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The run is hot economy is here! Today we talk markets, and debunk alarmist headlines about rising Japanese bond yields. We also talk about a significant market rotation: expensive mega-cap tech stocks are faltering while capital flows into "boring" sectors like staples, industrials, energy, healthcare, and utilities, with international markets also outperforming. Watch out about chasing falling tech names or trying to pick bottoms in areas like crypto. Diversification is always the way to go so understand sentiment cycles and focus on where money is flowing rather than where it has already been. Successful investing is about discipline, context, and avoiding emotional decisions. We discuss... Japan's 10-year government bond yield rising from near 0% to over 2%, which has sparked global concern. Because most Japanese government debt is owned domestically—by the central bank and pensions—the systemic risk narrative may be exaggerated. Market headlines often amplify short-term moves without proper historical framing. A large percentage of U.S. stocks are trading at very high price-to-sales ratios, exceeding even dot-com-era levels in some measures. Companies like Apple have high valuations despite limited recent earnings growth, raising questions about sustainability. Rotations are normal cycles in markets, where leadership shifts rather than the entire market collapsing. Utilities and staples—traditionally "boring" sectors—have recently outperformed while software and high-beta tech stocks have sold off sharply. International markets, particularly emerging markets and Europe, have outperformed the U.S. year-to-date. Heavy AI-related capital expenditures announced by large tech firms may have contributed to investor concerns. We compare crypto cycles to past tech bubbles, noting that true bottoms often occur when sentiment disappears and investors stop paying attention. Focus on where capital is flowing now rather than chasing sectors based on past performance. Diversification, patience, and understanding market cycles are essential for long-term investing success. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/run-it-hot-economy-is-here-791
SUBSCRIBE NOW!!!! on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher & Audible. On our plate for this week: Valve finally dropped their next big hardware, should Xbox be worried? We finally got details on the long rumored Horizon MMO, and Playstation dropped a State of Play geared toward Japan and boy was it Japanese. All this and more on this episode of Press X to Start Gamer's Digest . Gaming News: Valve's new Steam Machine is a SteamOS-powered mini PC over six times faster than a Steam Deck | PC Gamer Steam Hardware Announcement Sony is making a Horizon MMO — here's the video and details | The Verge Subscribe to the Channel State of Play Japan November 2025: all announcements | PlayStation.Blog 16 game announcements, 9 DLC announcements, and a new 27” Gaming monitor with a DualSense Charging hook The Super Mario Galaxy Movie's Rosalina Will Be Voiced by Brie Larson - IGN GTA 6 Is Delayed Again Until November 2026 | IGN Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra Delayed 'Beyond Early 2026' | IGN Insomniac only earned $567 USD with Sunset Overdrive, an Xbox exclusive | LevelUp Quick Hits New Ratchet & Clank Game Announced, But It's A Mobile Shooter Thing | Kotaku Arc Raiders Has Now Had The Fourth-Best Steam Launch Of 2025 | The Gamer What We Been Playing: Sean - BF6, Dispatch Dj - BF6 Redsec, Dispatch If you're enjoying the show, please take a moment to rate/review it on whatever service you're using. Every little bit helps! Want to ask a question, ask us at PressX2start.com/Questions Join/Follow Us: Youtube: Press X To Start TV Twitch: pressxtostarttv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pressx2start Twitter: @PressX2S Instagram: @PressX2Start TikTok: @pressx2start You can find more info about the Press X and who we are at www.PressX2start.com. If you have any questions or just want to tell us how great (or just slightly okay) we're doing or how we can be better, be a friend and reach out and email us at pressxtostartpodcast@gmail.com End music by @MarcoMavy on IG & Twitter Be good to each other, Peace!
Lev 6:1-7:27, Mark 3:7-30, Ps 37:1-11, Pr 10:3-4
Chuck Garfien's Spring Training Podcast-pa-looza rolls on with new White Sox outfielder Austin Hays, who explains why he chose the South Side and what he sees brewing inside the 2026 clubhouse. Hays reflects on going from 110 losses to 101 wins in a two-year span in Baltimore and draws parallels to a Sox team looking to rebound from a 102-loss season, while sharing what he can bring to help spark that turnaround. He also compares this group to last year's Reds club that battled through adversity to reach the postseason. Hays opens up about overcoming a kidney infection in 2024 and how a conversation with Kyle Schwarber helped him address the issues he was dealing with, plus his strong relationship with hitting director Ryan Fuller, who played a key role in his 2023 All-Star campaign. He offers advice to Colson Montgomery on avoiding a sophomore slump and gives his early impressions of the 2026 Sox. And yes, he gives his two cents on Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, too.
Mixing Music with Dee Kei | Audio Production, Technical Tips, & Mindset
In Episode 361 of the Mixing Music Podcast, hosts Dee Kei and Lu start with some Super Bowl talk and quickly pivot into a bigger conversation about obsession, creativity, and what actually drives high-level engineers to improve. Dee Kei shares a recent clip he saw from a well-known mixer talking about working extreme hours early on, and how an unhealthy level of obsession can sometimes be part of why people eventually earn enough skill, stability, and confidence to relax later.From there, the episode becomes a deep mindset discussion about craft. Dee Kei argues that great work tends to create money as a consequence, not as a starting motivation, and that when money becomes the primary goal, it can de-incentivize the kind of care and curiosity that lead to truly great records. He uses a story about giving his young son an allowance and watching how the introduction of money changed the child's relationship to making art. The broader point is that creative work is different than typical product-based entrepreneurship, because art has no built-in finish line and its value is often subjective.They also talk about the difference between loving music and loving the identity of being a producer or engineer. Dee Kei suggests that real obsession is not something you force. It is an alignment that shows up naturally in how you spend your time, what you want to learn, and how much you care even when conditions are not ideal. He shares a C.S. Lewis quote about how favorable conditions never arrive, and why the people who achieve the most are the ones who keep learning and working even when life is inconvenient.Lu adds a practical anchor to the conversation with a reminder that fundamentals beat trendy techniques. Whether you are mixing, recording, or working live sound, focusing on the basics of sound capture, decision-making, and working within limitations is what consistently produces results. They also touch on loudness briefly, including the idea of getting competitively loud while still feeling dynamic, plus how tools like clippers can be used creatively when the foundation of the mix is already solid.The episode wraps with a short story about a Japanese sword parable that illustrates diminishing returns and restraint, tying back to the idea that technical mastery alone is not the point. The bigger goal is making meaningful art with intention, curiosity, and integrity, without reducing the whole process to profit, ego, or external validation.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBEJoin the ‘Mixing Music Podcast' Discord!HIRE DEE KEIHIRE LUHIRE JAMESFind Dee Kei and Lu on Social Media:Instagram: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLu @JamesParrishMixesTwitter: @DeeKeiMixes @MasteredbyLuThe Mixing Music Podcast is sponsored by Izotope, Antares (Auto Tune), Sweetwater, Plugin Boutique, Lauten Audio, Filepass, & CanvaThe Mixing Music Podcast is a video and audio series on the art of music production and post-production. Dee Kei, Lu, and James are professionals in the Los Angeles music industry having worked with names like Odetari, 6arelyhuman, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, Benny the Butcher, carolesdaughter, Crying City, Daphne Loves Derby, Natalie Jane, charlieonnafriday, bludnymph, Lay Bankz, Rico Nasty, Ayesha Erotica, ATEEZ, Dizzy Wright, Kanye West, Blackway, The Game, Dylan Espeseth, Tara Yummy, Asteria, Kets4eki, Shaquille O'Neal, Republic Records, Interscope Records, Arista Records, Position Music, Capital Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group, apg, Hive Music, Sony Music, and many others.This podcast is meant to be used for educational purposes only. This show is filmed and recorded at Dee Kei's private studio in North Hollywood, California. If you would like to sponsor the show, please email us at deekeimixes@gmail.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mixing-music-music-production-audio-engineering-and-music/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
"Scarlet" is a Japanese animated fantasy action film written and directed by Mamoru Hosoda. Inspired by Shakespeare's tragedy "Hamlet," the film follows the eponymous princess, who can cross time and space on a quest for vengeance after her father is murdered. The film had its world premiere out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its scope and scale, animation, and effects. It was nominated for three Annie Awards: Best Feature (Independent), Best Direction, and Best Writing. Hosoda was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his work on the film, his work being shown in IMAX, the unique animation techniques used in the making of this film, what he sees for the future of anime in the U.S. and worldwide, and more, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from Sony Pictures Classics. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As we approach Ash Wednesday and the 2026 Lenten season, Makoto Fujimura's vision of slow art, hospitality, and kenotic creativity invites us to resist the speed, fear, and fragmentation of this cultural moment by learning again how to pay attention, to rest, and to become people capable of holding one another with care even amid grief, violence, and uncertainty. In this conversation, fine artist Makoto Fujimura reflects on art, trauma, hospitality, and the slow practices that help us remain human in fractured times. "I wanted this book to serve as a portal… to recognize something as maybe ordinary or as extraordinary as holding your granddaughter." Together with Mark Labberton, Fujimura reflects on art as generativity, kenosis, and the healing practice of attention. Together they discuss slow art, Ground Zero and trauma, Japanese aesthetics and hospitality, dandelions and attention, Sabbath rest, and self-emptying love. They explore how making art helps people remain human amid violence, polarization, and technological acceleration. Episode Highlights "I wanted this book to serve as a portal… to recognize something as maybe ordinary or as extraordinary as holding your granddaughter." "We are not just making… we are being made." "God is indeed the host." "Art is… a way for us to navigate our complex times." "It is okay for me to give my life away." About Makoto Fujimura Makoto Fujimura is a contemporary artist, writer, and cultural thinker known for "slow art" rooted in Japanese Nihonga painting traditions. His work explores generativity, culture care, theology of making, and the relationship between beauty and suffering. Having lived and worked near Ground Zero after 9/11, his artistic practice reflects themes of trauma, hospitality, and new creation. He is the author of Art Is: A Journey into the Light and other books on art, faith, and culture. Helpful Links And Resources Art Is: A Journey into the Light https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300273656/art-is/ Makoto Fujimura Website https://makotofujimura.com/art International Arts Movement https://iamculturecare.com/ Art and Faith: A Theology of Making https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300285482/art-and-faith/ Show Notes Lifelong friendship, artistic influence Slow art as resistance to acceleration Minneapolis demonstrations; dignity across legal status; 50,000 people marching in extreme cold as witness to human worth "I was holding Jane." Art as portal into ordinary life Making and being made simultaneously Scientist father, generative language framework Kamakura childhood aesthetics Insider–outsider identity formation Japanese language, visual thinking, layered perception Ground Zero studio years after 9/11 shaping imagination, community awareness, and artistic responsibility Hospitality as artistic and theological practice Survivor identity discovered through conversation with Columbine survivor "God is indeed the host." Attention, "minute particulars," and gratitude amid suffering Dandelions meditation: beauty in unwanted places; seeds surrendering to wind; healing compacted soil; overlooked gifts of creation Slow art practice: pausing, observing, letting meaning emerge rather than forcing conclusions Sabbath, rest, and imagination as resistance to productivity-driven identity Kenosis paintings, gold, generosity, and self-emptying love as cultural antidote "It is okay for me to give my life away." #MakoFujimura #SlowArt #CultureCare #FaithAndArt #Hospitality #Kenosis #CreativeProcess #SpiritualFormation Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary.
