Podcasts about Japan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Last time we spoke about the battle of south Guangxi. In late 1939, amid the Sino-Japanese War stalemate, Japan aimed to sever China's vital supply lines from French Indochina by invading southern Guangxi. The 21st Army, including the 5th Division and Taiwan Mixed Brigade landed at Qinzhou Bay on November 15, capturing Nanning by November 24 after feinting at Beihai and overcoming scattered Chinese defenses under the 16th Army Group. Chinese forces, commanded by Bai Chongxi and reinforced by the elite 5th Army launched a counteroffensive in December. The brutal Battle of Kunlun Pass saw repeated assaults. However, Japanese counterattacks in January 1940, bolstered by the 18th Division and Konoye Brigade, recaptured Kunlun Pass and Binyang by February, inflicting over 10,000 Chinese losses and forcing retreats. A stalemate ensued until September 1940, when Japan pressured Indochina. Overextended Japanese forces withdrew south, allowing Chinese to recapture Nanning on October 30 and clear Guangxi by November 17.   #199 The battle of West Suiyuan  Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Back in 1936,  the Xi'an Incident had forced a fragile alliance between the Nationalists under Chiang Kai-shek and the Communists, forming a united front against Japan. This front extended to regional warlords like the Ma Clique, who controlled Ningxia, Gansu, and Qinghai. The Ma family, descendants of Muslim generals loyal to the Qing Dynasty, navigated complex loyalties but ultimately aligned with the Nationalist cause, driven by patriotism and self-preservation.   The stakes in West Suiyuan were high. Control of the region meant access to the Suiyuan-Xinjiang Highway, a lifeline for Soviet aid to China. Japanese occupation could threaten the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region, a Communist stronghold, and open paths to Lanzhou and beyond. The battles here, though overshadowed by larger theaters like Shanghai or Wuhan, demonstrated how peripheral fronts contributed to the national resistance. Over 70 years later, the sacrifices of more than 2,000 Ningxia soldiers remain a poignant reminder of the human cost of resistance, their anti-Japanese merits etched forever in the annals of Chinese history.   The seeds of the Battle of West Suiyuan were sown in the turbulent years following the Xi'an Incident. This event in December 1936 led to the initial formation of a national united front against Japanese aggression. The Communist Party of China (CPC) mobilized masses in the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region, strengthening anti-Japanese forces and exerting pressure on the Ma Clique. Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist government also influenced the Mas, solidifying their resolve to resist Japan.   The Ma Clique, a powerful Muslim warlord faction in Northwest China, was led by figures like Ma Hongkui (governor of Ningxia) and his cousin Ma Hongbin. They controlled a semi-autonomous region with a mix of Hui, Han, and Mongolian populations. Japan, seeking to exploit ethnic divisions, attempted to woo the Mas. Even after the July 7, 1937, outbreak of war, Japan persisted. On October 17, 1937, after occupying Baotou, the Japanese established the "Baotou Hui Muslim Branch" and appointed Jiang Wenhuan, a former Hui commander, to court Ma Hongkui. They sent envoys, including an imam from Northeast China, and even airdropped letters from "Manchukuo." In a dramatic move, Japanese commander Itagaki Seishiro flew to Alashan Banner to invite Ma Hongkui for talks. Ma sent Zhou Baihuang, who rebuffed Itagaki by invoking historical grievances: the Japanese role in the Eight-Nation Alliance's 1900 invasion, where Ma family members died at Zhengyang Gate. "The family feud remains unresolved, and the national humiliation is yet to be avenged; they are irreconcilable enemies," Zhou declared.   Japan's plot to persuade surrender failed, leading to a major offensive against Suiyuan and Ningxia. Large numbers of troops reinforced Baotou, and bombings targeted Ningxia. In response, Ma Hongkui began building fortifications in places like Shizuishan and Dengkou. Starting in the winter of 1937, he constructed defense fortifications in the Shizuishan area in four phases. In the Shizuishan Weizha area, trenches several meters wide and deep were dug, covered with branches, straw, and loose soil for camouflage, to prevent the passage of Japanese armored vehicles and heavy weapons. Within a hundred li north of Dengkou and Sanshenggong, all major roads were cut off, and deep trenches were dug to destroy the Japanese army's access to Ningxia. The banks of the Yellow River ferry crossings in northern Ningxia and the Helan Mountain passages were all cut into steep cliffs. Important passageways were fortified with blocking positions and hidden artillery to repel invading Japanese troops.   Among the various military commanders in Northwest China, Ma Hongbin possessed the strongest anti-Japanese spirit. Having joined the army at a young age, Ma Hongbin placed great emphasis on cultural learning and the cultivation of his personal character. Outside of military service, he was always seen with a book in hand, resembling a scholar. His long-term study fostered his upright character and patriotism. After the Japanese invasion of China, deeply moved by the nation's peril, he resolved to lead his troops to the battlefield to save the country from its crisis. In the spring of 1938, at the opening ceremony of an officer training course held in Wanghongbao, Yongning, Ma Hongbin addressed his subordinates from the podium: "Always remember that the nation comes first, the people come first, defend the land and country, and fulfill your duties. On the battlefield, you must be able to both attack and defend, and be prepared to live and die with the position, with the determination to fight to the end."   The Ma forces were reorganized into the Nationalist structure. Ma Hongkui's 15th Route Army and Ma Hongbin's 35th Division (later expanded to the 81st Army) formed the 17th Army Group, with Ma Hongkui as Commander-in-Chief and Ma Hongbin as Deputy Commander-in-Chief and Commander of the 81st Army. The officer training of the 81st Army improved the anti-Japanese consciousness and combat quality of the entire army, preparing for the counterattack against the Japanese invasion. In May 1938, due to the weakened defenses of Suiyuan (at that time, the troops of Fu Zuoyi, the chairman of Suiyuan Province, had retreated to Shanxi), most of the area was occupied by Japanese and puppet troops. The Kuomintang Central Committee appointed Ma Hongbin as the commander of the Suiyuan West Defense Command. Ma Hongbin led his 81st Army and two cavalry brigades and one infantry brigade of Ma Hongkui's troops to Wuyuan (now Wuyuan County, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region) to unify the command of the various anti-Japanese forces that had retreated into Suiyuan West. His mission was to prevent the Japanese army from advancing westward.   After arriving in Wuyuan, Ma Hongbin convened a meeting of commanders from various forces to discuss the defense against the Japanese. The various armies in western Suiyuan were of different factions and not affiliated with each other, and most adopted a policy of seeking safety and avoiding danger in their defenses. Ma Hongbin deployed the main force of his 81st Army, the 35th Division, at key passes in the Wubu Langshan area northeast of Wuyuan to serve as the first line of defense, while deploying three brigades of Ma Hongkui's troops along the line from Wuyuan to Langshan as reinforcements.   The terrain was challenging: vast deserts, mountains like Yinshan and Langshan, and the Yellow River's bends. Wubulangkou, a narrow pass between Erlang and Chashitai Mountains, was strategically vital. Defenses included anti-tank trenches and mines. These preparations reflected the Ningxia Army's blend of traditional cavalry tactics and modern training. The troops, many Hui Muslims, brought cultural cohesion and resilience, but faced equipment shortages—outdated mortars and rifles versus Japanese mechanization.   In May 1938, Ma Hongbin arrived in Linhe (now part of Bayannur, Inner Mongolia) to establish his command post. After inspecting the situation of the friendly forces in the defense zone and designating the defense zone of his subordinate 81st Army, he ordered Ma Tengjiao, commander of the 35th Division, to lead four infantry regiments, namely the 103rd and 104th Brigades, to Suiyuan Western Defense Command to fight against the Japanese. Ma Hongbin established a command post in Linhe, where he and his son, Ma Dunjing, the chief of staff of the 81st Army, deployed their troops in areas such as Wuzhen and Siyitang. Ma Dunjing directed his troops to conduct exercises in the Wuzhen and Siyitang area, and invited Soviet military advisors to provide guidance, preparing for combat with an extremely serious attitude.   To show his support for Ma Hongbin's leadership of the Suiyuan Western Defense Command, Ma Hongkui dispatched two cavalry brigades to Suiyuan Western Defense Command. The main reason why the Ma Clique army from Ningxia went to Suiyuan to fight against the Japanese was that the defense of Suiyuan was directly related to the safety of Ningxia. At the same time, after the Ma Clique army was incorporated into the anti-Japanese army, its primary task was to fight against the Japanese invaders and defend the country. In addition, the anti-Japanese enthusiasm of the people in the Northwest continued to rise. Under the impetus of the situation, it was inevitable that the Ningxia army would join the anti-Japanese war in Suiyuan.   