beijing in the early days of acupuncture's global spread. In this conversation, we follow that winding road—through apprenticeship, cultural exchange, and the evolution of practice. From forceful needling to the subtle power of touch, Jeffrey's story reflects a broader shift in medicine itself: one that balances tradition with change, and technique with sensitivity.Listen in as we explore how acupuncture travelled the world, transformed through different cultures, and continues to adapt to the modern body and mind.

The daughter of an American father and a Japanese mother, Shirley Rogers was born in Japan in 1953. She spent her first nine years there, then a few years in Texas. At 16, she moved with her parents to Oahu. At Campbell High School on the Westside, she took photography classes and found a passion for it. She also found surfing—the act of riding waves, the culture, and the community. In 1971, her parents moved back to Texas. Having freshly graduated, Rogers chose to stay in Hawaii. She moved to the then rural and untapped North Shore and fell in with the surf luminaries of the era—Jeff Hakman, Gerry Lopez, Rory Russell, Eddie Rothman, Shaun Tomson, and Peter Townend, among many others. One day at Waimea Bay, filmmakers Jack McCoy and Dick Hoole handed Shirley a 650 Century lens and a tripod and told her to, essentially, "have at it." She was amazed by what she saw through that telephoto lens. These were the days before auto-focus, and it was a true challenge to follow the surfer and nail the shot, but Rogers was a quick study. She submitted her photos to Surfer, Surfing, and Tracks magazines. They ran them. Soon she was getting paid for her work. There were few female surf photographers on the 1970s and '80s North Shore. Rogers gained a reputation for her tight, sharp, well-composed images, typically shot from the beach. Her portraiture emitted a candid and all-access quality—she was merely shooting her pals, who also happened to be the most sought-after surf stars of the time. She traveled—to Indonesia, Australia, Tahiti. She photographed the nascent women's pro events. She moonlighted as a bartender at the Kuilima, today known as the Turtle Bay Resort. In her spare time, she rode dirt bikes. In the late 1980s, Shirley gave up surf photography, got a sales job, and moved from the North Shore to Honolulu. Now 72, Rogers lives in Huntington Beach. In this episode of Soundings, Rogers talks with Jamie Brisick about changes on the North Shore, capturing waves less trodden, surfing's commercialization, her favorite spots to shoot, and tiger tracks in Indonesia.  Presented by Rainbow® Sandals. Produced by Jonathan Shifflett. Music by PazKa (Aska Matsumiya & Paz Lenchantin). Become a TSJ member at surfersjournal.com.  

Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Analytic⁠⁠Join The Normandy For Ad-Free NME, Additional Bonus Audio And Visual Content For All Things Nme+! Join Here:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://ow.ly/msoH50WCu0K⁠⁠In this segment of Notorious Mass Effect, analytic dreamz reacts to the official trailer for The Amazing Digital Circus Episode 9 Finale. analytic dreamz breaks down the highly anticipated trailer released by GLITCH Productions on April 10, 2026, offering first impressions, hidden details, and predictions for the one-hour series finale dropping June 19, 2026 on YouTube and Netflix. He explores the emotional stakes, major character moments, animation highlights, and what this conclusion means for the indie animation landmark.This segment also covers the theatrical early release, The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act, a feature-length experience combining Episodes 8 and 9 screening in theaters across the US, Canada, Latin America, Japan, and more starting June 4, 2026 through Fathom Entertainment.Perfect for fans seeking honest reactions and deep analysis ahead of the finale, this segment delivers unfiltered thoughts on one of the biggest animated events of 2026. Tune in to Notorious Mass Effect for analytic dreamz's complete trailer reaction and breakdown.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Can people even hear us? The guys talk about the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Not being able to move sucks, and not being able to dodge a foul ball sucks even more. What happens when Lazlo takes too long on a smoke break? A Louisianan restaurant is (allegedly) cooking roadkill. Lazlo and SlimFast have no interest in seeing the Michael Jackson biopic. Don't go to jail in Japan. Stream The Church of Lazlo podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Justin McCurry on Japan's heavy metal-loving prime minister and her plan to amend the country's pacifist constitution. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

"I just feel so alone, even when I'm surrounded by other people." On this week's episode, we return to Tokyo for a bleary-eyed re-evaluation of Sofia Coppola's 2003 indie dramedy Lost in Translation. Despite being often referenced on the podcast, it was time to finally let Frank air his grievances about this era of Bill Murray's career and see how the movie holds up over 20 years later. Is it really intended as a May-September romance or is it just about the need for connection? Does the movie's view of quirky Japan feel overly snarky and borderline racist? Is it a dick move for an actor to ask if he should turn his head left or right? Has anyone actually figured out the secret whisper at the end of the movie? Pour yourself a glass of whiskey and make it Suntory time with the latest Film Junk Podcast.