The John & John: Both Took At Least One Bump Connection™ are back once again, as John is joined by John Bivins for another long path through a whole lot of Japanese wrestling! First up: a full review of NJPW New Beginning in Osaka, featuring some weird vibes but also some great wrestling. Also was Jake Lee really that bad? The answer may surprise you! Then John & John give a full preview of the New Japan Cup as they both pick who will advance in each match, who will end up being the winner who goes on to Sakura Genesis and more. Plus a brief preview of the New Beginning in USA show and the two junior title matches announced for the Anniversary Show!Then they bounce around the rest of Japan via five Korakuen shows from five different companies: STARDOM from 2/13 (feat. good vibes and shining wizard bumps), Tokyo Joshi from 2/14 (feat. an Ober Eats burial but also a lot of stuff we really liked!), NOAH from 2/11 (feat. oh god please make it stop and by "it" we mean Team 2000X), AJPW from 2/15 (feat. some stuff and also what the fuck is up with that Champion Carnival lineup), and finally GLEAT also from 2/11 (feat. The End of the Anti-GLE Monsters, RIP I guess).John Bivins' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/punkrock.darkroast/Sport of Pro Wrestling's New Japan Cup 2026 Pick 'em Contest: https://sportofprowrestling.com/njpw/njc-26-challengeFollow Wrestling Omakase on Twitter: http://twitter.com/wrestleomakaseFollow John on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/justoneenby.bsky.socialOur Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Let it never be said that Triple Takeover doesn't enjoy a bit of beast. Having already done deep dives into the classic Kenner line and Takara's Beast Wars II, we're back for more — and this is where things get really weird, with 1999's Beast Wars Neo. Tonight it's all about the Maximals: a crew of twelve toys that run the gamut from intriguing repaints and retools to flat-out Japanese exclusive oddities. Sixo guides Liam and Jason through the roster one figure at a time, discovering some of the more noteworthy alternate modes from the entire Beast era — not to mention the somewhat inexplicable third modes on offer. With giraffes, penguins, horses, rabbits, sharks, and of course the line's notorious tanuki, Beast Wars Neo showcases the sheer creativity (and occasional bewilderment) of late-90s Takara design philosophy. The discussion leans towards the absurd at times — that was somewhat inevitable given the subject matter — but there's genuine reverence for what is, at the end of the day, a fabulous set of classic Transformers toys. Big swings, plenty of fun, and a roster that wasn't afraid to do something different. Fair warning: this episode gets weird. But that's exactly why our Beast Wars discussions always end up being some of the most entertaining episodes we record. Let's hope we don't balls it up.—Chapters0:00:00 Intro0:06:16 Sponsor Segment: Valart0:10:36 What Is Collector Burnout?0:17:53 The Acquisition Problem & Social Media Impact0:30:37 The Benefit of Creative Pursuits0:40:01 Recognising Warning Signs & Finding Balance1:02:27 Community Connection1:13:01 Sponsor Segment: TFSource1:23:38 Final Thoughts & Patron Questions—Enjoying the show? There's more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall bring the Burma campaign, or the beginning of it anyway, to the table. The guys get into the strategic setup for the campaign, and talk about the British defensive forces, or lack thereof. Jon dishes on Iida Shojiro, Japanese CO of the 15th Army, and the guys get into the series of defenisive battles fought by the Commonwealth forces that occur in the beginning of the Japanese invasion. The fate of the heroic 17th Indian Division at Sittang Bridge will make you want to pull your hair out. This one is an interesting, if not often told, tale. #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #essex #halsey #taskforce38 #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #mastersoftheair #8thairforce #mightyeighth #100thbombgroup #bloodyhundredth #b17 #boeing #airforce wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #oldbreed #1stMarineDivision #thepacific #Peleliu #army #marines #marinecorps #worldwar2 #worldwar #worldwarii #leytegulf #battleofleytegulf #rodserling #twilightzone #liberation #blacksheep #power #prisoner #prisonerofwar #typhoon #hurricane #weather #iwojima#bullhalsey #ace #p47 #p38 #fighter #fighterpilot #b29 #strategicstudying #tokyo #boeing #incendiary #usa #franklin #okinawa #yamato #kamikaze #Q&A #questions #questionsandanswers #history #jaws #atomicbomb #nuclear #nationalarchives #nara #johnford #hollywood #fdr #president #roosevelt #doolittle #doolittleraid #pearlharborattack #salvaged #medalofhonor #tarawa #malayalam #singapore #guadalcanal #china #burma
In this episode, Kurt Schmidt sits down with Ben Bomar to dive into the importance of preserving institutional knowledge within organizations—especially when key employees retire or move on. Ben Bomar shares his expertise on how to capture the wisdom and practical know-how of longtime staff, ensuring a lasting legacy and smooth succession for businesses ranging from 20 to 500 employees. The conversation explores the real costs and risks of employee turnover, the shortcomings of traditional documentation and onboarding, and the value of scalable mentorship in today's fast-paced world (including a fun analogy with Japanese kintsugi!). Together, they discuss actionable ways to identify essential team members, document their unique contributions, and maintain company values as organizations grow or face workforce changes. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or HR professional, this episode is packed with practical tips for investing in your team and future-proofing your company's operations.Check out Ben's work!www.lithyus.comhttps://www.lithyus.com/free-resources#2026toolkithttps://www.linkedin.com/in/benbomar/https://www.linkedin.com/company/lithyus/https://www.instagram.com/lithyusinsta/https://www.youtube.com/@LithyusGroupVisit https://schmidtconsulting.group for more show infoBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/schmidt-list-business-insights--2664825/support.
Discover the power of continuous improvement in life, business, and mindset. Each episode explores simple, actionable steps you can take today — the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen — to make progress, crush limits, and turn small daily wins into massive long-term success.
In this episode, Tara sits down with Sydney Quiseng of Echosmith for an honest, grounding conversation about music, identity, and parenthood. Sydney opens up about the joy and anticipation she feels as she prepares to become a mom, and how that season inspired her newest song, “That's My Baby (On Main Street).” Tara and Sydney talk about the evolution of her sound toward a more coastal-country feel, the role nature plays in her creativity, and how past songs like “Cool Kids” were born from her own journey toward self-acceptance. She also shares her deep love for Japanese culture and language, and how those influences quietly shape her artistry. Sydney doesn't shy away from the real conversations, what it means to slow down, be present, and intentionally step back from work to bond with her baby. They dive into the complicated role the internet plays for modern parents, both as a lifeline and a source of anxiety, and why tuning into your own instincts matters more than ever. This conversation is a reminder that becoming a mother doesn't end creativity. It transforms it, and Sydney is just beginning to imagine how this next chapter will show up in her music and her life. Links: https://www.sydneyquiseng.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sydneyquiseng Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this interview I'm joined by the Reverend Dr. Thomas Plant to discuss the relationship between Christianity and Platonism, as well as how Platonism might serve as a bridge for inter-religious dialogue. The Rev'd Dr Thomas Plant (Fr. Thomas) was installed and licensed as Rector on Monday 12 May 2025 following four years as a university chaplain in Tokyo. He has previously served in Lichfield Cathedral School, St Michael's Camden Town and St Peter's Berkhamsted. A theologian and classicist, he has published in the fields of Christian Platonism and Buddhist-Christian dialogue. He holds a 2nd dan black belt in Aikido and enjoys playing blues piano and the Japanese shakuhachi flute. He is also a sci-fi, fantasy and real ale fan. Read the Book: https://amzn.to/3Olrdz0Want to support the channel? Here's how!Give monthly: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicityBook a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austinRead my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com/Support the show
Japanese man accused of toilet theft...one single toilet...but why? Couple ends up getting married at funeral home after judge was a no-show, Group of tourists ran up a huge bill at a restaurant in Australia then attempted the 'armpit hair' on the plate trick...
Forever Young Radio Show with America's Natural Doctor Podcast
Recovering Winter-worn Skin Resilience from the Inside-Out.Joining us today is Kat James, the award-winning author of “The Truth About Beauty” and a renowned nutrition, lifestyle, and inside-out transformation expert. After overcoming her own serious health and beauty challenges, Kat James has helped thousands of others do the same, through her bestselling book, her national health columns, talk radio show, PBS special, Total Transformation® Programs, and her Website, TotalTransformation.com. We're delighted to have Kat join us today to share some of her scientific insights and solutions for revitalizing and restoring the surprising, health-protective functions of our skin that can be compromised during the winter months.Dr. Ohhira's Premium Collagen Plus contains low molecular weight marine collagen peptides, Japanese cherry blossom extract, hyaluronic acid and several other ingredients that help to increase skin hydration and promote the growth of healthy new collagen. Gradual destruction of skin collagen is the primary cause of skin aging as evidenced by wrinkles, dry skin and loss of elasticity which results in sagging skin. The ingredients in Dr. Ohhira's Premium Collagen Plus help to revitalize the skin by increasing healthy new collagen production as well as increasing skin hydration and skin elasticity.It's non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy-free. The marine collagen is from cod, red snapper, and pangasius fish.Learn more about Essential FormulasAlso available at other online retailers such as Amazon and at fine natural products retailers nationwide.Learn more about Kat James
Lev 4:1-5:19, Mark 2:13-3:6, Ps 36:1-12, Pr 10:1-2
Get the new Trust The Sleight Tee! The hosts recount Nick's trip to Japan, exploring magic bars, close-up performances, and unique cultural exchanges with local magicians. They also share a tense on-stage Rubik's Cube recovery, stories about audience-sourced props, and reflections on differences between Japanese and Australian magic scenes. Leave a voicemail for The Magic Guys Join The Magic Guys Discord!!! Email Us - themagicguysshow@gmail.com The Podcast where Professional Magicians, Josh Norbido, Doug Conn & Nick Kay take on the important questions of life (Mainly from our youtube subscribers) and deliver answers from a Magicians point of view. Come hang out with us while we chat about our lives as Magicians and the ups and downs that go with it.
Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Monkeying Around: Finding Tranquility in Unexpected Ways Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-02-17-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 京都の雪がしんしんと降る朝、隠れた寺院は静寂に包まれていた。En: On a morning when snow fell silently in Kyoto, a hidden temple was enveloped in silence.Ja: 寺院の一角では、若い僧侶のソラが、凍えるような寒さの中で静かに座っていた。En: In one corner of the temple, a young monk named Sora quietly sat amid the freezing cold.Ja: ソラの心は集中を求めていた。En: Sora's mind was seeking concentration.Ja: 彼の目標は、瞑想の達人スキルを先生に見せることだった。En: His goal was to show his meditation mastery skills to his teacher.Ja: しかし、小さなおサルのいたずらが彼の前に立ちはだかった。En: However, the antics of a small monkey stood in his way.Ja: サルはソラの袈裟を引っ張ったり、彼の周りを飛び回ったりした。En: The monkey pulled on Sora's robe and jumped around him.Ja: ソラは目を閉じて落ち着こうとしたが、サルはますますしつこくなるばかりだった。En: Sora tried to calm himself by closing his eyes, but the monkey only became more persistent.Ja: その様子を見て、寺院の友人ヒロとミカは、楽しそうに笑っていた。En: Watching the scene, Sora's friends Hiro and Mika laughed merrily.Ja: 「ソラ、大丈夫?」とヒロがからかう。En: "Sora, are you all right?" Hiro teased.Ja: 「サルの友達ができたね!」とミカも冗談を言った。En: "You've made a new monkey friend!" Mika joked.Ja: ソラはため息をつき、少し考えた。En: Sora sighed and thought for a moment.Ja: 「そうだ、今日は節分だ!」ソラは急いで立ち上がり、寺院の一角にある小さな収納箱から豆を取り出した。En: "That's it, today is Setsubun!" Sora quickly stood up and took out beans from a small storage box in a corner of the temple.Ja: 豆を持って、ソラは提案した。「これを使ってみよう。En: Holding the beans, Sora proposed, "Let's use these.Ja: サルを驚かせて追い払おう。」En: We can scare the monkey away."Ja: ソラは豆を手に持ち、意を決してサルに向かって豆を投げた。En: Sora held the beans in his hand and, with determination, threw them at the monkey.Ja: しかし、サルは俊敏だった。En: However, the monkey was nimble.Ja: 驚いたことに、サルはすばやく動いて豆の袋ごと奪い去ってしまった。En: To his surprise, the monkey swiftly moved and snatched away the entire bag of beans.Ja: 「まさか!」ソラはあ然とした。En: "Unbelievable!" Sora was astonished.Ja: ヒロとミカは大笑いし始めた。En: Hiro and Mika began to laugh out loud.Ja: ソラもやがて笑い出した。En: Sora eventually started laughing too.Ja: 「本当に困ったサルだね。En: "What a troublesome monkey.Ja: でも、もしかしたら、これも心の安らぎを見つけるための一部かもしれない。」En: But perhaps this is also part of finding peace of mind."Ja: こうして、ソラは思った。状況に埋め尽くされた中で、時には柔軟性と軽やかさが、静けさや安らぎを見つける鍵になることもある。En: Sora thought about how sometimes, amidst being overwhelmed by situations, it is flexibility and lightheartedness that can be the key to finding tranquility and peace.Ja: 笑いの共感の中で、ソラは新しい考え方を身につけることができた。En: Through shared laughter, Sora was able to adopt a new way of thinking.Ja: 雪は静かに降り続き、寺院にはほんの少しの笑い声が響いた。En: The snow continued to fall silently, and a little laughter echoed in the temple.Ja: ソラ、ヒロ、ミカは再び一緒に座り、今度はすべてを受け入れる心の安らぎを見つけようとした。En: Sora, Hiro, and Mika sat together again, this time seeking an accepting peace of mind. Vocabulary Words:silently: しんしんとenveloped: 包まれていたconcentration: 集中mastery: 達人antics: いたずらrobe: 袈裟nimble: 俊敏astonished: あ然としたfrozen: 凍えるようなgoal: 目標persistent: しつこくなるlaughter: 笑いtranquility: 安らぎscenario: 様子overwhelmed: 埋め尽くされたflexibility: 柔軟性lightheartedness: 軽やかさtranquility: 静けさskill: スキルunbelievable: まさかamazed: 驚いたswiftly: すばやくsnatched: 奪い去ったproposal: 提案determine: 意を決してechoed: 響いたseeking: 求めていたoccasion: 節分adopted: 身につけたcorner: 一角
Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Sakura Secrets: A Winter Quest to Uncover Family Legacy Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-02-17-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冬の冷たい風が静かな村を包んでいました。En: The cold winter wind enveloped the quiet village.Ja: 村の背後には、ひっそりとした桜の隠れ里がありました。En: Hidden behind the village was a secluded grove of sakura trees.Ja: その木々は冬の中で葉を落とし、雪の下に埋もれた微かなピンクの花びらが見え隠れしていました。En: These trees had shed their leaves during the winter, with faint pink petals peeking out from beneath the snow.Ja: その日は節分で、人々は「鬼は外、福は内」を叫びながら豆を撒いていました。En: That day was Setsubun, and people were shouting "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi" while throwing beans.Ja: しかし、兄と妹、健二と美緒はそれどころではありませんでした。En: However, the brother and sister, Kenji and Mio, had something more pressing on their minds.Ja: 彼らの目標は、家族の伝統を守り、長い間失われていた家宝を見つけることでした。En: Their goal was to uphold a family tradition and find the family heirloom long lost.Ja: おばあちゃんから何度も聞かされた話は、それが桜の隠れ里にあると言っていました。En: The story repeatedly told by their grandmother mentioned that it was hidden in the sakura grove.Ja: 健二は現実主義者で、家宝の話を半信半疑で聞いていました。En: Kenji, a realist, listened to the tale of the family heirloom with skepticism.Ja: しかし、彼の心の片隅には、古い家族の伝統に対する懐かしい思いもありました。En: Yet, in the corner of his heart, he held a nostalgic feeling for the old family traditions.Ja: 美緒はもっと夢見がちな性格で、家族の過去に強くつながりたいと願っていました。En: Mio, being more of a dreamer, wished to connect deeply with her family's past.Ja: 「行こう、美緒。」健二は重いコートを着ながら言いました。En: "Let's go, Mio," Kenji said, putting on his heavy coat.Ja: 「でも、慎重にな。そして、寒いからすぐに帰ろう。」En: "But be cautious. And let's come back soon because it's cold."Ja: 「大丈夫、兄ちゃん。」美緒は自信に満ちた声で返しました。En: "Don't worry, niichan," Mio replied confidently.Ja: 「おばあちゃんの話を信じて、見つけましょう。」En: "Let's believe in obaa-chan's story and find it."Ja: 二人は雪の中を進み、桜の隠れ里に向かいました。En: The two made their way through the snow towards the sakura grove.Ja: 寒さは厳しく、風は彼らの頬を刺してきました。En: The cold was biting, and the wind stung their cheeks.Ja: しかし、彼らは進み続けました。En: Yet, they continued onward.Ja: 美緒は注意深く足元を探り、何かが埋もれているかもしれない場所を探し始めました。En: Mio carefully probed the ground, starting to search for any place where something might be buried.Ja: 「健二、ここ!」と彼女が叫びました。En: "Kenji, over here!" she shouted.Ja: 健二は彼女の元に駆け付け、一緒に雪を掘り始めました。En: Kenji rushed to her side, and together they began to dig through the snow.Ja: やがて、彼らは木製の箱を見つけました。En: Eventually, they uncovered a wooden box.Ja: それは家族の絆を象徴する遺品でした。En: It was a relic symbolizing the bonds of their family.Ja: 風はますます強くなり、雪は彼らの周りに舞い上がりました。En: The wind grew stronger, and the snow swirled around them.Ja: しかし、箱を手にした瞬間、兄妹は顔を見合わせ、達成感でいっぱいになりました。En: But at the moment they held the box, the siblings exchanged glances, filled with a sense of accomplishment.Ja: 「見つけた、ね。」美緒が微笑みながら言いました。En: "We found it, didn't we?" Mio said, smiling.Ja: 「うん。」健二は同意し、箱を抱きしめました。En: "Yeah." Kenji agreed, hugging the box.Ja: 「これでおばあちゃんも喜ぶはずだ。」En: "obaa-chan will be so pleased with this."Ja: 雪が再び降り始めても、健二は家族の伝統の大切さを理解し、美緒は彼女の固い決意がもたらす結果を知りました。En: Even as the snow started to fall again, Kenji understood the importance of family tradition, and Mio realized what her strong determination had achieved.Ja: 彼らは足早に村に戻り、一緒に家族の物語の新しい章を記し始めました。En: They briskly made their way back to the village, beginning a new chapter in the family story together.Ja: 節分の日の静かな夜に、兄妹は家族のつながりを再び確認しました。En: On the quiet night of Setsubun, the siblings reaffirmed their family's connection. Vocabulary Words:enveloped: 包んでいましたgrove: 隠れ里secluded: ひっそりとしたfaint: 微かなpetals: 花びらshouting: 叫びながらuphold: 守りheirloom: 家宝repeatedly: 何度もnostalgic: 懐かしいdreamer: 夢見がちなprobe: 探りdug: 掘りuncovered: 見つけrelic: 遺品bonds: 絆swirled: 舞い上がりましたaccomplishment: 達成感hugging: 抱きしめrealized: 理解しbriskly: 足早にreaffirmed: 確認しましたseclusion: ひっそりとしたshed: 落としbeneath: 埋もれたskepticism: 半信半疑glancing: 見合わせstung: 刺してきましたdetermination: 固い決意peeking: 見え隠れして
There are lots of "Plain Style" practices today! [✐2. Andante ] 〜てもいいですか ask permission to do something, 〜なくてもいいですか ask if you don't have to“Is it OK if I don't wear a mask?”[00:08]Hello, everyone. How are you doing. Thank you for listening to Japanese Swotter today again. Today we will practice “〜temo iidesuka”, namely “ask permission to do something“. First, please repeat in casual “Plain Style”.Repeat as follows,kakimasu>kaite [V-te Form] (♪repeat)Then, repeat the sentenceKaitemo iidesuka? (♪repeat)OK?Repeat after me[00:37]1. readMay I read it?2. take a look/see/watchMay I take a look/see/watch?3. ask/hear/listen toMay I ask/hear/listen to?4. drinkMay I drink?5. buyMay I buy?6. sleepMay I sleep?7. take a napMay I take a nap?8. throw awayMay I throw it away?9. have/take itMay I have/take it?10. take a rest/take a day offMay I take a rest/day off?[03:03]Repeat sentences in plain style.Repeat after me[03:09]1. May I read it?2. May I take a look/see/watch?3. May I ask/hear/listen to?4. May I drink?5. May I buy?6. May I sleep?7. May I take a nap?8. May I throw it away?9. May I have/take it?10. May I take a rest/day off?=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=「マスクをしなくてもいいですか。」[00:08]みなさん、こんにちは。おげんきですか。きょうもJapanese Swotterをきいてくれて、ありがとうございます。まず「〜てもいいです」を れんしゅうします。Ask permission to do something.ですね。つぎのようにリピートしますかきます>かいて[VてForm] ♪repeatそれから、ぶんをリピートしてください。かいてもいいですか。♪repeatいいですか。Repeat after me[00:37]1. よみます>よんでよんでもいいですか。2. みます>みてみてもいいですか。3. ききます>きいてきいてもいいですか。4. のみます>のんでのんでもいいですか。5. かいます>かってかってもいいですか6. ねます>ねてねてもいいですか。7. ひるね(を)します>ひるね(を)してひるね(を)してもいいですか。8. すてます>すててすててもいいですか。9. もらいます>もらってもらってもいいですか。10. やすみます>やすんでやすんでもいいですか。[03:03]つぎは、カジュアルなPlain Styleでリピートしてください。Repeat after me[03:09]1. よんでもいい?2. みてもいい?3. きいてもいい?4. のんでもいい?5. かってもいい?6. ねてもいい?7. ひるねしてもいい?8. すててもいい?9. もらってもいい?10. やすんでもいい?Support the show=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=Need more translation & transcript? Become a patron: More episodes with full translation and Japanese transcripts. Members-only podcast feed for your smartphone app. Japanese Swotter on PatreonNote: English translations might sound occasionally unnatural as English, as I try to preserve the structure and essence of the original Japanese.