The initial engagement came in the late summer and early autumn of 1939, as Japanese troops, driving cars, armored vehicles, and tanks, advanced from Baotou towards the defenses of the 81st Army in western Suiyuan, attempting to annihilate the main force of the 81st Army. Ma Dunjing (the third son of Ma Hongbin), Chief of Staff of the 81st Army, personally commanded the operation at the front line in Wuda Town. The Japanese advanced to the defensive positions of the 35th Division and bombarded Ma's position with heavy artillery fire. The 35th Division returned fire with 82mm mortars. Because Ma's mortars were old-fashioned, they emitted smoke upon firing, revealing their positions. The Japanese immediately unleashed over 200 shells on the 35th Division's artillery positions, silencing them and rendering them incapable of retaliating. Taking advantage of this, the Japanese, under the powerful cover of artillery and machine gun fire, swarmed in by car, tank, and armored vehicle. The 35th Division held their ground, waiting for the Japanese troops to enter effective firing range and disembark from their vehicles. Suddenly, soldiers of the 1st Battalion of the 206th Regiment jumped out of their fortifications and charged into the enemy lines, engaging the Japanese in hand-to-hand combat. The Japanese were thrown into disarray, some killed before they could even disembark. Those who did disembark suffered heavy casualties, with the remaining soldiers turning back to their vehicles and fleeing in panic. Forced to retreat after suffering a decisive blow, the 35th Division captured two Japanese vehicles, over a hundred artillery shells, dozens of boxes of ammunition, as well as firearms and officer's swords. This marked the first victory in the Suiyuan-Western Anti-Japanese War. This victory boosted morale and public spirit. When the captured vehicles entered Wuyuan County, the people cheered enthusiastically, plastering the vehicles with various celebratory slogans. An elderly local artist even composed a song to celebrate the victory and sang it on the street: "Our old Western Army (referring to Ma Hongbin's 81st Army) is really good at fighting. We drove away the Japanese soldiers, captured cars and brought them into Wuyuan City, where the whole city celebrated and welcomed them. Relying on our old Western Army, we defeated the Japanese soldiers, and the people have peace." The campaign's defining battle occurred at Wubulangkou in early 1940, following the Chinese raid on Baotou in December 1939. In the autumn of 1939, the situation in Shanxi stabilized, and Fu Zuoyi, the chairman of Suiyuan Province who had retreated to Shanxi, led his troops back to western Suiyuan, establishing the Deputy Commander's Headquarters of the Eighth War Zone to unify command of military and political affairs in western Suiyuan and actively preparing for a counter-offensive. To coordinate with the nationwide winter offensive, Fu Zuoyi decided to attack Baotou, a key Japanese stronghold, to contain the Japanese forces in North China. The Battle of Baotou was spearheaded by the newly formed 31st Division of Fu Zuoyi's 35th Army, with the 35th Division of Ma Hongbin's 81st Army providing support. Under meticulous planning, on December 20th, Sun Lanfeng's newly formed 31st Division of Fu Zuoyi's army stormed into Baotou. The Japanese army, caught off guard, panicked and suffered over a thousand casualties, scattering in all directions, losing all their supplies within the city. Fu Zuoyi then directed his troops to withdraw to the rear of western Suiyuan, luring the enemy deeper into the territory for a later battle.   The Battle of Baotou greatly angered the Japanese army. Therefore, more than 30,000 Japanese troops were mobilized from Zhangjiakou, Taiyuan, Datong, and other places, along with more than 1,500 military vehicles, armored vehicles, tanks, dozens of aircraft, and six divisions of puppet Mongolian troops, totaling more than 40,000 men. Under the command of Division Commander Kuroda, they launched a major offensive into western Suiyuan in early 1940, attempting to seize western and southern Inner Mongolia in one fell swoop. Facing the superior Japanese forces, the people and soldiers of western Suiyuan adopted a scorched-earth policy and mobile warfare to maneuver against the enemy. The specific deployment was as follows: the 7th Cavalry Division of Men Bingyue's troops blocked the Japanese troops in the Xishanzui and Maqidukou areas, and then turned to the right bank of the Yellow River to threaten the enemy's left flank; the 35th Division of Ma Hongbin's troops and the 1st Cavalry Brigade of Ma Hongkui's troops constructed positions in the Wubulangkou and Wuzhen areas, blocked the enemy, and then moved into Langshan to threaten the Japanese right flank; the 35th Army of Fu Zuoyi's troops assembled northwest of Wuyuan to launch mobile attacks on the enemy; other units chose favorable terrain to harass the exhausted enemy at any time; and the logistics personnel were transferred to the Dengkou and Shizuishan areas. Before Langshan Mountain, where the Yang family generals once fought against the Jin dynasty, a thousand-mile-long battlefield against the Japanese was set up.   Wubulangkou is located in the western part of the Yinshan Mountains. Nestled between the eastern and western ends of the rugged and precipitous Erlang Mountain and Chashitai Mountain, it forms a strategically vital location. After Fu Zuoyi returned to western Suiyuan in 1939 to serve as deputy commander of the Eighth War Zone, the Ningxia army was placed under his command. At the end of December, Fu Zuoyi's troops stormed Baotou, inflicting over a thousand casualties on the Japanese. Okabe, commander of the Japanese Mengjiang Garrison, considered the defeat at Baotou a great humiliation and declared, "We must sweep through the Hetao region and completely annihilate Fu Zuoyi's army." To eliminate future troubles, the Japanese, "determined to decisively crush the enemy's base in the Hetao region with their main force," began in January 1940, mobilizing over 30,000 Japanese and puppet troops from Zhangjiakou, Datong, and other places, along with over a thousand vehicles, aircraft, artillery, and tanks. Under the command of Division Commander Kuroda Shigetoku, they launched a three-pronged, menacing invasion of western Suiyuan.   On January 31, Kuroda led the main force of the Japanese central route, consisting of over 780 vehicles, armored vehicles, and tanks, and launched an attack at 4:30 PM on the positions of the 35th Division of the 81st Army in the area of Wubulangkou, Siyitang, and Wuzhen.    Ubulangkou, where Ma Hongbin's 35th Division was stationed, is a transliteration of the Mongolian word "Ubulak," meaning "mouth of large and small springs." Located in the southern part of present-day Urad Middle Banner, it lies at the junction of Wuliangsutai, Delingshan Township, and Wengeng Sumu, a strategically important location nestled between two mountains. When the Battle of Ubulangkou began, Ma Hongbin was in Chongqing attending a high-level military conference convened by Chiang Kai-shek, and his troops were commanded by Ma Tengjiao, commander of the 35th Division. At approximately 8:00 AM on January 31, 1940, the Japanese army amassed its forces in the Zaoshulinzi desert area, directly north of Siyitang and directly east of Ubulangkou. Their vanguard first used three aircraft to circling and bombard the positions of Ma's 205th Regiment, followed by artillery bombardment. Under the cover of aircraft and artillery, Japanese tanks, armored vehicles, and hundreds of military vehicles carrying Japanese troops launched an attack on the Siyitang and Ubulangkou positions. Following Ma Hongbin's orders, a defensive trench, 3 meters wide and 3 meters deep, had been dug in front of the 81st Army's position, stretching approximately 10 kilometers from the foot of Wubulang Pass to the north bank of the Yellow River. A 50-meter-wide pit zone preceded the trench. The two sides fought fiercely until nightfall, suffering heavy casualties and remaining evenly matched. At the Siyitang position, Ding Liangyu, the company commander of the 1st Company, 1st Battalion, 205th Regiment, was wounded and died the following day; more than 30 platoon leaders, squad leaders, and soldiers were killed. Xue Wanyou, the battalion clerk, was hit by an artillery shell, his body torn apart and his head severed. Although the officers and soldiers of Ma's 35th Division suffered heavy casualties, they held their ground. Unable to break through, the Japanese used aircraft to continuously release poison gas with the wind at their backs. Although Ma's troops had prepared simple gas masks made of gauze wrapped in sawdust, the concentration of the gas was too high, causing many to experience headaches, chest tightness, and vomiting, greatly weakening their fighting capacity and making the situation increasingly critical. Around 10 PM, Division Commander Ma Tengjiao ordered Ma Jiangong, deputy battalion commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 206th Regiment, to lead two companies from Wulanaobao to reinforce the 208th Regiment via Siyitang. Ma Jiangong was killed by a grenade in the fierce fighting. The two companies fought desperately to break free from the enemy and finally joined up with the 208th Regiment. The enemy, realizing this, reinforced their forces and intensified their attack. At 11:30 PM, the 208th Regiment's position was breached, but the enemy dared not advance rashly. The battle resumed at dawn the next day, and the fighting at the Siyitang position remained extremely fierce. Ma Tengjiao ordered the 1st Battalion of the 206th Regiment to reinforce the Siyitang position. While traversing a seven- or eight-mile stretch of open land, the reinforcements were subjected to heavy artillery fire from the Japanese, suffering heavy casualties. However, the troops braved the artillery fire, bullets, and thick smoke, breaking through the enemy's fire blockade and reaching the position. The combined forces of the Wubulangkou and Siyitang positions continued to inflict powerful blows on the Japanese army. The 205th Regiment, holding the fortified Siyitang, engaged in bayonet fighting with the Japanese army. When their bayonets bent, the soldiers would grab the enemy and bite them, or detonate grenades to die alongside them. The troops had gone two days and two nights without food or water, and coupled with the bitter cold, they were exhausted and suffering heavy casualties. The battle was exceptionally fierce, tragic, and arduous. Ma Hongbin later recalled this battle, saying, "Even the world-famous battles of Taierzhuang and Changsha, where the National Revolutionary Army fought with such heroic spirit, were no more than this."   