Help us welcome our newest sponsor...GORILLA GLUE! Go to gorillatough.com/shopsounds to learn more about their amazing line up of products!In this episode, Jason talks about his Patreon build in Japan and being detained by airport security for the nature of his business. His shop reno is almost done, but one metal elbow is holding up his entire dust collection system. Mary can't decide on building vs. buying her bedroom closet and progress on here bookcase continues...sort of. Keith can't get out of his own way (as usual) on his current wall hanging cabinet, but brings in a videographer for day and realizes how much he despises vertical, short form content. All that and more!Be sure to check out Bits & Bits at www.bitsbits.com and use coupon code MORSELS15 to save 15% on your order of router and/or CNC bits. Be sure to hit up Katz-Moses Tools at www.KMTools.com - cool tools at a fair price. If it's on their website, it's in Jonathan's apron. www.kmtools.com **And check out the new Katz Moses toolless adjustable countersink and new sharpening jig and sliding stop block. Oh, and don't forget about his new aluminum channel French Cleat system with some bad azz 3D printed accessories that lock in place!! WTB Woodworking's latest giveaway is a $1000 shopping spree with Bits and Bits!! Register at wtbwoodworking.com/giveaway. And be sure to check out WTB Woodworking at 390 Pike Road, Unit 2, Huntingdon Valley, PA for lumber, slabs, woodworking tools and MORE!! Or shop online and earn yourself some Burkell bucks for every dollar you spend! Go to wtbwoodworking.com to shop online. Join us at WTB Woodworking for Mafell Day on Friday May 23rd from 8a-1pm. Demos, food, bevvies and giveaways.Help us support Grit-Grip!! A revolutionary new breed of double-sided sanding sponges that we all LOVE! Check it out at https://grit-grip.com/ and use code "shopsounds" at checkout to get a free sanding block!The Bourbon Blade: https://www.bourbonmoth.com/shop/p/the-bourbon-blade-original-pocket-chiselIf you'd like to support us on Patreon and have access to our irreverent aftershow, you can sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/shopsoundspodcastYou can find us on Instagram, Youtube, Facebook and TikTok (maybe): Bourbon Moth Woodworking and Keith Johnson Woodworking and Kodamari Design

  Last time we spoke about the battle of south Guangxi. In late 1939, amid the Sino-Japanese War stalemate, Japan aimed to sever China's vital supply lines from French Indochina by invading southern Guangxi. The 21st Army, including the 5th Division and Taiwan Mixed Brigade landed at Qinzhou Bay on November 15, capturing Nanning by November 24 after feinting at Beihai and overcoming scattered Chinese defenses under the 16th Army Group. Chinese forces, commanded by Bai Chongxi and reinforced by the elite 5th Army launched a counteroffensive in December. The brutal Battle of Kunlun Pass saw repeated assaults. However, Japanese counterattacks in January 1940, bolstered by the 18th Division and Konoye Brigade, recaptured Kunlun Pass and Binyang by February, inflicting over 10,000 Chinese losses and forcing retreats. A stalemate ensued until September 1940, when Japan pressured Indochina. Overextended Japanese forces withdrew south, allowing Chinese to recapture Nanning on October 30 and clear Guangxi by November 17.   #199 The battle of West Suiyuan  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. Back in 1936,  the Xi'an Incident had forced a fragile alliance between the Nationalists under Chiang Kai-shek and the Communists, forming a united front against Japan. This front extended to regional warlords like the Ma Clique, who controlled Ningxia, Gansu, and Qinghai. The Ma family, descendants of Muslim generals loyal to the Qing Dynasty, navigated complex loyalties but ultimately aligned with the Nationalist cause, driven by patriotism and self-preservation.   The stakes in West Suiyuan were high. Control of the region meant access to the Suiyuan-Xinjiang Highway, a lifeline for Soviet aid to China. Japanese occupation could threaten the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region, a Communist stronghold, and open paths to Lanzhou and beyond. The battles here, though overshadowed by larger theaters like Shanghai or Wuhan, demonstrated how peripheral fronts contributed to the national resistance. Over 70 years later, the sacrifices of more than 2,000 Ningxia soldiers remain a poignant reminder of the human cost of resistance, their anti-Japanese merits etched forever in the annals of Chinese history.   The seeds of the Battle of West Suiyuan were sown in the turbulent years following the Xi'an Incident. This event in December 1936 led to the initial formation of a national united front against Japanese aggression. The Communist Party of China (CPC) mobilized masses in the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region, strengthening anti-Japanese forces and exerting pressure on the Ma Clique. Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist government also influenced the Mas, solidifying their resolve to resist Japan.   The Ma Clique, a powerful Muslim warlord faction in Northwest China, was led by figures like Ma Hongkui (governor of Ningxia) and his cousin Ma Hongbin. They controlled a semi-autonomous region with a mix of Hui, Han, and Mongolian populations. Japan, seeking to exploit ethnic divisions, attempted to woo the Mas. Even after the July 7, 1937, outbreak of war, Japan persisted. On October 17, 1937, after occupying Baotou, the Japanese established the "Baotou Hui Muslim Branch" and appointed Jiang Wenhuan, a former Hui commander, to court Ma Hongkui. They sent envoys, including an imam from Northeast China, and even airdropped letters from "Manchukuo." In a dramatic move, Japanese commander Itagaki Seishiro flew to Alashan Banner to invite Ma Hongkui for talks. Ma sent Zhou Baihuang, who rebuffed Itagaki by invoking historical grievances: the Japanese role in the Eight-Nation Alliance's 1900 invasion, where Ma family members died at Zhengyang Gate. "The family feud remains unresolved, and the national humiliation is yet to be avenged; they are irreconcilable enemies," Zhou declared.   