THE Sales Japan Series by Dale Carnegie Training Tokyo, Japan
Listening is the most underrated sales skill because it's the one that actually tells you what the buyer is thinking, not what you wish they were thinking. Most salespeople believe they listen well, but in real conversations—especially under pressure—we drift into habits that feel like listening while we're actually rehearsing our next line. In Japan, in the US, in Europe—whether you're selling to an SME, a startup, or a multinational—buyers can feel when you're not fully present. Are you really listening to the buyer—or just waiting to talk? Most salespeople aren't listening; they're mentally queuing up their next point, and the buyer can hear the delay. This shows up in every market: a SaaS rep in San Francisco, a relationship banker in London, or an account manager in Tokyo can look attentive while their mind is sprinting ahead. The trigger is usually one "important" phrase—budget, competitor, timing—then your attention snaps away from the buyer and into your internal monologue. You're still hearing, but you're not taking in. That gap matters because buyers don't only communicate in words. In executive-level meetings at firms like Toyota or Rakuten, meaning often sits inside tone, pace, hesitations, and what goes unsaid. Post-pandemic, with more hybrid calls on Zoom or Teams, these cues are easier to miss—unless you deliberately train for them. Do now: Treat every buyer conversation like a live intelligence feed: if you're writing your reply in your head, you've stopped listening. What are the five levels of listening in sales? There are five levels—Ignore, Pretend, Selective, Attentive, and Empathetic—and most sales calls hover around levels 2 or 3. Ignore doesn't mean staring at your phone; it can mean being hijacked by your own thoughts the moment the buyer says something provocative. Pretend looks like nodding, eye contact, "mm-hmm"—but your brain is busy building the pitch. Selective listening is the killer in modern B2B: you filter for "yes/no" buying signals, but you miss the conditions attached to them (timeline, stakeholders, risk concerns). Attentive listening is full-focus: no interruptions, no filtering, paraphrasing to confirm. Empathetic listening goes further—eyes and ears—reading what's behind the words and "meeting the buyer in the conversation going on in their mind." That's as relevant in procurement-heavy Japan as it is in fast-moving US sales teams. Do now: Identify which level you default to under pressure—and train upward, not sideways. What does "ignoring the client" look like if you're still in the room? You can "ignore" a buyer while looking directly at them—by following your own thoughts instead of their words. This is common when the client says something that sparks urgency: "We're also talking to your competitor," "Budget is tight," "We need this by Q2." The moment you latch onto that, the rest of what they say fades into the mist because you're fixated on the counterpoint you must deliver. In enterprise sales, this is where deals quietly die: you respond to the wrong problem, at the wrong depth, to the wrong stakeholder. In Japan, where meaning can be indirect and consensus-based, this is riskier—what's not said can be the real message. In Australia, where communication is often more direct, you can still miss the nuance in tone—especially in remote calls where you're juggling slides, notes, and chat. Do now: When you feel triggered, pause and mentally label it: "That's my ego talking—back to the buyer." Why do salespeople "pretend" to listen—and how can you spot it? Pretend listening happens when your body language says "I'm with you" but your mind is already pitching, defending, or debating. You nod. You lean in. You look professional. But internally you're preparing the product dump, building the objection-handling case, or rehearsing the "killer story." It's the classic "lights are on, but you're not home" dynamic—common across industries like consulting, insurance, tech, and professional services. The modern version is worse: you're also glancing at CRM notes, Slack messages, or the next meeting timer. Buyers notice because your responses don't quite match what they said. You answer a question they didn't ask, or you jump too early. In negotiation-heavy environments (Japan, Germany, regulated sectors), this reads as disrespect. In faster markets (US startups), it reads as shallow. Do now: After the buyer speaks, summarise in one sentence before you respond with anything else. Is "selective listening" efficient—or does it sabotage sales outcomes? Selective listening is efficient for hearing buying signals, but it often sabotages effectiveness by skipping the context that makes the "yes" or "no" meaningful. Salespeople are trained to hunt for signals: interest, hesitation, resistance. But if you only listen for yes/no, you miss the conditions attached—like internal politics, compliance concerns, implementation capacity, or fear of change. You also jump the gun: you hear the "no" early and start crafting your rebuttal while the buyer is still explaining why. The Japan example is instructive: because the verb often arrives at the end of the sentence, you're forced to hear the whole thought before reacting. In English, you can start manufacturing your reply mid-sentence, which feels fast but can be sloppy. Across APAC, where indirectness can be a politeness strategy, selective listening becomes a deal-killer because the meaning sits in the qualifiers. Do now: Don't respond to the first "yes/no." Wait for the full sentence—then ask one clarifying question. What's the difference between attentive listening and empathetic listening—and which closes deals? Attentive listening makes you accurate; empathetic listening makes you influential because it reveals what the buyer is really protecting. Attentive listening is full presence: you don't interrupt, you don't filter, you paraphrase to confirm understanding. This alone differentiates you in any market—Japan, the US, Europe—because most professionals are distracted. Empathetic listening is the next level: you listen with your eyes and ears, tracking tone, body language, and what isn't being said. You sense anxiety behind a budget objection, or politics behind a "we'll think about it." You aim to "meet the buyer in the conversation going on in their mind," which is exactly what executive-level selling requires. In leadership cultures where saving face matters (Japan, parts of Asia), empathy helps you surface concerns safely. In direct cultures (Australia, US), empathy helps you avoid brute-force pitching and instead guide the decision. Do now: Paraphrase the facts, then reflect the feeling: "It sounds like timing isn't the only concern here." Conclusion If you want to sell more, stop trying to be more persuasive and start trying to be more present. The five levels of listening are a diagnostic tool: most salespeople drift between Pretend and Selective because their brain is busy performing. Attentive listening earns trust. Empathetic listening uncovers truth. And the fastest way to improve your buyer conversations is to practise listening where it's hardest—at home, with people who don't have to pay you to stay polite. Author credentials Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). Greg also publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, and hosts six weekly podcasts. On YouTube, he produces The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews, which are widely followed by executives seeking success strategies in Japan.
Meet Chloe Viatté, a French professor and bunya ningyo joruri puppeteer, who sits down to talk to us about this rare Japanese theatre. She tells us about her journey to Japan and interest in puppeteering, how these puppets are operated, and why they might disappear forever.--0:00 Intro0:44 Meet Chloe5:35 Planning to move to Japan7:35 First time in Japan10:03 Life in Niigata12:06 Interest in Kunio Yanagita12:52 Interest in bunya joruri18:56 What is Japanese puppet theatre?21:06 When did it start?22:36 Who was Chikamatsu Monzaemon?24:14 Studying puppet theatre as a foreigner26:40 Puppet troupes28:14 Japanese vs. French plays33:26 How puppeteers perform36:20 Understanding the characters38:45 How the puppets are operated43:52 How the stories are performed47:49 Why bunya joruri might disappear50:26 How bunya joruri changed Chloe's life54:10 Chloe's NHK French program57:35 Is it important to keep traditional arts alive?59:29 Where to watch bunya joruri1:00:29 Tobi tries puppeteering--Follow Chloé:https://x.com/YasathemFollow us:https://unpacking.jp/https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_japanhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unpackingjapanhttps://www.facebook.com/unpackingjapanhttps://www.youtube.com/@unpackingjapanshortshttps://www.x.com/unpacking_japanhttps://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/unpackingjapanSubscribe for more in-depth discussions about life in Japan! Interested in working at a global e-commerce company in Osaka? Our parent company ZenGroup is hiring! To learn more, check out https://careers.zen.group/en/
Are calm, cooperative kids just born that way?Recently, there's been growing conversation around Japanese parenting - how children there seem more respectful, more self-disciplined, and more socially aware.But is it cultural magic?Or is it development?In this episode of Talking Toddlers, we walk through seven parenting principles often associated with Japanese culture - and translate them through the lens of brain development, attachment research, language growth, and nervous system regulation.You'll learn:• Why attachment must come before independence • Why modeling works better than lecturing for toddlers • How belonging inside the family builds cooperation • Why daily responsibilities wire competence (and language!) • How natural consequences teach cause and effect • Why steady boundaries reduce power struggles • And how emotional regulation becomes internalized over timeThis isn't about copying another culture.It's about understanding the developmental sequence that builds self-discipline.Security → Modeling → Belonging → Responsibility → Cause & Effect → Steady Boundaries → Internal RegulationThat's not a list.That's how the toddler brain grows.If you've ever wondered: “Why isn't my toddler listening?” “Am I too strict… or too gentle?” “Where do I even start?”This episode will help you step back and see the bigger picture.Because toddlers don't need more strategies.They need more regulated adults.--------------------------If you'd like support identifying where your family is in this sequence, I invite you to schedule a Discovery Call. We'll look at what's already working - and what small, intentional shifts could make the biggest difference right now.
大津地裁、大津市大津市の住宅で2024年5月、保護観察中に担当保護司を殺害したとして、殺人などの罪に問われた無職飯塚紘平被告の裁判員裁判の初公判が17日、大津地裁であった。 A 36-year-old Japanese man on Tuesday admitted to murdering a "hogoshi" private-sector volunteer probation officer in charge of him in 2024, while the defense for him argued that he is not mentally competent to bear responsibility for the crime.
【図解】自社への消費税減税影響帝国データバンクが17日までに発表した消費税減税に関するアンケート調査によると、減税実施の場合、自社に「プラスの影響の方が大きい」と答えた企業は25.7%だった。 Only 25.7percentageof Japanese companies expect a positive impact from a possible consumption tax cut, according to a survey by research firm Teikoku Databank Ltd.
元大阪地検検事正の性的暴行事件を巡り、国などに対する提訴について記者会見する女性検事、17日午後、大阪市北区元大阪地検検事正の北川健太郎被告、公判中、が部下の女性検事に対する準強制性交罪に問われた事件を巡り、女性検事が国と被告、他の検察幹部らに計約8300万円の損害賠償を求める訴訟を大阪地裁に起こした。 A female Japanese prosecutor has sued the state for damages related to a high-profile sexual assault case involving a former head of the Osaka District Public Prosecutors Office.
トランプ米大統領、13日、ワシントン【ワシントン時事】トランプ米大統領は16日、自民党が圧勝した先の衆院選について「彼女は私の支持のおかげだとしており、非常に良いことだ」と満足げに語った。 U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday claimed credit for the Japanese ruling Liberal Democratic Party's landslide victory in the latest House of Representatives election.
How did an industry survive a technology that should have made it obsolete? Aled Maclean-Jones explains to EconTalk's Russ Roberts how Japanese quartz watches nearly wiped out Swiss watchmaking with cheaper, more accurate alternatives--and how the Swiss redefined the value of a watch to recover market dominance. Maclean-Jones discusses the Japanese innovations that led to the Swiss industry's collapse; the brilliant decision by a pair of Swiss mavericks to change the narrative around mechanical watches; and the consolidation and standardization of Swiss watchmaking undertaken by Swatch founder Nicolas Hayek.
Hour 3 is all over the map in the best way. First, the crew reacts to Brian Cashman making a brutal mistake while recapping last season, calling it the “ALCS” and setting off an argument about whether it is a harmless slip or proof the Yankees operate with zero urgency. Big Mac steps in with the defense, Evan and Sean push back, and the phones weigh in. Then it turns to Barack Obama's viral alien comments from a lightning round, why the follow-up never happened in the moment, and the clarification that came after. And of course, Sean Morash brings Cinco de Luncho, drafting the Top 5 Non Big Four Sporting Events he would want to attend, including Daytona, the Kentucky Derby, the Waste Management Open, Japanese baseball, and an SEC rivalry game at No. 1.
It's Cinco de Luncho time, and this week's countdown is all about the biggest, wildest sporting events outside the traditional Big Four leagues. From global spectacles to rowdy American traditions, the guys draft their ultimate bucket list of must-attend events where the party can be just as legendary as the competition. Would you travel across the world for Japanese baseball's electric atmosphere? Brave the chaos of the Waste Management Open? Experience the speed and spectacle of the Daytona 500? Dress to the nines for the Kentucky Derby? Or is nothing topping the pure insanity of an SEC football rivalry on campus? Along the way, the conversation veers into what really makes these events special, cultural immersion vs pure party energy, and which experiences are actually worth the trip.