In the early morning of February 1st, the Japanese army first bombarded the defensive positions at Wubulangkou and Siyitang with heavy artillery, and then used aircraft to dive-bomb the open area in front of Wubulangkou. Under the attack of enemy artillery and tanks combined with infantry, the 208th Regiment suffered heavy casualties, and the front-line positions at Wubulangkou were breached by the enemy. The 205th and 206th Regiments sent reinforcements, using bunkers and high ground fortifications to stubbornly resist the enemy, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. Seeing that they could not capture the positions defended by the Ningxia army, the Japanese army released tear gas and sneezing gas. While attacking from the front, the Japanese army sent puppet Mongolian troops to flank and attack Wubulangkou from the rear of the mountain. Although the Ma troops resisted bravely, they were ultimately outnumbered, and their positions were successively breached by the enemy, forcing the remaining defenders to withdraw. In this battle, more than 1,000 officers and soldiers of the Ningxia Ma troops shed their blood in western Suiyuan, using their lives to block the enemy's advance.   Ma's troops retreated, pursued by Japanese ground forces and strafed by aircraft, suffering over a thousand casualties and forced to retreat into the desert. They continued to fight the Japanese in the quicksand, killing another 200 enemy soldiers. After a grueling six-day, six-night march, the troops successfully returned to their Dengkou base for rest. Post-war statistics show that Ma's 35th Division originally had over 5,000 men; in the battle of Wubulangkou, over 1,000 were killed and 2,000 wounded, including 700 suffering from frostbite. This battle exemplified sacrificial defense, buying time for counteroffensives.   Upon learning of the defeat of his troops in Chongqing, Ma Hongbin immediately flew back to Ningxia and rushed to Dengkou. After regrouping the troops and investigating officers who had failed in their command, he reorganized two regiments, replenished their equipment, and after a brief rest, led by Brigade Commander Ma Peiqing, returned to western Suiyuan. To cooperate with Fu Zuoyi's troops in continuing the fight against the Japanese invaders, the Ningxia army, mainly composed of the 35th Division, entered the Dala Banner area of Yimeng to fight the enemy. After occupying Wuyuan, the Japanese army believed that the Chinese army in western Suiyuan was in disarray and would be unable to recover its fighting capacity in a short time. Furthermore, due to its overextended battle lines and supply difficulties, the Japanese army had no spare troops to expand the war. Therefore, they centered their forces on Wuyuan, leaving a Japanese regiment and four divisions of puppet Mongolian troops, totaling over 15,000 men, to garrison the Hetao region, while the rest of their forces retreated eastward. After the main Japanese force withdrew, Fu Zuoyi decided to organize a campaign to recapture Wuyuan. In March 1940, he ordered his 35th Army to lead the attack on Wuyuan, while Ma's 81st Army moved from western Suiyuan to the Dalad Banner area on the south bank of the Yellow River in the Ordos League to construct fortifications and block Japanese reinforcements from Baotou. At midnight on March 20, Fu's 35th Army simultaneously launched attacks on Japanese strongholds in Wuyuan, Meilingmiao, and Xingongzhong. After two days of fierce fighting, our army finally recaptured Linhe and Wuyuan, killing Lieutenant General Mizukawa, the division commander of the Japanese army, and several thousand of his puppet troops.    Upon hearing the news, the Japanese troops in Baotou crossed the Yellow River, attempting to outflank the 35th Army from the south. However, their westward advance was met with resistance from the positions of Ma's 81st Army. During the defensive battle, Ma's troops were bombarded by more than 30 Japanese artillery pieces. Due to outdated weaponry and lack of artillery counterattack, Ma's right flank was destroyed, allowing the enemy to encircle them from the rear. To avoid being outflanked, Ma's troops retreated north to the Shawo area to regroup. Ma Hongbin ordered each regiment to exploit the enemy's difficulty in vehicular movement in the desert, employing mobile warfare tactics, advancing when the enemy advanced and retreating when the enemy retreated, maintaining a distance of five or six li from the enemy, and choosing opportune moments to attack and exhaust them. Ma's troops also frequently formed assault teams to harass the enemy at night, keeping them constantly on edge. After maneuvering with the Japanese in the desert for several days using mobile warfare, Ma Hongbin's troops occupied a hilltop southwest of Xinminbao and laid an ambush. When the enemy approached, they unleashed a sudden barrage of fire, inflicting hundreds of casualties. This blow forced the Japanese army to abandon its southern reinforcement plan and retreat north across the Yellow River near Zhaojunfen. After the Japanese retreat, the 81st Army immediately launched an attack on the puppet Mongolian cavalry south of the Yellow River. After more than a month of battles, large and small, except for Chaidengtai, which was captured by Fu Zuoyi's troops, all other puppet strongholds were wiped out by Ma Hongbin's troops, and "the entire Damian Beach area in the northeast of the Ih Ju League was recovered."   During the Qingming Festival in 1940, the 35th Division, returning to western Suiyuan, buried the officers and soldiers who died in the battle at Wubulangkou. With tears in their eyes, people buried the remains of 148 officers and soldiers at the Cemetery for Fallen Soldiers on the west side of Wubulangkou, and erected brick monuments in front of the graves according to the names on the surviving shoulder insignia of the fallen officers and soldiers' uniforms.    Casualties on all sides were significant, reflecting the intensity of the fighting. For the Japanese, two brigades and the 72nd Cavalry Regiment took heavy hits, though official reports admitted only about 1,000 losses. Given that these units were sidelined from combat for an extended period afterward, the true figure was likely far higher. Battle reports from the 26th Division alone recorded over 3,000 casualties, nearly 20% of its strength,pushing the total Japanese toll, including other units, to between 4,000 and 5,000. Puppet forces fared even worse. The "Suiyuan-Western Autonomous Allied Army" proved utterly ineffective, collapsing almost immediately against the superior Ma Clique cavalry of the Nationalist 81st Army. While the puppet Mongolian cavalry had some combat capability, their reluctance to fight for the Japanese—often against their own kin, led to half-hearted engagements and quick retreats. Combined puppet casualties and prisoners numbered around 5,000 to 6,000, bringing the overall Japanese and puppet losses to 10,000–12,000 killed or wounded. The Chinese forces, vastly outmatched in equipment and relying on brave but undertrained local security units, endured heavy sacrifices. Domestic sources estimate their casualties at 15,000–20,000.   This campaign marked the only major anti-Japanese engagement involving people from Ningxia, where over 10,000 Hui and Han fighters, under Ma Hongbin and Ma Hongkui, battled fiercely in what is now Linhe and Wuyuan in Inner Mongolia. Thousands perished, buried far from home, embodying the unyielding spirit of the Chinese nation. It stood as Northwest China's sole battlefield in the war, a point of pride for its people. Victory was hard-won, despite the Chinese having slightly more troops but far inferior weaponry. Success stemmed from the soldiers' bravery, tactical use of cavalry mobility, and crucially, the puppet Mongolians' unwillingness to fully commit. The campaign not only repelled the Japanese westward and southward advances, securing Northwest China's northern gateway and blocking incursions into Ningxia, Shaanxi, and Gansu, but also safeguarded key supply routes like the Suiyuan-Xinjiang Highway and connections to Lanzhou. This ensured a steady influx of Soviet aid, bolstering the national resistance and indirectly supporting efforts in Southwest China.   I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. After a Chinese raid seized Baotou, Japan launched a major 1940 offensive with tens of thousands of troops, vehicles, armor, aircraft, and puppet Mongolian forces. Chinese defenders used scorched earth, fortifications at Wubulangkou, and mobile cavalry/desert tactics, ambushes, and night harassment. Fu Zuoyi later recaptured Wuyuan/Linhe. Casualties were heavy—Chinese estimates 15,000–20,000; Japanese/puppet losses possibly 10,000–12,000.