Japan's plot to persuade surrender failed, leading to a major offensive against Suiyuan and Ningxia. Large numbers of troops reinforced Baotou, and bombings targeted Ningxia. In response, Ma Hongkui began building fortifications in places like Shizuishan and Dengkou. Starting in the winter of 1937, he constructed defense fortifications in the Shizuishan area in four phases. In the Shizuishan Weizha area, trenches several meters wide and deep were dug, covered with branches, straw, and loose soil for camouflage, to prevent the passage of Japanese armored vehicles and heavy weapons. Within a hundred li north of Dengkou and Sanshenggong, all major roads were cut off, and deep trenches were dug to destroy the Japanese army's access to Ningxia. The banks of the Yellow River ferry crossings in northern Ningxia and the Helan Mountain passages were all cut into steep cliffs. Important passageways were fortified with blocking positions and hidden artillery to repel invading Japanese troops.   Among the various military commanders in Northwest China, Ma Hongbin possessed the strongest anti-Japanese spirit. Having joined the army at a young age, Ma Hongbin placed great emphasis on cultural learning and the cultivation of his personal character. Outside of military service, he was always seen with a book in hand, resembling a scholar. His long-term study fostered his upright character and patriotism. After the Japanese invasion of China, deeply moved by the nation's peril, he resolved to lead his troops to the battlefield to save the country from its crisis. In the spring of 1938, at the opening ceremony of an officer training course held in Wanghongbao, Yongning, Ma Hongbin addressed his subordinates from the podium: "Always remember that the nation comes first, the people come first, defend the land and country, and fulfill your duties. On the battlefield, you must be able to both attack and defend, and be prepared to live and die with the position, with the determination to fight to the end."   The Ma forces were reorganized into the Nationalist structure. Ma Hongkui's 15th Route Army and Ma Hongbin's 35th Division (later expanded to the 81st Army) formed the 17th Army Group, with Ma Hongkui as Commander-in-Chief and Ma Hongbin as Deputy Commander-in-Chief and Commander of the 81st Army. The officer training of the 81st Army improved the anti-Japanese consciousness and combat quality of the entire army, preparing for the counterattack against the Japanese invasion. In May 1938, due to the weakened defenses of Suiyuan (at that time, the troops of Fu Zuoyi, the chairman of Suiyuan Province, had retreated to Shanxi), most of the area was occupied by Japanese and puppet troops. The Kuomintang Central Committee appointed Ma Hongbin as the commander of the Suiyuan West Defense Command. Ma Hongbin led his 81st Army and two cavalry brigades and one infantry brigade of Ma Hongkui's troops to Wuyuan (now Wuyuan County, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region) to unify the command of the various anti-Japanese forces that had retreated into Suiyuan West. His mission was to prevent the Japanese army from advancing westward.   After arriving in Wuyuan, Ma Hongbin convened a meeting of commanders from various forces to discuss the defense against the Japanese. The various armies in western Suiyuan were of different factions and not affiliated with each other, and most adopted a policy of seeking safety and avoiding danger in their defenses. Ma Hongbin deployed the main force of his 81st Army, the 35th Division, at key passes in the Wubu Langshan area northeast of Wuyuan to serve as the first line of defense, while deploying three brigades of Ma Hongkui's troops along the line from Wuyuan to Langshan as reinforcements.   The terrain was challenging: vast deserts, mountains like Yinshan and Langshan, and the Yellow River's bends. Wubulangkou, a narrow pass between Erlang and Chashitai Mountains, was strategically vital. Defenses included anti-tank trenches and mines. These preparations reflected the Ningxia Army's blend of traditional cavalry tactics and modern training. The troops, many Hui Muslims, brought cultural cohesion and resilience, but faced equipment shortages—outdated mortars and rifles versus Japanese mechanization.   In May 1938, Ma Hongbin arrived in Linhe (now part of Bayannur, Inner Mongolia) to establish his command post. After inspecting the situation of the friendly forces in the defense zone and designating the defense zone of his subordinate 81st Army, he ordered Ma Tengjiao, commander of the 35th Division, to lead four infantry regiments, namely the 103rd and 104th Brigades, to Suiyuan Western Defense Command to fight against the Japanese. Ma Hongbin established a command post in Linhe, where he and his son, Ma Dunjing, the chief of staff of the 81st Army, deployed their troops in areas such as Wuzhen and Siyitang. Ma Dunjing directed his troops to conduct exercises in the Wuzhen and Siyitang area, and invited Soviet military advisors to provide guidance, preparing for combat with an extremely serious attitude.   