Last time we spoke about the beginning of the Nomohan incident. On the fringes of Manchuria, the ghosts of Changkufeng lingered. It was August 1938 when Soviet and Japanese forces locked in a brutal standoff over a disputed hill, claiming thousands of lives before a fragile ceasefire redrew the lines. Japan, humiliated yet defiant, withdrew, but the Kwantung Army seethed with resentment. As winter thawed into 1939, tensions simmered along the Halha River, a serpentine boundary between Manchukuo and Mongolia. Major Tsuji Masanobu, a cunning tactician driven by gekokujo's fire, drafted Order 1488: a mandate empowering local commanders to annihilate intruders, even luring them across borders. Kwantung's leaders, bonded by past battles, endorsed it, ignoring Tokyo's cautions amid the grinding China War. By May, the spark ignited. Mongolian patrols crossed the river, clashing with Manchukuoan cavalry near Nomonhan's sandy hills. General Komatsubara, ever meticulous, unleashed forces to "destroy" them, bombing west-bank outposts and pursuing retreats. Soviets, bound by pact, rushed reinforcements, their tanks rumbling toward the fray. What began as skirmishes ballooned into an undeclared war. #189 General Zhukov Arrives at Nomohan 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. Though Kwantung Army prided itself as an elite arm of the Imperial Japanese Army, the 23rd Division, formed less than a year prior, was still raw and unseasoned, lacking the polish and spirit typical of its parent force. From General Michitaro Komatsubara downward, the staff suffered a collective dearth of combat experience. Intelligence officer Major Yoshiyasu Suzuki, a cavalryman, had no prior intel background. While senior regimental commanders were military academy veterans, most company and platoon leaders were fresh reservists or academy graduates with just one or two years under their belts. Upon arriving in Manchukuo in August 1938, the division found its Hailar base incomplete, housing only half its troops; the rest scattered across sites. Full assembly at Hailar occurred in November, but harsh winter weather curtailed large-scale drills. Commanders had scant time to build rapport. This inexperience, inadequate training, and poor cohesion would prove costly at Nomonhan. Japan's army held steady at 17 divisions from 1930 to 1937, but the escalating China conflict spurred seven new divisions in 1938 and nine in 1939. Resource strains from China left many under-equipped, with the 23rd, stationed in a presumed quiet sector, low on priorities. Unlike older "rectangular" divisions with four infantry regiments, the 23rd was a modern "triangular" setup featuring the 64th, 71st, and 72nd. Materiel gaps were glaring. The flat, open terrain screamed for tanks, yet the division relied on a truck-equipped transport regiment and a reconnaissance regiment with lightly armored "tankettes" armed only with machine guns. Mobility suffered: infantry marched the final 50 miles from Hailar to Nomonhan. Artillery was mostly horse-drawn, including 24 outdated Type 38 75-mm guns from 1907, the army's oldest, unique to this division. Each infantry regiment got four 37-mm rapid-fire guns and four 1908-era 75-mm mountain guns. The artillery regiment added 12 120-mm howitzers, all high-angle, short-range pieces ill-suited for flatlands or anti-tank roles. Antitank capabilities were dire: beyond rapid-fire guns, options boiled down to demolition charges and Molotov cocktails, demanding suicidal "human bullet" tactics in open terrain, a fatal flaw against armor. The division's saving grace lay in its soldiers, primarily from Kyushu, Japan's southernmost main island, long famed for hardy warriors. These men embodied resilience, bravery, loyalty, and honor, offsetting some training and gear deficits. Combat at Nomonhan ramped up gradually, with Japanese-Manchukuoan forces initially outnumbering Soviet-Mongolian foes. Soviets faced severe supply hurdles: their nearest rail at Borzya sat 400 miles west of the Halha River, requiring truck hauls over rough, exposed terrain prone to air strikes. Conversely, Hailar was 200 miles from Nomonhan, with the Handagai railhead just 50 miles away, linked by three dirt roads. These advantages, plus Europe's brewing Polish crisis, likely reassured Army General Staff and Kwantung Army Headquarters that Moscow would avoid escalation. Nonetheless, Komatsubara, with KwAHQ's nod, chose force to quash the Nomonhan flare-up. On May 20, Japanese scouts spotted a Soviet infantry battalion and armor near Tamsag Bulak. Komatsubara opted to "nip the incident in the bud," assembling a potent strike force under Colonel Takemitsu Yamagata of the 64th Infantry Regiment. The Yamagata detachment included the 3rd Battalion, roughly four companies, 800 men, a regimental gun company, three 75-mm mountain guns, four 37-mm rapid-fires, three truck companies, and Lieutenant Colonel Yaozo Azuma's reconnaissance group, 220 men, one tankette, two sedans, 12 trucks. Bolstered by 450 local Manchukuoan troops, the 2,000-strong unit was tasked with annihilating all enemy east of the Halha. The assault was set for May 22–23. No sooner had General Komatsubara finalized this plan than he received a message from KwAHQ: "In settling the affair Kwantung Army has definite plans, as follows: For the time being Manchukuoan Army troops will keep an eye on the Outer Mongolians operating near Nomonhan and will try to lure them onto Manchukuoan territory. Japanese forces at Hailar [23rd Division] will maintain surveillance over the situation. Upon verification of a border violation by the bulk of the Outer Mongolian forces, Kwantung Army will dispatch troops, contact the enemy, and annihilate him within friendly territory. According to this outlook it can be expected that enemy units will occupy border regions for a considerable period; but this is permissible from the overall strategic point of view". At this juncture, Kwantung Army Headquarters advocated tactical caution to secure a more conclusive outcome. Yet, General Michitaro Komatsubara had already issued orders for Colonel Takemitsu Yamagata's assault. Komatsubara radioed Hsinking that retracting would be "undignified," resenting KwAHQ's encroachment on his authority much as KwAHQ chafed at Army General Staff interference. Still, "out of deference to Kwantung Army's feelings," he delayed to May 27 to 28. Soviet air units from the 57th Corps conducted ineffective sorties over the Halha River from May 17 to 21. Novice pilots in outdated I 15 biplanes suffered heavily: at least 9, possibly up to 17, fighters and scouts downed. Defense Commissar Kliment Voroshilov halted air ops, aiding Japanese surprise. Yamagata massed at Kanchuerhmiao, 40 miles north of Nomonhan, sending patrols southward. Scouts spotted a bridge over the Halha near its Holsten junction, plus 2 enemy groups of ~200 each east of the Halha on either Holsten side and a small MPR outpost less than a mile west of Nomonhan. Yamagata aimed to trap and destroy these east of the river: Azuma's 220 man unit would drive south along the east bank to the bridge, blocking retreat. The 4 infantry companies and Manchukuoan troops, with artillery, would attack from the west toward enemy pockets, herding them riverward into Azuma's trap. Post destruction, mop up any west bank foes near the river clear MPR soil swiftly. This intricate plan suited early MPR foes but overlooked Soviet units spotted at Tamsag Bulak on May 20, a glaring oversight by Komatsubara and Yamagata. Predawn on May 28, Yamagata advanced from Kanchuerhmiao. Azuma detached southward to the bridge. Unbeknownst, it was guarded by Soviet infantry, engineers, armored cars, and a 76 mm self propelled artillery battery—not just MPR cavalry. Soviets detected Azuma pre dawn but missed Yamagata's main force; surprise was mutual. Soviet MPR core: Major A E Bykov's battalion roughly 1000 men with 3 motorized infantry companies, 16 BA 6 armored cars, 4 76 mm self propelled guns, engineers, and a 5 armored car recon platoon. The 6th MPR Cavalry Division roughly 1250 men had 2 small regiments, 4 76 mm guns, armored cars, and a training company. Bykov arrayed north to south: 2 Soviet infantry on flanks, MPR cavalry center, unorthodox, as cavalry suits flanks. Spread over 10 miles parallel to but east of the Halha, 1 mile west of Nomonhan. Reserves: 1 infantry company, engineers, and artillery west of the river near the bridge; Shoaaiibuu's guns also west to avoid sand. Japanese held initial edges in numbers and surprise, especially versus MPR cavalry. Offsets: Yamagata split into 5 weaker units; radios failed early, hampering coordination; Soviets dominated firepower with self propelled guns, 4 MPR pieces, and BA 6s, armored fighters with 45 mm turret guns, half track capable, 27 mph speed, but thin 9 mm armor vulnerable to close heavy machine guns. Morning of May 28, Yamagata's infantry struck Soviet MPR near Nomonhan, routing lightly armed MPR cavalry and forcing Soviet retreats toward the Halha. Shoaaiibuu rushed his training company forward; Japanese overran his post, killing him and most staff. As combat neared the river, Soviet artillery and armored cars slowed Yamagata. He redirected to a low hill miles east of the Halha with dug in Soviets—failing to notify Azuma. Bykov regrouped 1 to 2 miles east of the Halha Holsten junction, holding firm. By late morning, Yamagata stalled, digging in against Soviet barrages. Azuma, radio silent due to faults, neared the bridge to find robust Soviet defenses. Artillery commander Lieutenant Yu Vakhtin shifted his 4 76 mm guns east to block seizure. Azuma lacked artillery or anti tank tools, unable to advance. With Yamagata bogged down, Azuma became encircled, the encirclers encircled. Runners reached Yamagata, but his dispersed units couldn't rally or breakthrough. By noon, Azuma faced infantry and cavalry from the east, bombardments from west (both Halha sides). Dismounted cavalry dug sandy defenses. Azuma could have broken out but held per mission, awaiting Yamagata, unaware of the plan shift. Pressure mounted: Major I M Remizov's full 149th Regiment recent Tamsag Bulak arrivals trucked in, tilting odds. Resupply failed; ammo dwindled. Post dusk slackening: A major urged withdrawal; Azuma refused, deeming retreat shameful without orders, a Japanese army hallmark, where "retreat" was taboo, replaced by euphemisms like "advance in a different direction." Unauthorized pullback meant execution. Dawn May 29: Fiercer Soviet barrage, 122 mm howitzers, field guns, mortars, armored cars collapsed trenches. An incendiary hit Azuma's sedan, igniting trucks with wounded and ammo. By late afternoon, Soviets closed to 50 yards on 3 fronts; armored cars breached rear. Survivors fought desperately. Between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., Azuma led 24 men in a banzai charge, cut down by machine guns. A wounded medical lieutenant ordered escapes; 4 succeeded. Rest killed or captured. Komatsubara belatedly reinforced Yamagata on May 29 with artillery, anti tank guns, and fresh infantry. Sources claim Major Tsuji arrived, rebuked Yamagata for inaction, and spurred corpse recovery over 3 nights, yielding ~200 bodies, including Azuma's. Yamagata withdrew to Kanchuerhmiao, unable to oust foes. Ironically, Remizov mistook recovery truck lights for attacks, briefly pulling back west on May 30. By June 3, discovering the exit, Soviet MPR reoccupied the zone. Japanese blamed: (1) poor planning/recon by Komatsubara and Yamagata, (2) comms failures, (3) Azuma's heavy weapon lack. Losses: ~200 Azuma dead, plus 159 killed, 119 wounded, 12 missing from main force, total 500, 25% of detachment. Soviets praised Vakhtin for thwarting pincers. Claims: Bykov 60 to 70 casualties; TASS 40 killed, 70 wounded total Soviet/MPR. Recent Russian: 138 killed, 198 wounded. MPR cavalry hit hard by Japanese and friendly fire. Soviet media silent until June 26; KwAHQ censored, possibly misleading Tokyo. May 30: Kwantung Chief of Staff General Rensuke Isogai assured AGS of avoiding prolongation via heavy frontier blows, downplaying Soviet buildup and escalation. He requested river crossing gear urgently. This hinted at Halha invasion (even per Japanese borders: MPR soil). AGS's General Gun Hashimoto affirmed trust in localization: Soviets' vexations manageable, chastisement easy. Colonel Masazumi Inada's section assessed May 31: 1. USSR avoids expansion. 2. Trust Kwantung localization. 3. Intervene on provocative acts like deep MPR air strikes. Phase 1 ended: Kwantung called it mutual win loss, but inaccurate, Azuma destroyed, heavy tolls, remorse gnawing Komatsubara. On June 1, 1939, an urgent summons from Moscow pulled the young deputy commander of the Byelorussian Military District from Minsk to meet Defense Commissar Marshal Kliment Voroshilov. He boarded the first train with no evident concern, even as the army purges faded into memory. This rising cavalry- and tank-expert, Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov, would later help defend Moscow in 1941, triumph at Stalingrad and Kursk, and march to Berlin as a Hero of the Soviet Union.Born in 1896 to a poor family headed by a cobbler, Zhukov joined the Imperial Army in 1915 as a cavalryman. Of average height but sturdy build, he excelled in horsemanship and earned the Cross of St. George and noncommissioned status for bravery in 1916. After the October Revolution, he joined the Red Army and the Bolshevik Party, fighting in the Civil War from 1918 to 1921. His proletarian roots, tactical skill, and ambition propelled him: command of a regiment by 1923, a division by 1931. An early advocate of tanks, he survived the purges, impressing superiors as a results-driven leader and playing a key role in his assignment to Mongolia. In Voroshilov's office on June 2, Zhukov learned of recent clashes. Ordered to fly east, assess the situation, and assume command if needed, he soon met acting deputy chief Ivan Smorodinov, who urged candid reports. Europe's war clouds and rising tensions with Japan concerned the Kremlin. Hours later, Zhukov and his staff flew east. Arriving June 5 at Tamsag Bulak (57th Corps HQ), Zhukov met the staff and found Corps Commander Nikolai Feklenko and most aides clueless; only Regimental Commissar M. S. Nikishev had visited the front. Zhukov toured with Nikishev that afternoon and was impressed by his grasp. By day's end, Zhukov bluntly reported: this is not a simple border incident; the Japanese are likely to escalate; the 57th Corps is inadequate. He suggested holding the eastern Halha bridgehead until reinforcements could enable a counteroffensive, and he criticized Feklenko. Moscow replied on June 6: relieve Feklenko; appoint Zhukov. Reinforcements arrived: the 36th Mechanized Infantry Division; the 7th, 8th, and 9th Mechanized Brigades; the 11th Tank Brigade; the 8th MPR Cavalry Division; a heavy artillery regiment; an air wing of more than 100 aircraft, including 21 pilots who had earned renown in the Spanish Civil War. The force was redesignated as the First Army Group. In June, these forces surged toward Tamsag Bulak, eighty miles west of Halha. However, General Michitaro Komatsubara's 23rd Division and the Kwantung Army Headquarters missed the buildup and the leadership change, an intelligence failure born of carelessness and hubris and echoing May's Azuma disaster, with grave battlefield consequences. Early June remained relatively quiet: the Soviet MPR expanded the east-bank perimeter modestly; there was no major Japanese response. KwAHQ's Commander General Kenkichi Ueda, hoping for a quick closure, toured the Fourth Army from May 31 to June 18. Calm broke on June 19. Komatsubara reported two Soviet strikes inside Manchukuo: 15 planes hit Arshan, inflicting casualties on men and horses; 30 aircraft set fire to 100 petroleum barrels near Kanchuerhmiao. In fact, the raids were less dramatic than described: not on Kanchuerhmiao town (a 3,000-person settlement, 40 miles northwest of Nomonhan) but on a supply dump 12 miles south of it. "Arshan" referred to a small village near the border, near Arshanmiao, a Manchukuoan cavalry depot, not a major railhead at Harlun Arshan 100 miles southeast. The raids were strafing runs rather than bombs. Possibly retaliation for May 15's Japanese raid on the MPR Outpost 7 (two killed, 15 wounded) or a response to Zhukov's bridgehead push. Voroshilov authorized the action; motive remained unclear. Nonetheless, KwAHQ, unused to air attacks after dominating skies in Manchuria, Shanghai (1932), and China, was agitated. The situation resembled a jolt akin to the 1973 North Vietnamese strike on U.S. bases in Thailand: not unprovoked, but shocking. Midday June 19, the Operations Staff met. Major Masanobu Tsuji urged swift reprisal; Colonel Masao Terada urged delay in light of the Tientsin crisis (the new Japanese blockade near Peking). Tsuji argued that firmness at Nomonhan would impress Britain; inaction would invite deeper Soviet bombardments or invasion. He swayed Chief Colonel Takushiro Hattori and others, including Terada. They drafted a briefing: the situation was grave; passivity risked a larger invasion and eroded British respect for Japanese might. After two hours of joint talks, most KwAHQ members supported a strong action. Tsuji drafted a major Halha crossing plan to destroy Soviet MPR forces. Hattori and Terada pressed the plan to Chief of Staff General Rensuke Isogai, an expert on Manchukuo affairs but not operations; he deferred to Deputy General Otozaburo Yano, who was absent. They argued urgency; Isogai noted delays in AGS approval. The pair contended for local Kwantung prerogative, citing the 1937 Amur cancellation; AGS would likely veto. Under pressure, Isogai assented, pending Ueda's approval. Ueda approved but insisted that the 23rd Division lead, not the 7th. Hattori noted the 7th's superiority (four regiments in a "square" arrangement versus the 23rd's three regiments, with May unreliability). Ueda prioritized Komatsubara's honor: assigning another division would imply distrust; "I'd rather die." The plan passed on June 19, an example of gekokujo in action. The plan called for reinforcing the 23rd with: the 2nd Air Group (180 aircraft, Lieutenant General Tetsuji Gigi); the Yasuoka Detachment (Lieutenant General Masaomi Yasuoka: two tank regiments, motorized artillery, and the 26th Infantry of the 7th). Total strength: roughly 15,000 men, 120 guns, 70 tanks, 180 aircraft. KwAHQ estimated the enemy at about 1,000 infantry, 10 artillery pieces, and about 12 armored vehicles, expecting a quick victory. Reconnaissance to Halha was curtailed to avoid alerting the Soviets. Confidence ran high, even as intel warned otherwise. Not all leaders were convinced: the 23rd's ordnance colonel reportedly committed suicide over "awful equipment." An attaché, Colonel Akio Doi, warned of growing Soviet buildup, but operations dismissed the concern. In reality, Zhukov's force comprised about 12,500 men, 109 guns, 186 tanks, 266 armored cars, and more than 100 aircraft, offset by the Soviets' armor advantage. The plan echoed Yamagata's failed May 28 initiative: the 23rd main body would seize the Fui Heights (11 miles north of Halha's Holsten junction), cross by pontoon, and sweep south along the west bank toward the Soviet bridge. Yasuoka would push southeast of Halha to trap and destroy the enemy at the junction. On June 20, Tsuji briefed Komatsubara at Hailar, expressing Ueda's trust while pressing to redeem May's failures. Limited pontoon capacity would not support armor; the operation would be vulnerable to air power. Tsuji's reconnaissance detected Soviet air presence at Tamsag Bulak, prompting a preemptive strike and another plan adjustment. KwAHQ informed Tokyo of the offensive in vague terms (citing raids but withholding air details). Even this caused debate; Minister Seishiro Itagaki supported Ueda's stance, favoring a limited operation to ease nerves. Tokyo concurred, unaware of the air plans. Fearing a veto on the Tamsag Bulak raid (nearly 100 miles behind MPR lines), KwAHQ shielded details from the Soviets and Tokyo. A June 29–30 ground attack was prepared; orders were relayed by courier. The leak reached Tokyo on June 24. Deputy Chief General Tetsuzo Nakajima telegrammed three points: 1) AGS policy to contain the conflict and avoid West MPR air attacks; 2) bombing risks escalation; 3) sending Lieutenant Colonel Yadoru Arisue on June 25 for liaison. Polite Japanese diplomatic phrasing allowed Operations to interpret the message as a suggestion. To preempt Arisue's explicit orders, Tsuji urged secrecy from Ueda, Isogai, and Yano, and an advanced raid to June 27. Arisue arrived after the raid on Tamsag Bulak and Bain Tumen (deeper into MPR territory, now near Choibalsan). The Raid resulted in approximately 120 Japanese planes surprising the Soviets, grounding and destroying aircraft and scrambling their defense. Tsuji, flying in a bomber, claimed 25 aircraft destroyed on the ground and about 100 in the air. Official tallies reported 98 destroyed and 51 damaged; ground kills estimated at 50 to 60 at Bain Tumen. Japanese losses were relatively light: one bomber, two fighters, one scout; seven dead. Another Japanese bomber was shot down over MPR, but the crew was rescued. The raid secured air superiority for July. Moscow raged over the losses and the perceived failure to warn in time. In the purge era, blame fell on suspected spies and traitors; Deputy Mongolian Commander Luvsandonoi and ex-57th Deputy A. M. Kushchev were accused, arrested, and sent to Moscow. Luvsandonoi was executed; Kushchev received a four-year sentence, later rising to major general and Hero. KwAHQ celebrated; Operations notified AGS by radio. Colonel Masazumi Inada rebuked: "You damned idiot! What do you think the true meaning of this little success is?" A withering reprimand followed. Stunned but unrepentant, KwAHQ soon received Tokyo's formal reprimand: "Report was received today regarding bombing of Outer Mongolian territory by your air units… . Since this action is in fundamental disagreement with policy which we understood your army was taking to settle incident, it is extremely regretted that advance notice of your intent was not received. Needless to say, this matter is attended with such farreaching consequences that it can by no means be left to your unilateral decision. Hereafter, existing policy will be definitely and strictly observed. It is requested that air attack program be discontinued immediately" By Order of the Chief of Staff By this time, Kwantung Army staff officers stood in high dudgeon. Tsuji later wrote that "tremendous combat results were achieved by carrying out dangerous operations at the risk of our lives. It is perfectly clear that we were carrying out an act of retaliation. What kind of General Staff ignores the psychology of the front lines and tramples on their feelings?" Tsuji drafted a caustic reply, which Kwantung Army commanders sent back to Tokyo, apparently without Ueda or other senior KwAHQ officers' knowledge: "There appear to be certain differences between the Army General Staff and this Army in evaluating the battlefield situation and the measures to be adopted. It is requested that the handling of trivial border-area matters be entrusted to this Army." That sarcastic note from KwAHQ left a deep impression at AGS, which felt something had to be done to restore discipline and order. When General Nakajima informed the Throne about the air raid, the emperor rebuked him and asked who would assume responsibility for the unauthorized attack. Nakajima replied that military operations were ongoing, but that appropriate measures would be taken after this phase ended. Inada sent Terada a telegram implying that the Kwantung Army staff officers responsible would be sacked in due course. Inada pressed to have Tsuji ousted from Kwantung Army immediately, but personnel matters went through the Army Ministry, and Army Minister Itagaki, who knew Tsuji personally, defended him. Tokyo recognized that the situation was delicate; since 1932, Kwantung Army had operated under an Imperial Order to "defend Manchukuo," a broad mandate. Opinions differed in AGS about how best to curb Kwantung Army's operational prerogatives. One idea was to secure Imperial sanction for a new directive limiting Kwantung Army's autonomous combat actions to no more than one regiment. Several other plans circulated. In the meantime, Kwantung Army needed tighter control. On June 29, AGS issued firm instructions to KwAHQ: Directives: a) Kwantung Army is responsible for local settlement of border disputes. b) Areas where the border is disputed, or where defense is tactically unfeasible, need not be defended. Orders: c) Ground combat will be limited to the border region between Manchukuo and Outer Mongolia east of Lake Buir Nor. d) Enemy bases will not be attacked from the air. With this heated exchange of messages, the relationship between Kwantung Army and AGS reached a critical moment. Tsuji called it the "breaking point" between Hsinking and Tokyo. According to Colonel Inada, after this "air raid squabble," gekokujo became much more pronounced in Hsinking, especially within Kwantung Army's Operations Section, which "ceased making meaningful reports" to the AGS Operations Section, which he headed. At KwAHQ, the controversy and the perception of AGS interference in local affairs hardened the resolve of wavering staff officers to move decisively against the USSR. Thereafter, Kwantung Army officers as a group rejected the General Staff's policy of moderation in the Nomonhan incident. Tsuji characterized the conflict between Kwantung Army and the General Staff as the classic clash between combat officers and "desk jockeys." In his view, AGS advocated a policy of not invading enemy territory even if one's own territory was invaded, while Kwantung Army's policy was not to allow invasion. Describing the mindset of the Kwantung Army (and his own) toward the USSR in this border dispute, Tsuji invoked the samurai warrior's warning: "Do not step any closer or I shall be forced to cut you down." Tsuji argued that Kwantung Army had to act firmly at Nomonhan to avoid a larger war later. He also stressed the importance, shared by him and his colleagues, of Kwantung Army maintaining its dignity, which he believed was threatened by both enemy actions and the General Staff. In this emotionally charged atmosphere, the Kwantung Army launched its July offensive. The success of the 2nd Air Group's attack on Tamsag Bulak further inflated KwAHQ's confidence in the upcoming offensive. Although aerial reconnaissance had been intentionally limited to avoid alarming or forewarning the enemy, some scout missions were flown. The scouts reported numerous tank emplacements under construction, though most reports noted few tanks; a single report of large numbers of tanks was downplayed at headquarters. What drew major attention at KwAHQ were reports of large numbers of trucks leaving the front daily and streaming westward into the Mongolian interior. This was interpreted as evidence of a Soviet pullback from forward positions, suggesting the enemy might sense the imminent assault. Orders were issued to speed up final preparations for the assault before Soviet forces could withdraw from the area where the Japanese "meat cleaver" would soon dismember them. What the Japanese scouts had actually observed was not a Soviet withdrawal, but part of a massive truck shuttle that General Grigori Shtern, now commander of Soviet Forces in the Far East, organized to support Zhukov. Each night, Soviet trucks, from distant MPR railway depots to Tamsag Bulak and the combat zone, moved eastward with lights dimmed, carrying supplies and reinforcements. By day, the trucks returned westward for fresh loads. It was these returning trucks, mostly empty, that the Japanese scouts sighted. The Kwantung interpretation of this mass westbound traffic was a serious error, though understandable. The Soviet side was largely ignorant of Japanese preparations, partly because the June 27 air raid had disrupted Soviet air operations, including reconnaissance. In late June, the 23rd Division and Yasuoka's tank force moved from Hailar and Chiangchunmiao toward Nomonhan. A mix of military and civilian vehicles pressed into service, but there was still insufficient motorized transport to move all troops and equipment at once. Most infantry marched the 120 miles to the combat zone, under a hot sun, carrying eighty-pound loads. They arrived after four to six days with little time to recover before the scheduled assault. With Komatsubara's combined force of about 15,000 men, 120 guns, and 70 tanks poised to attack, Kwantung Army estimated Soviet-MPR strength near Nomonhan and the Halha River at about 1,000 men, perhaps ten anti-aircraft guns, ten artillery pieces, and several dozen tanks. In reality, Japanese air activity, especially the big raid of June 27, had put the Soviets on alert. Zhukov suspected a ground attack might occur, though nothing as audacious as a large-scale crossing of the Halha was anticipated. During the night of July 1, Zhukov moved his 11th Tank Brigade, 7th Mechanized Brigade, and 24th Mechanized Infantry Regiment (36th Division) from their staging area near Tamsag Bulak to positions just west of the Halha River. Powerful forces on both sides were being marshaled with little knowledge of the enemy's disposition. As the sun scorched the Mongolian steppes, the stage was set for a clash that would echo through history. General Komatsubara's 23rd Division, bolstered by Yasuoka's armored might and the skies commanded by Gigi's air group, crept toward the Halha River like a predator in the night. Fifteen thousand Japanese warriors, their boots heavy with dust and resolve, prepared to cross the disputed waters and crush what they believed was a faltering foe. Little did they know, Zhukov's reinforcements, tanks rumbling like thunder, mechanized brigades poised in the shadows, had transformed the frontier into a fortress of steel. Miscalculations piled like sand dunes: Japanese scouts mistook supply convoys for retreats, while Soviet eyes, blinded by the June raid, underestimated the impending storm. Kwantung's gekokujo spirit burned bright, defying Tokyo's cautions, as both sides hurtled toward a brutal reckoning. What began as border skirmishes now threatened to erupt into full-scale war, testing the mettle of empires on the edge. 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. Patrols in May led to failed Japanese offensives, like Colonel Yamagata's disastrous assault and the Azuma detachment's annihilation. Tensions rose with air raids, including Japan's June strike on Soviet bases. By July, misjudged intelligence set the stage for a major confrontation, testing imperial ambitions amid global war clouds.
Uncanny Japan - Exploring Japanese Myths, Folktales, Superstitions, History and Language
2026 is the year of the fire horse—a year that happens only once every 60 years. Across East Asia, it symbolizes transformation, intensity, and bold action. But in Japan? It's feared. Birth rates actually plummet during fire horse years because of a superstition that dates back to Edo-era Japan. What does a cursed kimono that burned down 70% of a city have to do with this? And why was a young girl named Oshichi burned at the stake in 1666? Come with me as I explore the tragic story behind this uniquely Japanese superstition, the Great Fire of Meireki that killed over 100,000 people, and what the saying "if it burns down, we'll build again" means for embracing change during difficult times. [Please Note: Some of the links are affiliate links (both Amazon and other). This means that at no cost to you, if you use and purchase through them I receive a small compensation. This is paid by the retailer. It also helps support me and my artistic endeavors. Thank you.] Follow Uncanny Japan Patreon Uncanny Japan Website Thersa Matsuura Website Books on Amazon YouTube Facebook Instagram Buy Me a Coffee (one-time contribution) Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Credits Music by Julyan Ray Matsuura About SpectreVision Radio SpectreVision Radio is a bespoke podcast network at the intersection between the arts and the uncanny, featuring a tapestry of shows exploring creativity, the esoteric, and the unknown. We're a community for creators and fans vibrating around common curiosities, shared interests and persistent passions. spectrevisionradio.com linktr.ee/spectrevisionsocial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Happy National Do a Grouch a Favor Day! We kick off the episode with a recap of Erin's chaotic appearance on the local WFMZ news, where she accidentally crashed a tearful anchor goodbye while wearing a $368 Team USA Ralph Lauren sweater and "hard pants." Bo was so impressed he offered to cover the upcoming Craig Conover 10K race from a news van. Speaking of the 10K, we review some diabolical listener suggestions for the loser's punishment—from taking the SATs to running from Deputy Dog Radar in a bite suit.Then we dive into a massive Winter Olympics recap. We review the Milan Opening Ceremony and passionately defend Lindsey Vonn from the haters after her devastating crash. We also celebrate our official "Swiffer Curling" manifestation coming true for Chris Plys, debate whether the Snoop Dogg commentary gimmick is getting tired (should Elmo or Gordon Ramsay replace him?), and praise Team USA's tailored outfits alongside Mongolia's effortlessly "dripped out" uniforms. We also uncover the most insane sports cheating scandal of the year: male ski jumpers injecting their private parts with hyaluronic acid to increase their suit's aerodynamic airtime.In other sports news, we celebrate Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s iconic Chef Boyardee NASCAR wrap and merch drop, while Erin spirals over an offer to caddy at a professional PGA tour event, fearing a sweaty, club dropping disaster.Finally, we time travel to recap a mostly boring Super Bowl. We complain about the endless pharmaceutical and crypto ads, but applaud 50 Cent's incredibly petty DoorDash commercial taking shots at Diddy. We also review Bad Bunny's halftime show, praising the stunning set design, Puerto Rican cultural pride, and the emotional moment he handed a Grammy to his younger self. We wrap it all up with a wholesome "No Bad, No Sad" story about a Japanese volleyball player who hit a sideline worker with a ball and practically slid across the court on his belly to profusely apologize.
Kate Adie introduces stories from Japan, Saudi Arabia, Uganda, Poland and Pakistan.A snap election has given Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi the strongest majority for a Japanese government in more than 70 years, thanks to a growing fan-base among young voters. Shaimaa Khalil reports from Tokyo on growing cult around the country's first woman leader.The visit by the Prince of Wales to Saudi Arabia was among the most diplomatically sensitive of his official trips to date. While the focus was energy transition and improving prospects for young people, questions lingered over Saudi human rights, and controversies back home in the UK. Daniela Relph followed Prince William's visit.Uganda has been feeling the bite of international aid cuts, imposed by the likes of the UK, the EU, and notably by President Trump. The closure of the USAID agency has disrupted an array of relief projects, including those providing treatment for HIV-AIDS. Bel Trew met some of the people directly affected.An art exhibition in the Polish city of Gdansk has ignited a row over the country's role in World War Two. John Kampfner went to see the exhibit for himself and reflects on the country's fractious culture war.And the skies above Lahore in Pakistan have been filled with thousands of kites, as the festival of Basant returned. It's the first time in two decades the celebrations have been allowed to go ahead - following a surprising spate of deaths. Caroline Davies joined generations of Lahoris in the celebrations.Producer: Serena Tarling Production coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
Kate Adie introduces stories from Japan, Saudi Arabia, Uganda, Poland and Pakistan.A snap election has given Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi the strongest majority for a Japanese government in more than 70 years, thanks to a growing fan-base among young voters. Shaimaa Khalil reports from Tokyo on growing cult around the country's first woman leader.The visit by the Prince of Wales to Saudi Arabia was among the most diplomatically sensitive of his official trips to date. While the focus was energy transition and improving prospects for young people, questions lingered over Saudi human rights, and controversies back home in the UK. Daniela Relph followed Prince William's visit.Uganda has been feeling the bite of international aid cuts, imposed by the likes of the UK, the EU, and notably by President Trump. The closure of the USAID agency has disrupted an array of relief projects, including those providing treatment for HIV-AIDS. Bel Trew met some of the people directly affected.An art exhibition in the Polish city of Gdansk has ignited a row over the country's role in World War Two. John Kampfner went to see the exhibit for himself and reflects on the country's fractious culture war.And the skies above Lahore in Pakistan have been filled with thousands of kites, as the festival of Basant returned. It's the first time in two decades the celebrations have been allowed to go ahead - following a surprising spate of deaths. Caroline Davies joined generations of Lahoris in the celebrations.Producer: Serena Tarling Production coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
Kate Adie introduces stories from Japan, Saudi Arabia, Uganda, Poland and Pakistan.A snap election has given Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi the strongest majority for a Japanese government in more than 70 years, thanks to a growing fan-base among young voters. Shaimaa Khalil reports from Tokyo on growing cult around the country's first woman leader.The visit by the Prince of Wales to Saudi Arabia was among the most diplomatically sensitive of his official trips to date. While the focus was energy transition and improving prospects for young people, questions lingered over Saudi human rights, and controversies back home in the UK. Daniela Relph followed Prince William's visit.Uganda has been feeling the bite of international aid cuts, imposed by the likes of the UK, the EU, and notably by President Trump. The closure of the USAID agency has disrupted an array of relief projects, including those providing treatment for HIV-AIDS. Bel Trew met some of the people directly affected.An art exhibition in the Polish city of Gdansk has ignited a row over the country's role in World War Two. John Kampfner went to see the exhibit for himself and reflects on the country's fractious culture war.And the skies above Lahore in Pakistan have been filled with thousands of kites, as the festival of Basant returned. It's the first time in two decades the celebrations have been allowed to go ahead - following a surprising spate of deaths. Caroline Davies joined generations of Lahoris in the celebrations.Producer: Serena Tarling Production coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
Shiga is a prefecture to the east of Kyoto. It is a travel destination known for its lake and sightseeing and is beautiful in any weather. In this recording relax to the sounds of a rainstorm pattering on a traditional roof with the occasional rumble of thunder.Download the White Noise App for continuous playback.© TMSOFT All rights reserved.
Audition is a 1999 Japanese horror film directed by Takashi Miike and written by Daisuke Tengan, who adapted it from Ryu Murakami's 1997 novel of the same name. It follows a middle-aged widower who enlists the help of his film producer friend to stage fake auditions in order to meet a new girlfriend, only to find that the young woman he chooses has a dark past. The film's score was composed by Koji Endo. If you have anything to add to the discussion, please don't hesitate to do so by reaching out to us on social media @TheFilmFlamers, or call our hotline and leave us a message at 972-666-7733! Watch Audition: https://amzn.to/4rvyWck Out this Month: Hot Take: Whistle Audition The Vanishing Patreon: TBD Get in Touch: Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFilmFlamers Visit our Store: https://the-film-flamers.printify.me/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefilmflamers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFilmFlamers/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/thefilmflamers/ (NEW!) SCANS Movie Rating Calculator: https://scans.glide.page/ Our Website: https://www.filmflamers.com Call our Hotline: 972-666-7733 Our Patrons: Alex M Andrew Bower Ashlie Thornbury BattleBurrito Benjamin Gonzalez Bennett Hunter BreakfastChainsawMassacre Call me Lestat. Canadianmatt3 Christopher Nelson Dan Alvarez Dirty Birdy eliza mc Gia Gillian Murtagh GlazedDonut GWilliamNYC Irwan Iskak James Aumann Jessica E Joanne Ellison Josh Young Karl Haikara Kimberly McGuirk Kyle Kavanagh Laura O'Malley Lisa Libby Lisa Söderberg Livi Loch Hightower M Hussman Matthew McHenry MissBooMissQuick Nicole McDaniel Nikki Nimble Wembley Pablo the Rhino Penelope Nelson random dude Richard Best Robert Eppers Rosieredleader Ryan King SHADOW OF THE DEAD SWANN Sharon Sinesthero Snake Plissken William Skinner Sweet dreams... "Welcome to Horrorland" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Includes music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Today's story: A “millionaire” is someone with a net worth of one million dollars. But the reality of a million dollars today is very different from when the word entered English in the late 1700s. Today's millionaires are more likely to drive ordinary cars, live in the suburbs, and manage their own daily chores than live the lavish lifestyles we often associate with the word “millionaire.”Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/839Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/839--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
The rightwing media, both mainstream and alternative, along with top social media influencers, are sharing videos of the Japanese Speaker of the House, Fukushiro Nukaga, announcing the dissolving of the House of Representatives: “Following Article 7 of the Constitution of Japan, the House of Representatives is dissolved." These sources are saying the video is breaking news, though it was recorded in mid-January. They are repeating the talking point, however, that the video shows the Japanese government banning Islam and all its associated elements. The same media and influencers are repeating the line that the current Japanese Prime Minster, Sanae Takaichi, was just elected and her first order of business was to target Islam. But she was elected in October 2025, her first orders of business being temporary tax breaks, addressing the lowered value of Yen and the cost of living, and dealing with law-breakers of the foreign variety. The same media is likewise taking the illegal immigration issue and painting it was anti-Islam. Another video, this time of Mizuho Umemura, a member of the House of Councilors and part of the Sanseito Party, has been shared with captions that it shows the new Prime Minister banning Islam. The video is from 2024, is of Umemura, and the only connection to Islam is her stance on letting local officials handle burial issues which apply to everyone. What is happening here?The Muslim population in Japan is approximately 0.3%, about double what it was in 2020. The Christian population is approximately 1-1.5%. Attempts to paint any issue in Japan with the brush of western, conservative, Judaeo-Christianity is abhorrent and ignorant. While western culture has been embraced in Japan for over 100 years, conservative values in the country are not driven by the same fuel they are in the west. Japanese conservative is simply is not driven by Christianity, Jesus, and certainly not the Judeo element of new Christianity. Therefore, it is not driven by the spiteful loathing Western Christians have for Arabs and Muslims. Any shared sentiment in Japan is driven by interaction and experience (possibly exaggerated social media claims), not by theology, or Christian and Jewish cultural propaganda. The root source of animosity towards foreigners, where it does exist, is almost exclusively Chinese. It is also driven by the infamous Japanese cultural motif of order in society. Japan has certainly become more liberalized in the past 100+ years, meaning that strong conservative traditions at minimum stem from a time when Christianity was almost non-existent in the country. Going back to 1614 when the Japanese government banned Christianity, it was because the Tokugawa regime wanted strict social order and Christians were both foreigners and disruptive. This ban on the religion was extended to all religions not Buddhist or Shinto. What is happening here? Theory: social media has also provided a platform for a pattern to be exposed. Japanese issues with immigration and refugees, while ultimately little, have been shown to result from people like Rochelle Kopp, managing principal of Japan Intercultural Consulting; Amy Pope, head of the UN International Organization for Migration, who works with HIAS; Beate Sirota Gordon, translator for General Douglas MacArthur and author of key sections of Japan's current constitution. All of these people have one or more things in common. As did Rahm Emanuel when he was ambassador. What is happening now appears to be connected to the early 20th-century when Japanese immigrants to the US were targeted because of their innate ability to be successful but lower standard of living; and the mid-20th-century when Japan's economy was undermined by the US Federal Reserve, run then by the people implied mentioned above, including Arthur Burns and Paul Vocker. Japan is currently the number one holder of US Debt and is planning to dump a portion or all it at some point. That, and social media has been linking the Japanese demon Tengu to this story too.Interestingly, just before the above propaganda about Japan and Islam began, the Prime Minister noted after the landslide victory to give her a supermajority that the goal was to revise the Japanese constitution to strengthen Japan. This is a major plan on top of the current plan to have zero illegals in Japan. It appears that the people responsible for subjugating Japan and attempting to culturally obliterate it are terrified of its renewed strength. It appears that the conservative shift in Japan is what the MAGA cult in the United States wanted but did not get. Media is attempting to blend the two together when they are not one and the same. It appears the goal is to subvert the shift and make it about Islam when clearly the source of these problems, while not discussed in general Japanese policies, is not Muslim. The western media push to do this is driven secondarily by Christians attempting to project their beliefs on an atheistic country that maintains more order, cleanliness and respect than the nation that worship Jesus supposedly. *The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.WEBSITEFREE ARCHIVE (w. ads)SUBSCRIPTION ARCHIVE-X / TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMYOUTUBERUMBLE-BUY ME A COFFEECashApp: $rdgable PAYPAL: rdgable1991@gmail.comRyan's Books: https://thesecretteachings.info EMAIL: rdgable@yahoo.com / rdgable1991@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.
"Choosing love ain't love, unless the choosing is free." What happens when an artist stops caring about the "industry machine" and starts caring only about the truth? Today, we sit down with 2-time JUNO and 17-time CCMA Award winner Tenille Townes to discuss the most transformative chapter of her career yet. Last time Tenille was on the show, we were navigating the beautiful chaos of Bonnaroo 2022. Four years later, the "Nashville production" has been stripped away, leaving a raw, empathetic songwriter who isn't afraid to let the "hero complex" shake. In this episode, we dive deep into her 2026 evolution: The Independence Declaration: Moving from the major label system to becoming the CEO of her own vision. "Enabling": A breakdown of her devastating new single and the thin line between compassion and self-erasure. The "Dolly Moment": Why Tenille's current pivot mirrors the legendary independence of Dolly Parton and Joni Mitchell. Kintsukuroi: Learning from the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery—and why we are more beautiful for our cracks. The Living Room Tour: Why she's trading "band walls" for the vulnerability of a girl and a guitar. From Whispers to Symphonies: Preparing for her upcoming run with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Tenille isn't just an observer of other people's pain anymore; she's turning the lens inward. This is a conversation about boundaries, accountability, and the courage it takes to stop rescuing others so you can finally rescue yourself. CONNECT WITH TENILLE TOWNES New Single: "Enabling" (Out Now) Tour Dates: 2026 Canadian Tour & Texas dates with Muscadine Bloodline Instagram: @tenilletownes JOIN THE JRODCONCERTS COMMUNITY Instagram: @jrodconcertsmedia Web: jrodconcertsmedia.com Support: If you love the show, please leave us a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! ___ Cheerios: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Time for a pair of tropical vacations with Primate and Send Help. Then it's fun with nuns in Indika and yet another gorgeous Japanese revenge tale with Ghost of Yōtei! Be sure to follow all of the hijinks on our Facebook page and on Instagram! Follow Mitch on Twitter and bluesky and Letterboxd. Follow Brandon on bluesky and Letterboxd.
This episode explores the quiet thoughts we have when surrounded by Japan's natural beauty. YUYU shares how viewing landscapes became meditation during difficult times in 2020. I talk about gazing at 3,000-meter mountains in Toyama(富山) and my ocean sunset ritual. We discuss the "sacred" quality of Japanese nature—from Enoshima(江ノ島) to Kumano kodo(熊野古道). Sometimes the best thing to think is simply: "Wow, it's beautiful." Join us for a peaceful reflection on what we fee and don't feel in nature.
The ACCC has launched a landmark Federal Court case accusing Supermarket giant Coles of misleading shoppers with illusory discounts on hundreds of everyday products promoted under its Down Down campaign. The new deputy leader of the Liberal Party says a change in policy direction and focus is not about countering the influence of the One Nation Party. - ACCCは、スーパーマーケット大手COLESが実態のない値引きを行ったとして連邦裁判所に提訴しました。野党・自由党は、現政権下で生じたとされる分断への対策として、移民政策の改革を提唱しています。
Want more? Check out our full Police Bodycam Reaction Playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playli... Viewer discretion is advised! Today we dive into one of the wildest police bodycam reactions we've ever seen. In this police bodycam reaction, officers respond to reports of a man exposing himself on a college campus and it turns out to be the most Redditor neckbeard guy imaginable. From blaming ADHD to citing “sweatpants malfunctions,” this suspect tries every excuse in the cringe playbook. You won't believe how this neckbeard Redditor responds when confronted. This bodycam footage is a surreal mix of entitlement, delusion, and creepy behavior. The suspect, who claims to be asexual, studying Japanese, and toootally innocent, proceeds to make things worse with every sentence. The police bodycam captures every awkward pause, every flimsy excuse, and every second of his unraveling logic. If you've ever wondered what happens when a real-life neckbeard meets real-world consequences, this bodycam reaction has your answer. ------------------------------------------------------------ Wanna send me mail? ReddX Family Castillejos Post Office C/O Nico Garcia Castillejos Zambales Philippines 2208 #BodycamReaction #NeckbeardCringe #RedditorFails #PoliceBodycam #CaughtOnCamera Discord: https://discord.gg/Sju7YckUWu Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/daytondo... PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/daytondo... Patreon: http://patreon.com/daytondoes Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/daytond... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReddX... Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ReddX... Amazon link to my mic: https://amzn.to/3lInsRR ReddX merch: https://reddx-shop.fourthwall.... Character art: https://twitter.com/DarkleyStu... Creepypasta channel: https://www.youtube.com/Dayton... Gaming channel: https://www.youtube.com/dayton... Wifey's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MrsReddX ------------------------------------------------------------ Playlists: Full neckbeard stories: https://www.youtube.com/playli... All neckbeard stories: https://www.youtube.com/playli... All legbeard stories: https://www.youtube.com/playli... RPG Horror Stories: https://www.youtube.com/playli... Weeaboo tales: https://www.youtube.com/playli... ------------------------------------------------------------ Podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/... iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/... Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/... Also on Castbox, Audible, and iHeartRadio! We'll break down exactly what the suspect said, how the officers handled it, and what the public response has been. From Reddit threads to viral clips, this incident has already become an internet cautionary tale. The Redditor neckbeard stereotype is alive and well — and this police bodycam footage is exhibit A. You'll hear Gubbins drop a signature roast at the end, just to put the final nail in this fedora-shaped coffin. For fans of police bodycam reactions, caught-on-camera moments, and internet cringe culture, this one's a must-watch. It's rare you see someone get caught so red-handed — or red-panted — and still try to argue their way out with such detached delusion. From “I didn't mean to” to “my clothes betrayed me,” it's the most Reddit-core arrest ever captured on police bodycam. Subscribe for weekly deep dives into entitled creeps, legbeards, neckbeards, sovereign citizens, and more. Don't forget to like, comment, and let the tribe know what you think of this neckbeard Redditor's pathetic attempt at damage control. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channe... Discord: https://discord.gg/Sju7YckUWu Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/daytondo... PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/daytondo... Patreon: http://patreon.com/daytondoes Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/daytond... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReddX... Merch: https://reddx-shop.fourthwall....
Lev 1:1-3:17, Mark 1:29-2:12, Ps 35:17-28, Pr 9:13-18
Forget the katana myth — Japan's samurai didn't shun guns, they embraced them.