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

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

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

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

TWiP solves the case of the male in his 20s from Hokkaido, Japan, who developed fatigue and rash, followed by fever and myalgia 6 days later, after eating a raw bear eyeball. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Daniel Griffin, and Christina Naula Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Hero: Sir Nicholas White (1951 – 2026) (Guardian, Lancet) Letters read on TWiP 278 TWiP study – information and survey New Case 3 yo child who recently immigrated to the US from Central America is brought in to the ER with acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain. The mother is concerned about the pain as well as nausea and vomiting. This is acute and the ER provider is concerned that this might be an acute surgical emergency. They order an US in this child and they are surprised to see a rather active serpiginous wormlike 'thing' wiggling away in the child's appendix.  I was sent the Ultrasound video which I really enjoyed. What to do? Become a patron of TWiP  Send your questions and comments to twip@microbe.tv Music by Ronald Jenkees

Endo Kazutoshi spent decades climbing to the top of the culinary world, only for a devastating fire to threaten it all. I joined him in the aftermath as he travelled around his homeland, visiting the people that helped make him Written and read by Kieran Morris. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

As Cadillac hit the track in Formula 1's new era, we catch up with the American team at their Silverstone base to reflect on their journey so far.Star drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez share their thoughts on the team's first ever races in Australia, China and Japan.Team Principal Graeme Lowdon explains how the team are using the sport's unexpected early-season break to take the next steps, as broadcaster Holly Samos and journalist Sarah Holt return to the team's Silverstone base for another behind-the-scenes tour to see Cadillac's progress in person.