To show his support for Ma Hongbin's leadership of the Suiyuan Western Defense Command, Ma Hongkui dispatched two cavalry brigades to Suiyuan Western Defense Command. The main reason why the Ma Clique army from Ningxia went to Suiyuan to fight against the Japanese was that the defense of Suiyuan was directly related to the safety of Ningxia. At the same time, after the Ma Clique army was incorporated into the anti-Japanese army, its primary task was to fight against the Japanese invaders and defend the country. In addition, the anti-Japanese enthusiasm of the people in the Northwest continued to rise. Under the impetus of the situation, it was inevitable that the Ningxia army would join the anti-Japanese war in Suiyuan.   The initial engagement came in the late summer and early autumn of 1939, as Japanese troops, driving cars, armored vehicles, and tanks, advanced from Baotou towards the defenses of the 81st Army in western Suiyuan, attempting to annihilate the main force of the 81st Army. Ma Dunjing (the third son of Ma Hongbin), Chief of Staff of the 81st Army, personally commanded the operation at the front line in Wuda Town. The Japanese advanced to the defensive positions of the 35th Division and bombarded Ma's position with heavy artillery fire. The 35th Division returned fire with 82mm mortars. Because Ma's mortars were old-fashioned, they emitted smoke upon firing, revealing their positions. The Japanese immediately unleashed over 200 shells on the 35th Division's artillery positions, silencing them and rendering them incapable of retaliating. Taking advantage of this, the Japanese, under the powerful cover of artillery and machine gun fire, swarmed in by car, tank, and armored vehicle. The 35th Division held their ground, waiting for the Japanese troops to enter effective firing range and disembark from their vehicles. Suddenly, soldiers of the 1st Battalion of the 206th Regiment jumped out of their fortifications and charged into the enemy lines, engaging the Japanese in hand-to-hand combat. The Japanese were thrown into disarray, some killed before they could even disembark. Those who did disembark suffered heavy casualties, with the remaining soldiers turning back to their vehicles and fleeing in panic. Forced to retreat after suffering a decisive blow, the 35th Division captured two Japanese vehicles, over a hundred artillery shells, dozens of boxes of ammunition, as well as firearms and officer's swords. This marked the first victory in the Suiyuan-Western Anti-Japanese War. This victory boosted morale and public spirit. When the captured vehicles entered Wuyuan County, the people cheered enthusiastically, plastering the vehicles with various celebratory slogans. An elderly local artist even composed a song to celebrate the victory and sang it on the street: "Our old Western Army (referring to Ma Hongbin's 81st Army) is really good at fighting. We drove away the Japanese soldiers, captured cars and brought them into Wuyuan City, where the whole city celebrated and welcomed them. Relying on our old Western Army, we defeated the Japanese soldiers, and the people have peace." The campaign's defining battle occurred at Wubulangkou in early 1940, following the Chinese raid on Baotou in December 1939. In the autumn of 1939, the situation in Shanxi stabilized, and Fu Zuoyi, the chairman of Suiyuan Province who had retreated to Shanxi, led his troops back to western Suiyuan, establishing the Deputy Commander's Headquarters of the Eighth War Zone to unify command of military and political affairs in western Suiyuan and actively preparing for a counter-offensive. To coordinate with the nationwide winter offensive, Fu Zuoyi decided to attack Baotou, a key Japanese stronghold, to contain the Japanese forces in North China. The Battle of Baotou was spearheaded by the newly formed 31st Division of Fu Zuoyi's 35th Army, with the 35th Division of Ma Hongbin's 81st Army providing support. Under meticulous planning, on December 20th, Sun Lanfeng's newly formed 31st Division of Fu Zuoyi's army stormed into Baotou. The Japanese army, caught off guard, panicked and suffered over a thousand casualties, scattering in all directions, losing all their supplies within the city. Fu Zuoyi then directed his troops to withdraw to the rear of western Suiyuan, luring the enemy deeper into the territory for a later battle.   The Battle of Baotou greatly angered the Japanese army. Therefore, more than 30,000 Japanese troops were mobilized from Zhangjiakou, Taiyuan, Datong, and other places, along with more than 1,500 military vehicles, armored vehicles, tanks, dozens of aircraft, and six divisions of puppet Mongolian troops, totaling more than 40,000 men. Under the command of Division Commander Kuroda, they launched a major offensive into western Suiyuan in early 1940, attempting to seize western and southern Inner Mongolia in one fell swoop. Facing the superior Japanese forces, the people and soldiers of western Suiyuan adopted a scorched-earth policy and mobile warfare to maneuver against the enemy. The specific deployment was as follows: the 7th Cavalry Division of Men Bingyue's troops blocked the Japanese troops in the Xishanzui and Maqidukou areas, and then turned to the right bank of the Yellow River to threaten the enemy's left flank; the 35th Division of Ma Hongbin's troops and the 1st Cavalry Brigade of Ma Hongkui's troops constructed positions in the Wubulangkou and Wuzhen areas, blocked the enemy, and then moved into Langshan to threaten the Japanese right flank; the 35th Army of Fu Zuoyi's troops assembled northwest of Wuyuan to launch mobile attacks on the enemy; other units chose favorable terrain to harass the exhausted enemy at any time; and the logistics personnel were transferred to the Dengkou and Shizuishan areas. Before Langshan Mountain, where the Yang family generals once fought against the Jin dynasty, a thousand-mile-long battlefield against the Japanese was set up.   Wubulangkou is located in the western part of the Yinshan Mountains. Nestled between the eastern and western ends of the rugged and precipitous Erlang Mountain and Chashitai Mountain, it forms a strategically vital location. After Fu Zuoyi returned to western Suiyuan in 1939 to serve as deputy commander of the Eighth War Zone, the Ningxia army was placed under his command. At the end of December, Fu Zuoyi's troops stormed Baotou, inflicting over a thousand casualties on the Japanese. Okabe, commander of the Japanese Mengjiang Garrison, considered the defeat at Baotou a great humiliation and declared, "We must sweep through the Hetao region and completely annihilate Fu Zuoyi's army." To eliminate future troubles, the Japanese, "determined to decisively crush the enemy's base in the Hetao region with their main force," began in January 1940, mobilizing over 30,000 Japanese and puppet troops from Zhangjiakou, Datong, and other places, along with over a thousand vehicles, aircraft, artillery, and tanks. Under the command of Division Commander Kuroda Shigetoku, they launched a three-pronged, menacing invasion of western Suiyuan.   On January 31, Kuroda led the main force of the Japanese central route, consisting of over 780 vehicles, armored vehicles, and tanks, and launched an attack at 4:30 PM on the positions of the 35th Division of the 81st Army in the area of Wubulangkou, Siyitang, and Wuzhen.    Ubulangkou, where Ma Hongbin's 35th Division was stationed, is a transliteration of the Mongolian word "Ubulak," meaning "mouth of large and small springs." Located in the southern part of present-day Urad Middle Banner, it lies at the junction of Wuliangsutai, Delingshan Township, and Wengeng Sumu, a strategically important location nestled between two mountains. When the Battle of Ubulangkou began, Ma Hongbin was in Chongqing attending a high-level military conference convened by Chiang Kai-shek, and his troops were commanded by Ma Tengjiao, commander of the 35th Division. At approximately 8:00 AM on January 31, 1940, the Japanese army amassed its forces in the Zaoshulinzi desert area, directly north of Siyitang and directly east of Ubulangkou. Their vanguard first used three aircraft to circling and bombard the positions of Ma's 205th Regiment, followed by artillery bombardment. Under the cover of aircraft and artillery, Japanese tanks, armored vehicles, and hundreds of military vehicles carrying Japanese troops launched an attack on the Siyitang and Ubulangkou positions. Following Ma Hongbin's orders, a defensive trench, 3 meters wide and 3 meters deep, had been dug in front of the 81st Army's position, stretching approximately 10 kilometers from the foot of Wubulang Pass to the north bank of the Yellow River. A 50-meter-wide pit zone preceded the trench. The two sides fought fiercely until nightfall, suffering heavy casualties and remaining evenly matched. At the Siyitang position, Ding Liangyu, the company commander of the 1st Company, 1st Battalion, 205th Regiment, was wounded and died the following day; more than 30 platoon leaders, squad leaders, and soldiers were killed. Xue Wanyou, the battalion clerk, was hit by an artillery shell, his body torn apart and his head severed. Although the officers and soldiers of Ma's 35th Division suffered heavy casualties, they held their ground. Unable to break through, the Japanese used aircraft to continuously release poison gas with the wind at their backs. Although Ma's troops had prepared simple gas masks made of gauze wrapped in sawdust, the concentration of the gas was too high, causing many to experience headaches, chest tightness, and vomiting, greatly weakening their fighting capacity and making the situation increasingly critical. Around 10 PM, Division Commander Ma Tengjiao ordered Ma Jiangong, deputy battalion commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 206th Regiment, to lead two companies from Wulanaobao to reinforce the 208th Regiment via Siyitang. Ma Jiangong was killed by a grenade in the fierce fighting. The two companies fought desperately to break free from the enemy and finally joined up with the 208th Regiment. The enemy, realizing this, reinforced their forces and intensified their attack. At 11:30 PM, the 208th Regiment's position was breached, but the enemy dared not advance rashly. The battle resumed at dawn the next day, and the fighting at the Siyitang position remained extremely fierce. Ma Tengjiao ordered the 1st Battalion of the 206th Regiment to reinforce the Siyitang position. While traversing a seven- or eight-mile stretch of open land, the reinforcements were subjected to heavy artillery fire from the Japanese, suffering heavy casualties. However, the troops braved the artillery fire, bullets, and thick smoke, breaking through the enemy's fire blockade and reaching the position. The combined forces of the Wubulangkou and Siyitang positions continued to inflict powerful blows on the Japanese army. The 205th Regiment, holding the fortified Siyitang, engaged in bayonet fighting with the Japanese army. When their bayonets bent, the soldiers would grab the enemy and bite them, or detonate grenades to die alongside them. The troops had gone two days and two nights without food or water, and coupled with the bitter cold, they were exhausted and suffering heavy casualties. The battle was exceptionally fierce, tragic, and arduous. Ma Hongbin later recalled this battle, saying, "Even the world-famous battles of Taierzhuang and Changsha, where the National Revolutionary Army fought with such heroic spirit, were no more than this."   