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

Amazon Japan is bigger than most sellers realize. In this episode, let's unpack market differences, cheaper ad opportunities, AI strategy, and Japan travel tips. What makes Amazon Japan worth serious attention from global sellers? In this episode of the AM/PM Podcast, Bradley Sutton sits down with Nate Shurilla, Head of APAC at Pacvue, to break down why Japan remains one of the most overlooked opportunities in e-commerce. From marketplace size and shopper behavior to lower advertising competition, the conversation highlights why brands selling in the US or Europe should take a closer look at Japan before the window gets more crowded.   Bradley and Nate explore how the Japanese market differs from Western markets in ways many sellers do not expect. They discuss how Amazon and Rakuten dominate e-commerce in Japan, why convenience culture changes online shopping behavior, and how Japanese consumers often respond better to detail, trust, and brand story than flashy simplification. They also cover how lower tool adoption has created a unique opening for sellers using Helium 10 and Pacvue to gain an advantage in research, ads, and category analysis.   The episode then shifts into advertising and AI, where Nate shares why automation can be powerful but also dangerous when used without the right data or business context. He explains why many AI tools optimize for surface-level ad metrics instead of true business growth, and how Pacvue approaches this differently by factoring in organic performance, incrementality, budgeting, and specialized AI agents. For brands trying to decide between Helium 10 and Pacvue, Nate gives a practical breakdown of who each platform is best suited for and how both fit into a smarter advertising strategy.   To close things out, the episode adds a fun personal angle with Japan travel hacks and regional recommendations beyond the usual tourist stops. From scenic train rides between Osaka and Kyoto to hidden gems like Aomori and Yamagata, this conversation blends marketplace strategy with cultural perspective in a way that makes the episode both useful and memorable. It is a valuable listen for any seller interested in international expansion, smarter advertising, and understanding how local market behavior can shape global opportunity. In episode 516 of the AM/PM Podcast, Bradley and Nate discuss: 00:00 - Introduction 00:52 - Nate Shurilla Joins Live From Japan 01:40 - The Hanshin Tigers And Matt Merton Story 04:09 - Why Nate Moved To Japan 05:48 - How Nate Got Into E-Commerce 07:03 - How Big Amazon Japan Really Is 08:49 - What Makes Japanese E-Commerce Different 10:17 - Why Japanese Shopping Pages Look So Busy 12:38 - Why Amazon Japan CPCs Are Still Low 18:17 - Why Helium 10 Users Have An Edge In Japan 20:20 - How To Decide If Your Brand Should Enter Japan 23:06 - Helium 10 Vs. Pacvue For Advertisers 27:05 - Japan Travel Hacks Beyond Tokyo And Kyoto 30:16 - Why Nate Called His Talk “AI Is Trash” 33:13 - The Right Way To Use AI In Advertising 43:02 - What The Pacvue Agent Can Do 45:56 - Final Takeaways And Wrap-Up

Story of the Week (DR):Apple names John Ternus as CEO to replace Tim Cook, who will become chairmanApple CEO Tim Cook is stepping downMeet John Ternus, the 51-year-old former swimming champ who will succeed Tim Cook as Apple CEOTim Cook to step down as Apple CEO. In letter, describes 15 years of emailsTim Cook's exit is part of a CEO reckoning sweeping Corporate AmericaAre internal CEOs the way to go?Best Buy taps insider Jason Bonfig as new CEO, Corie Barry steps downShe's actually leaving the boardLululemon names former Nike exec Heidi O'Neill as CEO MMLululemon CEO Pick Heidi O'Neill Faces Skeptical Wall Street AND Lululemon shares dive on new CEO pick — as investors fear she may not have chops to save struggling companyO'Neill brings more than 30 years of experience in performance apparel, footwear, and sports, including over 25 years at Nike, where she was credited with transforming their women's business from a side-project into a global juggernaut. Her leadership spanned product creation, brand strategy, marketing, and global operations, making her one of the most influential executives in the company's modern era. Most recently, she served as President, Consumer, Product & Brand, overseeing Nike's global consumer and product engineGolden hello: $7M equity, $2M cashRoughly 75% of Lululemon's customers are womenLululemon board: 7 of 11 FChair Martha MorfittCommittees:Audit: 2 of 3 F, including chairNomination: 3 of 5Pay: 3 of 5 F, including chairAlso: CFO, Chief Merchandising Officer, Chief People & Culture Officer, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Chief Brand & Product Activation OfficerNow we get why Chip is so mad: Chip Wilson, Lululemon's founder, largest shareholder and chief agitator, has not weighed in on the pick yet, although he previously advocated for waiting to name a new CEO until the board could be resetBest Buy taps insider Jason Bonfig as new CEO, Corie Barry steps downBest Buy taps insider Bonfig to succeed veteran Barry as CEO amid demand slowdownOil giant BP suffers shareholder revolt over climate transparency at tense AGM“BP suffered a shareholder revolt at its AGM over the election of a new chair and resolutions that included dropping some climate disclosure obligations”BP failed to get majority shareholder approval on two highly anticipated motions, which would have permitted online-only AGMs and retired two company-specific climate disclosure obligations. Each resolution received around 47% support, far short of the required 75% required to pass.Ahead of the AGM, BP's board blocked a motion tabled by Follow This that would have required the company to share plans on creating value for shareholders under future scenarios of falling oil and gas demand.Resolution 1: Annual Report and Accounts – 98% For / 2% AgainstResolution 2: Directors' remuneration report – 95% For / 5% AgainstResolution 3: Directors' remuneration policy – 95% For / 5% AgainstResolution 4: To elect Albert Manifold as a director – 82% For / 18% AgainstSome activist investors had said even a 5% vote against Manifold, who has only been in post as chair since October, would represent a severe reprimand, particularly after a historic 24% vote against outgoing chair Helge Lund last year.Resolution 5: To elect Meg O'Neill as a director – 97% For / 3% AgainstResolution 6: To re-elect Kate Thomson as a director – 96% For / 4% AgainstResolution 7: To re-elect Dame Amanda Blanc as a director – 95% For / 5% AgainstResolution 8: To re-elect Tushar Morzaria as a director – 96% For / 4% AgainstResolution 9: To re-elect Ian Tyler as a director – 96% For / 4% AgainstResolution 10: To re-elect Satish Pai as a director – 92% For / 8% AgainstResolution 11: To re-elect Dr Johannes Teyssen as a director – 89% For / 11% AgainstResolution 12: To re-elect Hina Nagarajan as a director – 96% For / 4% AgainstResolution 13: To elect Dave Hager as a director – 97% For / 3% AgainstResolution 14: Reappointment of auditor – 100% For / 0% AgainstResolution 15: Remuneration of auditor – 100% For / 0% AgainstResolution 16: Political donations and political expenditure – 98% For / 2% AgainstResolution 17: Directors' authority to allot shares – 96% For / 4% AgainstResolution 18: Special resolution: Authority for disapplication of pre-emption rights – 99% For / 1% AgainstResolution 19: Special resolution: Additional authority for disapplication of pre-emption rights – 99% For / 1% AgainstResolution 20: Special resolution: Share buyback – 100% For / 0% AgainstResolution 21: Special resolution: Notice of general meetings – 94% For / 6% AgainstResolution 22: Special resolution: New Articles of Association – 47% For / 53% AgainstResolution 23: Special resolution: Revocation of previous 2015 and 2019 resolutions – 47% For / 53% AgainstResolution 24: Special resolution: ACCR shareholder resolution – 26% For / 74% AgainstNetflix authorizes $25 billion share buyback after stock dropPopulist Math Time:Employees: As of 2026, Netflix employs roughly 16,000 people. If you took that $25 billion and distributed it directly to the workforce = $1,562,500 per employeeAlternatively: They could fund a $100,000 annual salary for 250,000 new people for an entire year.Customers: Netflix has roughly 325 million subscribers globally. If they decided to use that money to subsidize the service instead of buying back stock: $77 per person.Netflix could give every subscriber on the planet roughly 4 to 5 months of service for free.Or, they could lower the price of every subscription by about $6.40 per month for a full year.Social impact:Various estimates (including from HUD) suggest that ending homelessness in the US would cost roughly $20 billion to $30 billion.It could provide a full four-year scholarship (at an average cost of $100k total) to 250,000 students.It could fund the eradication of several neglected tropical diseases or provide clean water infrastructure for tens of millions of people globally.For perspective, the entire annual budget for NASA in 2025 was around $25 billion. Netflix is essentially spending one "National Space Program" worth of cash just to tweak its stock price.Shareholders:If Netflix successfully retires that 6.4% of shares and the market maintains its current valuation, the stock price should mathematically rise by about 7% to compensate for the reduced supply.If the price jumps 7% (from $93 to roughly $99.50), here is the wealth jump:Vanguard: $2.5BBlackRock: $2.1BFidelity: $1.4BReed Hastings: $138MGoodliest of the Week (MM/DR):DR: Lufthansa Cuts 20,000 Flights to Save Fuel Amid Iran War Price SurgeMM: The Onion Says It Has Again Struck a Deal to Take Over InfowarsMM: Texas Capital stays incorporated in Delaware after shareholders reject 'Dexit' voteAre investors waking up??? They rejected TEXAS CAPITAL redomestication to TEXAS!Assholiest of the Week (MM):White guy victimhood DR‘The disfavored groups, No. 1, obviously, would be white males': Ron DeSantis is still signing anti-DEI legislationWhite males are…70% of governors70% of congress60% of US corporate boards31% of US populationWhat percentage of DEI programs for companies were designed by white male CEOs? 90% of CEOs in Fortune 500 are white guys - so ALL OF THEMSo when we read: White House study says DEI policies cost US economy by promoting unqualified managers…Even if the premise and math and methodology and concepts are literally all make believe, we SHOULD take away that “white men pretending to do DEI are bad for the economy” right?Federal Job Cuts Hit Black Women Hard—a Year Later, Unemployment Is UpDonald Trump 'Honours' UGA Women's Tennis Champions With Bizarre Photo Featuring Only Men In The ForegroundThe anti DEI, white male victimhood movement should entirely OWN DEI itself - this is the great blame transfer - somehow manage to blame black women and gays for the fact that white men running the world instituted shitty policies not meant to distribute equal opportunity, just meant for press releases - anti DEI is actually anti white male leaders. Make every company CEO a black woman and then see what DEI looks likeWhite guy manifestosPalantir published a mini manifesto calling some cultures ‘harmful' and ‘middling' and said Silicon Valley has ‘a moral debt' to the U.S.Why are tech bros so insistent we listen to everything they think? Were you not listened to as a child? Did no one ever validate you? Is this just about sex? Could you not get laid, and now because you have money you need to get everything you ever thought off your chest?Here are snippets of what Alex Karp, man who couldn't get laid, thought so important that we know:The postwar neutering of Germany and Japan must be undone.The culture almost snickers at Musk's interest in grand narrative, as if billionaires ought to simply stay in their lane of enriching themselves . . . . Any curiosity or genuine interest in the value of what he has created is essentially dismissed, or perhaps lurks from beneath a thinly veiled scorn.The ruthless exposure of the private lives of public figures drives far too much talent away from government service.Man who exposes private lives as a business model says it's badWe, in America and more broadly the West, have for the past half century resisted defining national cultures in the name of inclusivity.All very important points from a man we should clearly listen to about everything - the lane I want you to stay in is “shut the fuck up” lane where, BECAUSE you have billions, I'm not forced to listen to you as if you matterWhite guy philanthropyJeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos Donate $34 Million in Fashion GrantsMacKenzie Scott's latest donation takes her HBCU giving to well over $1 billionMacKenzie Scott has donated more than $26 billion—but it's barely made a dent in her net worth because of the power of Amazon sharesHeadliniest of the WeekDR: The blowhards:Sam Altman opens up about the Molotov cocktail attack on his home: 'The way Anthropic talks about OpenAI doesn't help'Nvidia CEO says that AI agents will make workers busier than ever—they'll ‘harass' and ‘micromanage' you, instead of take your jobMcDonald's boss on abuse claims: 'I don't want to talk about the past'Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says you won't lose your job to AI—you'll lose it to your coworker who uses it‘I think it's a mistake': Delta CEO Ed Bastian refuses to call it ‘artificial intelligence' because it scares peopleAI will boost productivity so ServiceNow won't have to backfill open jobs, CEO saysDR: The Nutter Chutter Butter Double: Morgan Stanley biotech banker Jessica Chutter joins Tectonic board AND Tectonic Therapeutic Appoints Jessica Chutter to Board of DirectorsI screwed up: blanked and thought that was two different companies. But then I did 3 seconds of research and found that she had joined a second board: PTC Therapeutics on March 24, 2026.MM: Apple's New CEO Needs to Be a ‘Cowboy' — But Can He With Tim Cook Still There?MM: SEC Imposes Strict Nine-Year Cap on Independent DirectorsPhillipinesWho Won the Week?DR: Jessica ChutterMM: The Philippines, whose corporate boards will no longer be allowed to have Edward Sylvester of WestAmerica Bancorp, born in 1938 and on the board for 47 yearsPredictionsDR: Nobody ever talks about Jason BonfigMM: Edward Sylvester steps down as Lead Independent Director of WestAmerica Bancorp to take the role of Non Executive Advisor to the Lead Independent Director Emeritus of WestAmerica Bancorp, says the rise of AI calls fresh blood on the board

Jeremy O. Harris joins Kevin Fallon for a wide-ranging, candid, and often hilarious conversation about art, fame, and saying exactly what you mean. The acclaimed playwright and filmmaker opens up about his new movie, working with major pop stars, and the whirlwind rise from grad school to Broadway and beyond. He reflects on controversy, creative freedom, and why he refuses to stay quiet—even when it puts him at odds with powerful figures. Harris also shares the surreal story of his detainment in Japan and how it unexpectedly became a moment of clarity in an otherwise nonstop career. Then, Kevin is joined by Hot Goss hosts Eyal Booker and Lonnie Marts to break down the latest reality TV chaos, from shocking Summer House relationship drama to villain behavior on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Follow Kevin Fallon on Instagram ⁠@kpfallon⁠ Follow Matt Wilstein on Instagram ⁠@mattjwilstein⁠ New episodes every Thursday, and Saturday; ⁠early drops on YouTube⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

learn about the speaker's new tradition of going out on the town in Tokyo as part of his celebration of Christmas in Japan

A fun tale from Japan about a mischievous badger who steals a magic fan from three goblin children that lands him in a lot of trouble.  An episode from Journey with Story, a storyelling podcast for kids ages 4-10.  (durationn 12 minutes) We have suspended our Patreon platform for now.  But, you can receive all of this month's coloring sheets by signing up for my newsletter and you will also receive some terrific resources for raising kids who LOVE to read.  Sing up for free now at www.journeywithstory.com If your little listener wants to ask us a question or send us a drawing inspired by one of our episodes, send it to us at instagram@journeywithstory.  Or you can contact us at www.journeywithstory.com.  We love to hear from our listeners. If you enjoy our podcast, you can rate, review, and subscribe at here Did you know Kathleen is also a children's picture book author, you can find out more about her books at www.kathleenpelley.com    