In the early morning of February 1st, the Japanese army first bombarded the defensive positions at Wubulangkou and Siyitang with heavy artillery, and then used aircraft to dive-bomb the open area in front of Wubulangkou. Under the attack of enemy artillery and tanks combined with infantry, the 208th Regiment suffered heavy casualties, and the front-line positions at Wubulangkou were breached by the enemy. The 205th and 206th Regiments sent reinforcements, using bunkers and high ground fortifications to stubbornly resist the enemy, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. Seeing that they could not capture the positions defended by the Ningxia army, the Japanese army released tear gas and sneezing gas. While attacking from the front, the Japanese army sent puppet Mongolian troops to flank and attack Wubulangkou from the rear of the mountain. Although the Ma troops resisted bravely, they were ultimately outnumbered, and their positions were successively breached by the enemy, forcing the remaining defenders to withdraw. In this battle, more than 1,000 officers and soldiers of the Ningxia Ma troops shed their blood in western Suiyuan, using their lives to block the enemy's advance.   Ma's troops retreated, pursued by Japanese ground forces and strafed by aircraft, suffering over a thousand casualties and forced to retreat into the desert. They continued to fight the Japanese in the quicksand, killing another 200 enemy soldiers. After a grueling six-day, six-night march, the troops successfully returned to their Dengkou base for rest. Post-war statistics show that Ma's 35th Division originally had over 5,000 men; in the battle of Wubulangkou, over 1,000 were killed and 2,000 wounded, including 700 suffering from frostbite. This battle exemplified sacrificial defense, buying time for counteroffensives.   Upon learning of the defeat of his troops in Chongqing, Ma Hongbin immediately flew back to Ningxia and rushed to Dengkou. After regrouping the troops and investigating officers who had failed in their command, he reorganized two regiments, replenished their equipment, and after a brief rest, led by Brigade Commander Ma Peiqing, returned to western Suiyuan. To cooperate with Fu Zuoyi's troops in continuing the fight against the Japanese invaders, the Ningxia army, mainly composed of the 35th Division, entered the Dala Banner area of Yimeng to fight the enemy. After occupying Wuyuan, the Japanese army believed that the Chinese army in western Suiyuan was in disarray and would be unable to recover its fighting capacity in a short time. Furthermore, due to its overextended battle lines and supply difficulties, the Japanese army had no spare troops to expand the war. Therefore, they centered their forces on Wuyuan, leaving a Japanese regiment and four divisions of puppet Mongolian troops, totaling over 15,000 men, to garrison the Hetao region, while the rest of their forces retreated eastward. After the main Japanese force withdrew, Fu Zuoyi decided to organize a campaign to recapture Wuyuan. In March 1940, he ordered his 35th Army to lead the attack on Wuyuan, while Ma's 81st Army moved from western Suiyuan to the Dalad Banner area on the south bank of the Yellow River in the Ordos League to construct fortifications and block Japanese reinforcements from Baotou. At midnight on March 20, Fu's 35th Army simultaneously launched attacks on Japanese strongholds in Wuyuan, Meilingmiao, and Xingongzhong. After two days of fierce fighting, our army finally recaptured Linhe and Wuyuan, killing Lieutenant General Mizukawa, the division commander of the Japanese army, and several thousand of his puppet troops.    Upon hearing the news, the Japanese troops in Baotou crossed the Yellow River, attempting to outflank the 35th Army from the south. However, their westward advance was met with resistance from the positions of Ma's 81st Army. During the defensive battle, Ma's troops were bombarded by more than 30 Japanese artillery pieces. Due to outdated weaponry and lack of artillery counterattack, Ma's right flank was destroyed, allowing the enemy to encircle them from the rear. To avoid being outflanked, Ma's troops retreated north to the Shawo area to regroup. Ma Hongbin ordered each regiment to exploit the enemy's difficulty in vehicular movement in the desert, employing mobile warfare tactics, advancing when the enemy advanced and retreating when the enemy retreated, maintaining a distance of five or six li from the enemy, and choosing opportune moments to attack and exhaust them. Ma's troops also frequently formed assault teams to harass the enemy at night, keeping them constantly on edge. After maneuvering with the Japanese in the desert for several days using mobile warfare, Ma Hongbin's troops occupied a hilltop southwest of Xinminbao and laid an ambush. When the enemy approached, they unleashed a sudden barrage of fire, inflicting hundreds of casualties. This blow forced the Japanese army to abandon its southern reinforcement plan and retreat north across the Yellow River near Zhaojunfen. After the Japanese retreat, the 81st Army immediately launched an attack on the puppet Mongolian cavalry south of the Yellow River. After more than a month of battles, large and small, except for Chaidengtai, which was captured by Fu Zuoyi's troops, all other puppet strongholds were wiped out by Ma Hongbin's troops, and "the entire Damian Beach area in the northeast of the Ih Ju League was recovered."   During the Qingming Festival in 1940, the 35th Division, returning to western Suiyuan, buried the officers and soldiers who died in the battle at Wubulangkou. With tears in their eyes, people buried the remains of 148 officers and soldiers at the Cemetery for Fallen Soldiers on the west side of Wubulangkou, and erected brick monuments in front of the graves according to the names on the surviving shoulder insignia of the fallen officers and soldiers' uniforms.    Casualties on all sides were significant, reflecting the intensity of the fighting. For the Japanese, two brigades and the 72nd Cavalry Regiment took heavy hits, though official reports admitted only about 1,000 losses. Given that these units were sidelined from combat for an extended period afterward, the true figure was likely far higher. Battle reports from the 26th Division alone recorded over 3,000 casualties, nearly 20% of its strength,pushing the total Japanese toll, including other units, to between 4,000 and 5,000. Puppet forces fared even worse. The "Suiyuan-Western Autonomous Allied Army" proved utterly ineffective, collapsing almost immediately against the superior Ma Clique cavalry of the Nationalist 81st Army. While the puppet Mongolian cavalry had some combat capability, their reluctance to fight for the Japanese—often against their own kin, led to half-hearted engagements and quick retreats. Combined puppet casualties and prisoners numbered around 5,000 to 6,000, bringing the overall Japanese and puppet losses to 10,000–12,000 killed or wounded. The Chinese forces, vastly outmatched in equipment and relying on brave but undertrained local security units, endured heavy sacrifices. Domestic sources estimate their casualties at 15,000–20,000.   This campaign marked the only major anti-Japanese engagement involving people from Ningxia, where over 10,000 Hui and Han fighters, under Ma Hongbin and Ma Hongkui, battled fiercely in what is now Linhe and Wuyuan in Inner Mongolia. Thousands perished, buried far from home, embodying the unyielding spirit of the Chinese nation. It stood as Northwest China's sole battlefield in the war, a point of pride for its people. Victory was hard-won, despite the Chinese having slightly more troops but far inferior weaponry. Success stemmed from the soldiers' bravery, tactical use of cavalry mobility, and crucially, the puppet Mongolians' unwillingness to fully commit. The campaign not only repelled the Japanese westward and southward advances, securing Northwest China's northern gateway and blocking incursions into Ningxia, Shaanxi, and Gansu, but also safeguarded key supply routes like the Suiyuan-Xinjiang Highway and connections to Lanzhou. This ensured a steady influx of Soviet aid, bolstering the national resistance and indirectly supporting efforts in Southwest China.   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. After a Chinese raid seized Baotou, Japan launched a major 1940 offensive with tens of thousands of troops, vehicles, armor, aircraft, and puppet Mongolian forces. Chinese defenders used scorched earth, fortifications at Wubulangkou, and mobile cavalry/desert tactics, ambushes, and night harassment. Fu Zuoyi later recaptured Wuyuan/Linhe. Casualties were heavy—Chinese estimates 15,000–20,000; Japanese/puppet losses possibly 10,000–12,000.

The lanterns are lit, the archive doors are bolted, and tonight, we are diving into a file that redefined the meaning of "Safety" in the modern world.The Glico-Morinaga CaseIn 1984, Japan wasn't just an economic powerhouse; it was considered the safest place on Earth. That ended the moment a CEO was dragged naked from his bathtub and the nation's candy supply was turned into a chemical weapon. We are exploring the reign of The Monster with 21 Faces—a group that didn't just want money; they wanted to see a superpower crumble.The Content: A Masterclass in the "Forensic Zero"This isn't just a retelling of a crime spree; it's a deep dive into how a group of shadows managed to stay one step ahead of 1.3 million police officers. The Kidnapping: The high-stakes abduction of Katsuhisa Glico and the impossible ransom of gold and cash. The Letters: We break down the mocking, poetic taunts sent to the media using modified typewriters that created a "synthetic" evidence trail. The Poison: The "Vending Machine Medusa" effect—how the fear of a single cyanide tablet brought corporate giants to their knees. The Hooks: Why This Case Haunts Us The Fox-Eyed Man: We analyse the only physical lead—a man who looked a detective in the eye on a moving train and simply... walked away. The Psychological Siege: How the Monster used the Japanese virtue of Mottainai (wastefulness) to trick people into consuming poison. The Ultimate Price: The tragic story of Superintendent Yamamoto, who chose fire as his only way out of the shame of failure... Interesting Details: The Mechanical PredatorIn this episode, we go beyond the headlines to look at the technical precision of the Monster. We discuss how they modified the type-bars on their machines to ensure the police were hunting a "ghost" machine that didn't technically exist. We also look at the "Stiff Alley" phenomenon and how this case is the reason every bottle you buy today has a vacuum-sealed "pop" cap.The Next Japan True Crime Case...The Monster may have retired, but the archives never sleep. Our next investigation takes us away from the neon lights of Osaka and into a much darker, clinical setting. We are moving from the grocery store to the hospital ward.Prepare yourselves for the next Case File: The Stomach Pump Murders. Keep the lights on, check your surroundings, and—as always—check the seal.Thank you again legends for your support and for listening to these True Crime Japanese focused episode. I really love Japanese True Crime because they are always different, and always unique, both culturally, and the lessons learned from them. Next week I cannot wait to explore more from the True Crime, with the Japanese cultural backdrop in mind.

Am I the Genius? is the show where you get real answers to questions you've always wondered but didn't think to ask. Subscribe on YouTube - youtube.com/@amithegenius?sub_confirmation=1 Am I the Jerk? on Instagram - instagram.com/amithegenius Am I the Jerk? on Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0uEkxvRMpxLuuHeyPVVioF?si=b279dadfe593432b⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ x.com/amithejerk facebook.com/amithejerk SUBMIT YOUR OWN STORIES HERE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://amithejerk.com/submit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mint Mobile - Get this new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at MINTMOBILE.com/AITJ Quince - Keep it classic and cool — with long-lasting staples from Quince. Go to Quince.com/AITJ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns. EveryPlate - Dig into these flavor-packed meals your household will love. New customers can enjoy this special offer of only $1.99 a meal. Go to everyplate.com/podcast and use code AITG199 to get started. Green Chef - Head to Greenchef.com/50AITJ and use code 50AITJ to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping. Lola Blankets - Get 35% off your entire order at Lolablankets.com by using code AITJ at checkout. Uncommon Goods - To get 15% off your next gift, go to UncommonGoods.com/AITJ Don't miss out on this limited-time offer. Uncommon Goods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Analytic⁠⁠Join The Normandy For Ad-Free NME, Additional Bonus Audio And Visual Content For All Things Nme+! Join Here:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://ow.ly/msoH50WCu0K⁠⁠Analytic Dreamz delivers a detailed segment on TOMORROW X TOGETHER's 8th mini album, “7TH YEAR: A Moment of Stillness in the Thorns,” released April 13, 2026. In this Notorious Mass Effect segment, Analytic Dreamz explores the group's 7th anniversary year and post-contract renewal era with Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai under BIGHIT MUSIC.The six-track EP, running approximately 16 minutes, centers on the “thorns” metaphor symbolizing anxiety, pressure, and growth pain. It offers introspection, emotional conflict, and resilience through a moment of stillness amid chaos. The tracklist includes Bed of Thorns, lead single Stick With You, Take Me to Nirvana featuring Vinida Weng, So What, 21st Century Romance, and Dream of Mine.Analytic Dreamz breaks down the electropop and techno-punk lead single Stick With You, its high-impact chorus, 909 drum production, and lyrics reflecting relationship tension that mirrors the group's career persistence. The music video starring Jeon Jong-seo portrays anxiety leading to self-realization.Early commercial performance shows massive success: over 1.53 million Hanteo physical copies sold within the first 1–2 days, marking the 7th consecutive million-seller album. Stick With You and the album topped iTunes charts in 15–17 regions including Japan, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and the Philippines. Domestic charts saw strong debuts with immediate #1 on Bugs and a climb on Melon Top 100.Multiple physical editions, member-specific versions, signed copies, and global distribution via Republic Records and Universal Music fuel collector demand and broad accessibility. The short runtime optimizes repeat streaming, while the personal, story-driven concept reinforces TOMORROW X TOGETHER's genre-fluid identity as a top-tier global K-pop act.This segment from Analytic Dreamz examines sales mechanics, artistic direction, chart momentum, and long-term indicators for the album's impact in 2026.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The gang discusses the Xbox flip flops, table tennis robots, Cheapy's train app launch, PRAGMATA, Robocop in Call of Duty, and so much more!

Subscribe now to skip the ads and get all of our episodes. Danny and Derek will livestream from Route 3 as they take to the World Cup on foot. This week's news: in Iran, Trump extends the ceasefire after talks fail (1:02), Iran reimposes its Strait of Hormuz blockade (6:05), the Islamic Republic's leadership rejects unilateral concessions (9:11), and Persian Gulf mines and oil spills threaten commerce (13:13); the UAE seeks a currency swap after the Iran war's economic shocks (16:28); Israel violates the Lebanon ceasefire amid extension talks (18:11) while the IDF punishes soldiers over crucifix desecration (21:00); Gaza's reconstruction costs cause problems, plus governance delays (24:13); the U.S. offers to send Afghan refugees to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (26:33); Japan lifts its lethal arms export ban (28:59); the Sudanese army retakes Moja from the RSF (30:22); the TPLF reasserts control over the Tigray government (32:55); Ukraine reopens the Druzhba pipeline for an EU loan (34:51); CIA deaths expose the United States' role in Mexico drug raids (37:55); and boat strike survivors allege mistreatment in U.S. custody (40:59). Be sure to subscribe to our newest miniseries, Marx Prestige. And check out our series on Christian Zionism with Daniel Hummel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the Fukushima disaster shut down Japan's nuclear reactors, the coal industry rushed in to fill the energy gap. As climate advocate Kimiko Hirata watched dozens of new coal plant proposals quietly surface across the country — each one locking in decades of future emissions — she resolved to make them impossible to ignore. She shares how a small, scrappy civil society movement took on a fossil-fuel-dependent economy and got people to say "yes" to a renewable future.Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's issue 4376! This week Andy is joined by Tiff Stevenson and Neil Delamere as the three jump into this week's news! Starting off with the ramifications of the war in Iran, the trio also discuss the state of US Navy's dining in the wake of reported food shortages, the planet burning up and the UK's Mandelson problem rumbles on!

Before the internet, Japan's underground car culture was built on independent, cheaply printed zines, word-of-mouth networks, and late-night highway runs. In this episode of Past Gas, we explore how car magazines transformed Japanese tuning from a hidden, unauthorized subculture into an absolute global phenomenon.We dive into the story of visionary editor Daijiro Inada and his revolutionary publication, Option Magazine, which boldly documented illegal street racing and gave rogue tuners a shared voice and platform. From the secretive, elite 250 km/h runs of the legendary Mid Night Club on Tokyo's Wangan to the smoke-filled official top-speed battles at the Yatabe High Speed Loop. This rebellious energy birthed the Tokyo Auto Salon and forced the Japanese government to legitimize the very aftermarket engineering that would soon take over the worldToday's episode is brought to you by BlueChew. Right now, when you buy two months of BlueChew Gold, you get the third for FREE with promo code PASTGAS.This episode is also brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://www.Shopify.com/Gas And thanks to Rocket Money for sponsoring this episode. Join at https://www.RocketMoney.com/PastGas