In this episode, Alan Briggs sits down with Laura Kriska — cross-cultural consultant, speaker, and author of The Business of We — for a conversation about one of the most underestimated challenges in leadership today: the invisible gaps that keep teams from reaching their full potential. Laura was born in Japan, raised in Ohio, and spent her early career as the first American woman working inside Honda's Tokyo headquarters. What started as a fascinating cross-cultural immersion became a three-decade career helping leaders and organizations bridge the us versus them gaps that quietly undermine collaboration — whether those gaps are cultural, generational, geographic, or simply the difference between how two departments approach a problem. If you lead a team of any kind, the frameworks Laura shares in this episode are immediately actionable and long overdue. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Laura's origin story — born in Japan to missionary parents, raised in Columbus, Ohio, and what that unique upbringing taught her about cultural differences hiding in plain sight What happened on her first day at Honda's Tokyo headquarters — and the split-second decision she made that shaped her entire philosophy of cross-cultural leadership The We Building framework — what it means to bridge an us versus them gap and why the best leaders do it even when they don't agree with or like the difference they're bridging The trust continuum: stranger → acquaintance → colleague → trusted colleague — and why most teams get stuck at colleague and never make it to trusted Why cultural differences are inevitable and predictable — and what changes when leaders start treating them that way The difference between visible and invisible cultural differences — and why the invisible ones cause the most damage The Team Machine — Laura's 90-minute interactive simulation that exposes the real collaboration behaviors teams bring to work every day Three categories of action for bridging any cultural gap: safe actions, challenging actions, and radical actions What males can specifically do — with humility — to better include female colleagues in their work cultures How hybrid work and the pandemic have made silos worse and what leaders can do about it right now Reflection Questions: Where in your organization is an us versus them gap quietly costing you collaboration and trust? When did you last take a safe, challenging, or radical action to bridge a cultural difference on your team? Are the people you lead stuck at colleague — and what would it take to move them to trusted colleague? Resources Mentioned: The Business of We — Laura Kriska (available wherever books are sold) The Accidental Office Lady — Laura Kriska (her first book chronicling her Honda experience) Harvard Business Review — co-authored piece on the Team Machine (coming May 2025) Connect with Laura on LinkedIn (her most active platform) H2 Leadership Coaching — h2leadership.com Want more? Visit h2leadership.com for coaching, resources, and tools to help you lead well.

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

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

The Captain is a brand new series with USWNT captain, Lindsey Heaps, told month by month as the team marches towards the 2027 Women's World Cup. This month, Lindsey deep dives into the USWNT three game series against Japan, previews Lyons the Champions league semi finals against Arsenal, and answers your questions.SUBSCRIBE TO THE WOMEN'S GAME NEWSLETTER: https://mibcourage.co/42X5HpBSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

War headlines dominate attention, but history shows they rarely have lasting impacts on stock markets. Don and Tom break down why geopolitical events—despite their emotional weight—typically cause only short-term volatility, while long-term returns are driven by economic growth and corporate earnings. They reinforce the importance of global diversification, push back hard against market-timing myths (with a great 1929 example), and remind investors that reacting to headlines is a losing game. Listener questions cover 529 plans with VA education benefits and the ongoing failure to enforce a true fiduciary standard in financial advice.0:05 Market uncertainty, war headlines, and timing risk of pre-recorded shows1:09 Do wars actually hurt markets? Historical perspective2:09 30 geopolitical events since 1939—average market drop and recovery3:27 Extreme cases: روسيا, Japan, and WWII market collapses4:32 What really drives markets: companies, earnings, and growth5:43 Oil, tech layoffs, and AI hype influencing current sentiment6:40 Why global diversification works—even after major economic collapses7:17 Recent market moves: oil up, bonds down, gold mixed8:09 Why war is not a reason to change your portfolio8:58 Investors vs. traders—know the difference9:17 1929 quote exposing the myth of market timing10:24 The danger of “experts” predicting the future11:35 CNBC vs. actual useful information (and better entertainment elsewhere)13:24 Listener comment: risk-balanced allocation and diversification16:23 “Portfolio of ideas” vs. disciplined investing17:03 What true diversification really means (global, broad exposure)18:33 Listener question: 529 plans + VA education benefits21:11 How VA education stipends actually work22:21 Why 529 plans still make sense (and Roth rollover opportunity)22:30 Fiduciary rule struck down—why reform keeps failing23:32 Industry resistance and regulatory challenges since Dodd-FrankQuestions? Comments? Click!

Richard Barbieri has been pushing the boundaries of synth-based music for almost 50 years. Japan may have originally been lumped in with the likes of Duran Duran and Ultravox, but they evolved in a way few bands outside of Talk Talk could even understand. After they ended and Richard evolved even further in groups like Dolphin Brothers and Rain Tree Crow, he was then snatched up by Steven Wilson and hopped on the Porcupine Tree train for a few more decades. He's continued to release music under various guises whenever he felt like it and he recently dropped a new solo album called Hauntings that shows him exploring even deeper.  He joins us this week to explain it all and discuss how he got from point A to Z in a hugely diverse career. Enjoy!  www.kscopemusic.com/artists/richard-barbieri www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod  

This week, Walter and Jeremy discuss the Iran ceasefire and negotiations, the meaning of Japan's decision to open its military technology market, the global rise of clean energy sources and decline of coal, and how Pope Leo XIV's roots in Latin American Catholicism explain his particular distaste for Donald Trump.

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

The US-Iran ceasefire deal is set to end on Wednesday but Donald Trump says he does not want to extend the deadline. The US President believes the US is in a very strong negotiating position. Iran has not yet confirmed if it will attend peace talks in Islamabad. The US vice-president J D Vance, who will lead the American team, is reportedly yet to leave Washington. Also: the British prime minister Keir Starmer comes under intense pressure over his role in the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, fuelling doubts about whether he can survive as prime minister; Japan says it will scrap the weapons export rules that it's had in place since the end of the Second World War so it can sell lethal arms to its allies; and a group of women in Spain target the lingering symptoms of breast cancer treatment with the help of archery.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Tim Cook is stepping down after overseeing 15 years of spectacular growth. We take a look at his successor. Japan's rural women are disproportionately heading to cities, and their home towns are working hard to lure them back. And a historical examination of boredom, and why Britons have perhaps less of it than they should.Guests and host:Tom Lee-Devlin, business editorMoeka Iida, Japan reporterCatherine Nixey, culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Apple, technology, CEO, John TernusJapan, demographicsBritain, boredomGet a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ali Riley & Kelley O'Hara break down the USWNT last two games against Japan, and it was a real tale of two teams. Inexperience cost the US in game 2 when they lost 1-0, but they can back with a vengeance, or as Kelley so aptly put it; “That's my mother****ing TEAM!” We dig into our favorite fan submissions for their most DEDICATED behaviors, and we've got some very special shout outs our Time Wasters won't want to miss. Plus we get into the potential NWSL Calendar shift and why player safety has to be the biggest concern. This episode is presented by Amazon Prime. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:44 Kelley's WEIRD Food Combo 02:54 USWNT Couldn't Break Down Japan 05:44 Lacking Urgency in Game 2 08:23 World Cup Knockout? 10:44 Definitive Win in Game 3 13:33 IS Lavelle, Heaps & Hutton the Best Midfield Combo? 15:08 Emma Hayes's Cooking Metaphors 17:00 “That's My MF-ing Team” 19:12 Kennedy Wesley DELIVERED 23:19 BEST Fan Behavior Submissions 24:36 OOSA Tattoo 25:44 Time Wasting Sending a Gift to ONE LUCKY FAN 27:26 Ali Signed a Fan 30:37 Fan Stole a Jersey From Trinity Rodman? 34:27 NWSL Calendar Change 40:00 Keeping Players SAFE 45:38 Alright, Bet Just Women's Sports is the leading digital media platform dedicated exclusively to women's sports. In a world where women's sports have been historically underfunded and under-promoted, Just Women's Sports exists to shine a light on all the stories, athletes and moments that define and fuel the space. Through original podcasts, premium video programming, social media, editorial content, a newsletter, and exclusive merchandise and live events, Just Women's Sports is committed to making it both easy and fun to be a women's sports fan. Listen to Time Wasting here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/time-wasting/id1522055041 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6RTMyWpdSBY9I4vO528qX3?si=4ffbdaf315814b19&nd=1&dlsi=8ead3e4fd463490d iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-time-wasting-68461888/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a6f36ad8-f5e2-4478-8650-3f6f8805810b/time-wasting Add us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timewastingpod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/justwsports Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@timewastingpod? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Cook is stepping down after overseeing 15 years of spectacular growth. We take a look at his successor. Japan's rural women are disproportionately heading to cities, and their home towns are working hard to lure them back. And a historical examination of boredom, and why Britons have perhaps less of it than they should.Guests and host:Tom Lee-Devlin, business editorMoeka Iida, Japan reporterCatherine Nixey, culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Apple, technology, CEO, John TernusJapan, demographicsBritain, boredomGet a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan's Soap https://AlansSoaps.com/ToddHonor John's memory and the legacy he created for Ian and Alan with Alan's Artisan Soaps “John's Favorites” bundle.  Get one bar of each of his favorites for only $28.99. Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.comBe confident in your portfolio with Bulwark! Schedule your free Know Your Risk Portfolio review. Go to KnowYourRiskPodcast.com today. Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/ToddGet the new limited release, The Sisterhood, created to honor the extraordinary women behind the heroes. Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE at:The Todd Herman Show - Podcast - Apple PodcastsThe Todd Herman Show | Podcast on SpotifyWATCH and SUBSCRIBE at: Todd Herman - The Todd Herman Show - YouTubeOn one hand, this is really cool. On the other hand, it's horrible how it happened. Here's why I believe this is a distraction from the appointment of an even WORSE CDC director.Episode links:WOW! Joe Rogan reveals President Trump IMMEDIATELY offered him FDA approval for a psychedelic treatment in a text chain Because the data was SO CONVINCING and STUNNING "I wanna tell everybody how this happened. I send President Trump some information." The Executive Order: Accelerating Medical Treatments For Serious Mental Illness RFK Jr. NUKED THE ROOM: “Why were mental health professionals pushing sex change operations on 14-year-old kids?” RFK: “It was a multi billion dollar industry…the corruption follows the money.” THIS IS UNRESTRICTED WARFARE AGAINST CHILDREN HEALTH SEC. RFK JR. JUST EXPOSED IT. 2 little girls without vaccinations for measles DIED in the hospital because the hospital refused to give them proper care. RFK Jr just destroyed Democratic attempts to say Tylenol is NOT linked to Autism Foxx: A new Danish study shows Tylenol is not linked to autism GREGORIO CASAR: “When somebody's health insurance cost goes up $500 a month because of Donald Trump's policy…” RFK JR: “The health insurance companies' stocks rose by 1000% after Obamacare was passed.” “The money was not going to Americans. It was going to THEM, and it was YOU who did it.” This is Amy Eskridge. She is one of the 11 scientists who has died/disappeared recently that's linked to high government research and secrets. Amy researched anti-gravity and in this clip reveals anti-gravity was already discovered 4 times, but each time the government suppressed it. She then reveals she was close to discovering it, but was threatened that she would be killed if she published it. Ken Captain: “I am currently undergoing Life saving Treatment from horrific damage from the Pfizer COVID 19 vaccines. I am here in Japan at Edogawa Hospital. “

The third episode in a series on the history of Indonesia: a hinge in the world system where colonialism and revolution have decisively shaped the trajectory of global history. This installment picks up with the 1942 Japanese conquest of the Dutch East Indies and takes us through the Revolution, which Indonesian nationalist leaders launched against the Dutch in 1945 after Japan's surrender to the Allies. Featuring Rianne Subijanto, Made Supriatma, and Farabi Fakih. Our huge new Thawra study guide and resource website: thawraproject.com RSVP to the May 20 Dig party in Seattle! eventbrite.com/e/the-dig-x-house-our-neighbors-party-tickets-1986843010930 RSVP to the May 26 Dig party in LA! eventbrite.com/e/a-party-in-la-for-the-dig-friends-tickets-1987008568116? Support The Dig at Patreon.com/TheDig The Dig goes deep into politics everywhere, from labor struggles and political economy to imperialism and immigration. Hosted by Daniel Denvir.

Bitcoin is down slightly at $76,471 Eth is down slightly at $2,321 XRP is down slightly at $1.43 Japan Securities Clearing Corporation testing Japanese government bonds as blockchain-based collateral Arbitrum's Security Council freezes Kelp DAO funds Scammers targeting tankers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The BBC has found a pattern of spikes in trades on financial markets ahead of public announcements by President Trump, including during the Iran war. It's raised suspicions of insider trading, where bets are made based on information that's not available to the general public. However, some argue that certain traders have become more adept at anticipating the president's interventions. Also: potential peace talks between the US and Iran have been thrown into doubt after American marines seized an Iranian-flagged ship. A strong earthquake off the coast of Japan triggered tsunami alerts. And a warning about a new and very powerful AI model. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

What does it take to be declared dead… and then wake up in a morgue? In this episode of The Box of Oddities, we uncover the astonishing true story of Vulcana, a Victorian-era strongwoman who shattered expectations, defied societal norms, and performed feats of strength that left audiences questioning reality. But it's not her iron-bending or fire-defying heroics that haunt history—it's the moment she was pronounced dead after a tragic accident… only to regain consciousness among the corpses. Then, we shift from human resilience to something far more unsettling: a massive, ever-expanding scar in the Siberian wilderness known as the Batagaika Crater, ominously nicknamed the “Gateway to the Underworld.” What looks like a giant wound in the Earth is actually a rapidly growing collapse caused by thawing permafrost—one that's revealing ancient ecosystems, long-extinct creatures, and even viable prehistoric DNA. As scientists race to understand this phenomenon, the crater continues to widen—releasing greenhouse gases, exposing long-buried secrets, and raising unsettling questions about what else might emerge from the thaw. Also in this episode: A bizarre encounter involving a dog, a “hairball,” and an unexpected discovery The strangest items you can buy from Japan's infamous “horror vending machines.” And a reminder that sometimes the line between the explainable and the unexplainable is thinner than we'd like to believe From a woman who refused to stay dead… to a landscape that refuses to stay still—this episode explores strength, survival, and the eerie consequences of a world changing beneath our feet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices