Podcasts about Okada

The boys celebrate the podcast's 8th year in existence before breaking down the week in wrestling. The 1 count is WWE. John Cena reveals his grand scheme that led him to become the WWE Undisputed Champion just before R Truth attacks him twice. Wyatt Sicks vs MCMG. King and Queen of the Ring tournaments continue highlighted by a Cody Rhodes vs Jey Uso semifinal. Gunther is challenged by Goldberg for Saturday Night's Main Event in Atlanta. Bayley confronts Becky Lynch while Lyra fumes in the background. The 2 count is AEW with only one show this week; Grand Slam Mexico. Multiple multi man matches. Mistico faces MJF. Don Callis accompanies Okada to the ring; is Okada a member of the Don Callis family? Mercedes Mone adds another title to her collection. The 3 count is a review of New Japan Pro Wrestling's Dominion show with some NXT odds and ends to wrap things up! Available on all audio podcast platforms. Listen Share Subscribe Repeat! Rate and review on Apple and Spotify! WWE AEW 51:14 NJPW 1:18:43

The King and Queen of the Ring Tournaments are now at thefinal four, #WWE had several "surprise" returns, & #AEW debuted a new title…sort of.ALL OUR LINKS: https://linktr.ee/KOTR_PodcastMERCHANDISE STORE: https://wrestle-addict-radio-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/kings-of-the-rings-podcastTWITTER (X): https://twitter.com/KOTR_PodcastINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kotr_podcast/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/KOTRPodcast/DISCORD: https://discord.gg/5ggSgjGeaRFOLLOW WRESTLE ADDICT RADIO: https://linktr.ee/wrestleaddictradioOFFICIAL WAR MERCHANDISE: https://wrestle-addict-radio-shop.fourthwall.com Beats by AO Baker of The Signature Move Show (00:00) Intro(02:40) New Merchandise Store(03:50) PRIDE 2025 Collection(06:15) CM Punk lays into Cena(13:00) Okada vs Omega AEW Unified Championship(20:25) King of the Ring Tournament Final Four(27:20) Queen of the Ring Tournament Final Four(32:50) Liv Morgan Injured(41:40) Goldberg Returns(47:10) Bayley Confronts Becky(54:10) Mariah May becomes Blake Monroe(58:40) Outro

On Episode 129 of Wrestling Tonight, we examine a wrestling landscape defined by momentum, contradiction, and long-overdue reckonings. Gunther has once again ascended to the top of WWE's mountain, reclaiming the World Heavyweight Championship with a decisive victory over Jey Uso on Raw. After a legendary Intercontinental reign and a prior world title run, this latest chapter only reaffirms what many already knew—Gunther represents stability, precision, and quiet dominance in an era often ruled by noise. But if Gunther embodies discipline, CM Punk continues to wrestle with dualities—especially his own. Punk is now officially headed to Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia, where he'll face John Cena in a high-profile rematch years in the making. The match is compelling on paper, but the context is impossible to ignore. For much of his career, Punk positioned himself as a vocal critic of WWE's Saudi partnership. His participation now marks a sharp pivot—and raises fair questions about where principle ends and pragmatism begins. Across the globe, AEW prepares for a milestone event with Grand Slam: Mexico, a historic collaboration with CMLL at Arena México. The card brings together AEW's signature stars and Mexico's rich lucha tradition: MJF vs. Mistico, Mercedes Moné defending the CMLL Women's Championship, Ricochet returning to his roots in a four-way spectacle, and a lineup of elite trios competition featuring Okada, Ospreay, FTR, and more. It's not just a supercard—it's a cultural statement about what AEW wants to be. In Japan, NJPW's Dominion delivered a slate of meaningful outcomes and subtle shifts. Hirooki Goto retained the IWGP World Heavyweight Title after a grueling defense against Shingo Takagi, Konosuke Takeshita continues to cement his position ahead of the G1 despite his loss to Oleg Boltin, and EVIL's vicious dog collar match win over David Finlay paired with the Bullet Club's unraveling. With questions lingering around Hiroshi Tanahashi's G1 future, Dominion felt less like a culmination and more like a prologue to what's ahead. From Toronto to Tokyo, Mexico City to Riyadh, professional wrestling continues to evolve—sometimes with purpose, sometimes with contradiction, and always with stories that reflect more than what happens in the ring. Subscribe to Wrestling Tonight on Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, and follow @TurnbuckleTavern for weekly insight across WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA, GCW, and beyond.

Episode 42! Trish and Sarah start with AEW's build to All In, beginning with Mercedes Mone vs Toni Storm and then Omega vs Okada (7:40) before moving on to the main event angles for Moxley vs Hangman (16:15) and then a discussion of All In ticket sales. (29:00) How have the four hour shows gone? (39:15) What the hell is going on with the Hurt Syndicate? (46:30) Then they move on to WWE. CM Punk heads to Saudi (52:50) and WWE tries to appease a potential fan rebellion by re-signing R Truth. (1:03:35) With the Evolution PPV in just a few weeks, what's the current state of the WWE women's division? (1:15:10) Finally, your hosts take a look at NJPW and Dominion. (1:25:50) What will it take for them to move forward?Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/social-suplex-podcast-network/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It was another monster Wednesday and your girls did everything they could to keep up. We're proud to announce that Jon Moxley has been elected the Mayor of Toontown (extremely complimentary) while the Young Bucks are so focused on seducing back one of their middleman, they haven't even noticed they've lost one! Plus we love Thekla, were delighted to have TaiJai back, and Kris flirts with the dark side again thanks to her literal little brother Yuta. Plus, Matt Jackson's bun was fine the whole time. Enjoy us!0:00 Chit Chat Time12:47 Our Idea for the next Jericho Cruise16:13 Men's Title Scene Mega Topic58:26 Okada and Kenny1:15:47 Women's division1:28:59 The Patriarchy1:32:53 Apology to Matt JacksonSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/social-suplex-podcast-network/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 380 of Tom Clark's Main Event is all about the latest pro wrestling headlines of the week. Tom welcomes Ray Dean from Peaches & Powerbombs Tailgate Party for a look at NJPW Dominion, plus Ron Killings' recent WWE return, and the upcoming AEW All In match between Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega. All that and a lot more! Appreciate the content? Support the channel: https://buymeacoffee.com/tomclark Visit us at: https://boinkstudios.com Follow the Main Event: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomclarksmainevent Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/boinkstudios.bsky.social Listen to Boink Studios' Podcasts: Tom Clark's Main Event: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tom-clarks-main-event/id910362334 Tom Clark's 6M Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tom-clarks-6m-podcast/id1441274603 Two Nations Under Ted: A Ted Lasso Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-nations-under-ted-a-ted-lasso-podcast/id169387035   Music by Mr Maph aka Dogman Rukus, PPL 0103166534, PRS 1136021800 © Boink Studios 2025

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows! Joining me on this epsiode where we talk about what is wrong with AEW and how to fix it is the lovely Courtney Rice from Women's Wrestling Talk! We deep dive into a lot of things! But first, we must pay the bills! Help us keep the content going with free and paid features that are budget friendly!1. https://marieshadows.substack.com - wrestling newsletter2. https://youtube.com/squaredcirclepodcast/join3. https://buymeacoffee.com/marieshadows - one-time payments - no commitmentsSpotify now has a comment section! Drop your thoughts below! Follow the Spotify Squared Circle Podcast channel!

This week the boys discuss some graps from the week that was. The 1 count is WWE with Money In The Bank winners Naomi and Seth Rollins. John Cena gets a receipt handed to him by R Truth. Becky Lynch wins the women's IC title. On RAW CM Punk challenges Cena for the Undisputed WWE title. Gunther wins back the World title from Jey Uso and the King/Queen of the Ring tournament begins. The 2 count is AEW with another 4 hour show. Will Ospreay vs Swerve Strickland ends in a draw and a post match attack by the Young Bucks and the Death Riders. Okada joins forces with Don Callis to attack Kenny Omega. Mercedes Mones attacks Toni Storm. MJF challenges Mistico for Grand Slam Mexico. The 3 count is a recap of NXT where Mariah May gets her new name and Worlds Collide. Some odds and ends to close the pod! Available on all audio podcast platforms. Listen Share Subscribe Repeat! Rate and review on Apple and Spotify! WWE AEW 1:06:08 NXT 2:01:15

This week, Diana Prince, Johnny Taylor, and Gringo Fantastico unpack AEW's four-hour rollercoaster from Portland — where Will Ospreay bled for Swerve, Okada assaulted a stretchered Omega, and the Young Bucks brought thumbtacks to a handshake fight. Hangman rediscovered his edge, MJF offended a continent, Mercedes ate another steak, and Thekla remained unsettling. We've got your Dick, Hero, and Match of the Week — because AEW gave us plenty of all three.

We talk about AEW Summer Blockbuster, Omega vs Okada, and all the other feuds that are building up as All In gets closer and closer. 

This week, Steven and Jeremy previewed Dominion, looking at every match on the card. They mused on who might be the new X in House of Torture, whether Okada v Omega can live up to the past, Takeshita's role in New Japan, and a recap of the gonzo spectacle that was Yano v Super Sasadango Machine.   

This week the boys discuss some graps from the week that was. The 1 count is WWE with Money In The Bank winners Naomi and Seth Rollins. John Cena gets a receipt handed to him by R Truth. Becky Lynch wins the women's IC title. On RAW CM Punk challenges Cena for the Undisputed WWE title. Gunther wins back the World title from Jey Uso and the King/Queen of the Ring tournament begins. The 2 count is AEW with another 4 hour show. Will Ospreay vs Swerve Strickland ends in a draw and a post match attack by the Young Bucks and the Death Riders. Okada joins forces with Don Callis to attack Kenny Omega. Mercedes Mone attacks Toni Storm. MJF challenges Mistico for Grand Slam Mexico. The 3 count is a recap of NXT where Mariah May gets her new name and Worlds Collide. Some odds and ends to close the pod!Available on all audio podcast platforms. Listen Share Subscribe Repeat! Rate and review on Apple and Spotify!WWEAEW 1:06:08NXT 2:01:15

This week the boys discuss some graps from the week that was. The 1 count is WWE with Money In The Bank winners Naomi and Seth Rollins. John Cena gets a receipt handed to him by R Truth. Becky Lynch wins the women's IC title. On RAW CM Punk challenges Cena for the Undisputed WWE title. Gunther wins back the World title from Jey Uso and the King/Queen of the Ring tournament begins. The 2 count is AEW with another 4 hour show. Will Ospreay vs Swerve Strickland ends in a draw and a post match attack by the Young Bucks and the Death Riders. Okada joins forces with Don Callis to attack Kenny Omega. Mercedes Mone attacks Toni Storm. MJF challenges Mistico for Grand Slam Mexico. The 3 count is a recap of NXT where Mariah May gets her new name and Worlds Collide. Some odds and ends to close the pod!Available on all audio podcast platforms. Listen Share Subscribe Repeat! Rate and review on Apple and Spotify!WWEAEW 1:06:08NXT 2:01:15

This week the boys discuss some graps from the week that was. The 1 count is WWE with Money In The Bank winners Naomi and Seth Rollins. John Cena gets a receipt handed to him by R Truth. Becky Lynch wins the women's IC title. On RAW CM Punk challenges Cena for the Undisputed WWE title. Gunther wins back the World title from Jey Uso and the King/Queen of the Ring tournament begins. The 2 count is AEW with another 4 hour show. Will Ospreay vs Swerve Strickland ends in a draw and a post match attack by the Young Bucks and the Death Riders. Okada joins forces with Don Callis to attack Kenny Omega. Mercedes Mone attacks Toni Storm. MJF challenges Mistico for Grand Slam Mexico. The 3 count is a recap of NXT where Mariah May gets her new name and Worlds Collide. Some odds and ends to close the pod!Available on all audio podcast platforms. Listen Share Subscribe Repeat! Rate and review on Apple and Spotify!WWEAEW 1:06:08NXT 2:01:15

Alex (@AlexSourGraps) and Kate (@MissKatefabe) review tonight's episode of of AEW Dynamite & AEW Collision, June 11, 2025 including:-Thekla vs. Queen Aminata-Kyle Fletcher vs Anthony Bowens-Místico returns-Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford vs Tay Melo & Anna Jay-The Hurt Syndicate vs. Speedball Bailey, Komander, & Kevin Knight-Toni Storm vs. Julia Hart with Mercedes Moné on commentary-Will Ospreay vs. Swerve Strickland-Kenny Omega & Kazuchika Okada contract signing for All InGrab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to http://nordvpn.com/fightful to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + a Bonus Gift! It's completely risk free with Nord's 30 day money-back guarantee! ➼ https://nordvpn.com/fightful Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!If you want to bet on Wrestling, or any other sport, check out our new partner where we get ALL of our odds! https://mybookie.website/joinwithFIGHTFUL and use the promo code FIGHTFUL. Deposit $100, get $50. Go in with $200, and they'll make it $100!Our Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/FIGHTFULSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fightful-pro-wrestling-and-mma-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by PWTorch's Chris Griffin to discuss the June 11 edition of AEW Dynamite including the Kenny Omega-Kazuchika Okada contract signing and post-match angle with Don Callis. PWTorch contributor Eric Krol joined the show to react to that segment, also. Plus, was the Swerve Strickland-Will Ospreay 30 minute draw a mistake, thoughts on women's division in AEW, MJF-Mistico hype, and more with live chat, live caller, and mailbag interactions.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-post-shows--3275545/support.

JJ, Jamie and Austin review and react to AEW's Dynamite - Summer Blockbuster from Portland (6-11-25). They get into the Omaga and Okada contract signing (nothing could go wrong, right? Also Will Ospreay - Swerve Strickland 2, Thekla, Toni Storm, The Young bucks' game getting caught, Return of the American Champion MJF, pre-Mexico build up, plus So Much More!!!!!!--------------------------------------------------------Intro Music:VOYAGER 1 by John Tasoulas | https://soundcloud.com/john-tasoulasMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported LicenseLicense: Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed)

We recap a wild #MITB weekend including a Truth that youcouldn't deny! PLUS #WWE begins their King and Queen of the Ring Tournaments, #WWENXT gets a little glamorous & #AEW begins to build their All In Card with the return of a classic rivalry. ALL OUR LINKS: https://linktr.ee/KOTR_PodcastMERCHANDISE STORE: https://wrestle-addict-radio-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/kings-of-the-rings-podcastTWITTER (X): https://twitter.com/KOTR_PodcastINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kotr_podcast/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/KOTRPodcast/DISCORD: https://discord.gg/5ggSgjGeaRFOLLOW WRESTLE ADDICT RADIO: https://linktr.ee/wrestleaddictradioOFFICIAL WAR MERCHANDISE: https://wrestle-addict-radio-shop.fourthwall.com Beats by AO Baker of The Signature Move Show (00:00) Intro(03:45) New Merchandise Store(04:45) PRIDE 2025 Collection(06:40) WrestleMania Returns to Vegas(11:40) Worlds Collide Review(14:00) The Legend of Mr. Iguana(19:25) Money In The Bank Review(22:30) Naomi wins MITB(24:15) Seth Rollins wins MITB(26:30) R-Truth Returns(36:50) Cena vs Punk at Night of Champions(43:15) King of the Ring Tournament Begins(47:05) Queen of the Ring Tournament Begins(54:05) Nikki Bella Returns(57:05) Bayley Attacks Becky(58:35) Gunther Regains World Title(01:03:50) Okada vs Omega at All In(01:06:20) Mariah May Debuts in NXT(01:10:40) Trick Williams gets help from AJ Francis(01:13:00) The Inspiration Returns to TNA(01:15:10) Outro

We recap a wild #MITB weekend including a Truth that youcouldn't deny! PLUS #WWE begins their King and Queen of the Ring Tournaments, #WWENXT gets a little glamorous & #AEW begins to build their All In Card with the return of a classic rivalry. ALL OUR LINKS: https://linktr.ee/KOTR_PodcastMERCHANDISE STORE: https://wrestle-addict-radio-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/kings-of-the-rings-podcastTWITTER (X): https://twitter.com/KOTR_PodcastINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kotr_podcast/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/KOTRPodcast/DISCORD: https://discord.gg/5ggSgjGeaRFOLLOW WRESTLE ADDICT RADIO: https://linktr.ee/wrestleaddictradioOFFICIAL WAR MERCHANDISE: https://wrestle-addict-radio-shop.fourthwall.com Beats by AO Baker of The Signature Move Show (00:00) Intro(03:45) New Merchandise Store(04:45) PRIDE 2025 Collection(06:40) WrestleMania Returns to Vegas(11:40) Worlds Collide Review(14:00) The Legend of Mr. Iguana(19:25) Money In The Bank Review(22:30) Naomi wins MITB(24:15) Seth Rollins wins MITB(26:30) R-Truth Returns(36:50) Cena vs Punk at Night of Champions(43:15) King of the Ring Tournament Begins(47:05) Queen of the Ring Tournament Begins(54:05) Nikki Bella Returns(57:05) Bayley Attacks Becky(58:35) Gunther Regains World Title(01:03:50) Okada vs Omega at All In(01:06:20) Mariah May Debuts in NXT(01:10:40) Trick Williams gets help from AJ Francis(01:13:00) The Inspiration Returns to TNA(01:15:10) Outro

We recap a wild #MITB weekend including a Truth that youcouldn't deny! PLUS #WWE begins their King and Queen of the Ring Tournaments, #WWENXT gets a little glamorous & #AEW begins to build their All In Card with the return of a classic rivalry. ALL OUR LINKS: https://linktr.ee/KOTR_PodcastMERCHANDISE STORE: https://wrestle-addict-radio-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/kings-of-the-rings-podcastTWITTER (X): https://twitter.com/KOTR_PodcastINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kotr_podcast/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/KOTRPodcast/DISCORD: https://discord.gg/5ggSgjGeaRFOLLOW WRESTLE ADDICT RADIO: https://linktr.ee/wrestleaddictradioOFFICIAL WAR MERCHANDISE: https://wrestle-addict-radio-shop.fourthwall.com Beats by AO Baker of The Signature Move Show (00:00) Intro(03:45) New Merchandise Store(04:45) PRIDE 2025 Collection(06:40) WrestleMania Returns to Vegas(11:40) Worlds Collide Review(14:00) The Legend of Mr. Iguana(19:25) Money In The Bank Review(22:30) Naomi wins MITB(24:15) Seth Rollins wins MITB(26:30) R-Truth Returns(36:50) Cena vs Punk at Night of Champions(43:15) King of the Ring Tournament Begins(47:05) Queen of the Ring Tournament Begins(54:05) Nikki Bella Returns(57:05) Bayley Attacks Becky(58:35) Gunther Regains World Title(01:03:50) Okada vs Omega at All In(01:06:20) Mariah May Debuts in NXT(01:10:40) Trick Williams gets help from AJ Francis(01:13:00) The Inspiration Returns to TNA(01:15:10) Outro

Jeremy & SP3 spend less than 4 hours talking wrestling and everything else.- Omega takes a beating, Okada joins Don Callis on AEW Summer Blockbuster- The AEW Unified Championship is introduced for Omega/Okada- What happened between Thekla & Queen Aminata?- More on AEW's YouTube strategy- C-Suite Review with SP3- TNA Preview & MORE!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

AEW no lo hace todo bien. Pero sí hace muchas cosas bien. Está escondiendo lo que no le funciona y explotando lo que sí, y eso se traduce en shows muy interesantes y con mucho que aportar. Swerve, Ospreay, Hangman, Okada, Omega... incluso los Death Riders. Hablamos de este especial extendido de cuatro horas con x.com/BlazeOfBones y también del 2025 general de la empresa de Tony Khan con x.com/AdriGn202. ¡No te lo pierdas y únete al análisis más completo del wrestling en español! Suscríbete por 1,99€/mes y escucha episodios especiales cada sábado en: — iVoox (pestaña 'Apoyar') — Spotify (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/uhep/subscribe) — Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/3pqZLmZ) — YouTube (https://bit.ly/3MrSWLf) Con acceso al Discord para mecenas: https://discord.gg/G79hvUCRSR ➕ Artículos para suscriptores Compra merchandising oficial de WWE en Fanatics con mi código: http://fanatics.93n6tx.net/baXOax Sígueme en X: https://www.twitter.com/SrAlexGomez Sígueme en Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/siralexgomez Sígueme en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SrAlexGomez Compra merchandising en la tienda de UHEP: https://www.latostadora.com/uhep #WWE #AEW #AEWDynamite #TonyKhan #AEWAllIn

aew dynamite review

Welcome back to REBOOKED! We're back covering all the latest storyline developments across ALL of Pro Wrestling! This week we cover the latest news on Kenny Omega, Okada, Swerve Strickland, Will Ospreay, Toni Storm, Mercedes Mone, Thekla and more in AEW with the AEW Summer Blockbuster going down TODAY!We also cover the latest storylines in TNA with Mustafa Ali, Order 4, Masha Slamovich, Joe Hendry, and a returning tag team THE IINSPERATION? What's next with the TNA NXT partnership as well?Finally we talk about WWE's Money in the Bank and it's winners! This week we cover Seth Rollins story (we'll cover Naomi next week sorry!) and what comes next for his team! Also the King of the Ring is underway and Jake thinks Sami Zayn has a real shot! What do you think?0:00 - Intro06:17 - AEW - Another 4-hour event!10:13 - Running through tonight's card13:37 - Where does Swerve go from here?17:59 - Toni v Mercedes continues to buil;d20:52 - TNA - The Inspiration is back!24:10 - Leon Slater pinned Moose!27:24 - Killer Kelly is back too!29:02 - Santino defends TNA!33:27 - First Class, Trick up their sleeve?37:14 - Mustafa Ali continues to impress45:17 - WWE - MITB Reactions!46:39 - Seth is in complete control55:34 - RON KILLINGS IS THE TRUTH!01:04:00 - Nikki Bella returns!01:04:25 - Gunther won...so what's next for Jey?01:09:19 - KotR - Is it Sami's to lose?01:13:19 - QotR - This could be anybody01:16:49 - 24/7 Champion of the Week!⏰ Subscribe to the channel to be alerted! https://www.youtube.com/@REBOOKEDWrestling?sub_confirmation=1

Welcome back to The Lawcast! This time our hosts cover New Japan's Dominion 2019, in which we find New Japan dealing with the departure of Kenny Omega and the formation of AEW. They respond with a tremendous show featuring Okada defending his IWGP Title against Chris Jericho, Naito vs. Kota Ibush for the IC Title, and Will Ospreay challenging Dragon Lee for the Junior Heavyweight Title in an instant classic. Plus we discuss Gunther's World Title win, Money in the Bank, R-Truth's return, Punk vs. Cena at Night of Champions and the King of the Ring Tournament, and the announcement that we're getting Okada vs. Omega at All In. 

SummaryIn this episode, Joshua and Jeremy discuss the AEW Double or Nothing 2025 pay-per-view, sharing their thoughts on various matches, including the kickoff matches, the main card highlights, and specific match analyses. They express their opinions on the pacing, storytelling, and character developments within AEW, particularly focusing on the performances of wrestlers like Mercedes Mone, FTR, Ricochet, and Okada. The conversation delves into the overall quality of the event, with both hosts sharing their critiques and insights on the wrestling landscape. In this conversation, Joshua and Jeremy discuss various wrestling matches, focusing on ticket pricing, match analysis, character development, and storytelling in wrestling. They critique the overbooking in the Anarchy in the Arena match and express disappointment in the outcomes of key matches, particularly the main event between Hangman Page and Will Ospreay. The discussion also touches on future events and the need for better storytelling in wrestling.TakeawaysThe pay-per-view had a total of 11 matches and ran for five hours.Mercedes Mone's match was one of the highlights of the card.FTR's heel turn was unexpected and added intrigue to their match.The ambulance match between Ricochet and Mark Briscoe was criticized for its pacing.The Hurt Syndicate's match felt like filler and lacked excitement.Okada's character and title reign were discussed as being stale.The hosts noted the lack of storytelling in AEW's monthly events.There was a consensus that many matches felt like filler rather than meaningful contests.The conversation highlighted the tribalism in wrestling fandoms.The hosts expressed a desire for more engaging storylines in AEW. Ticket prices can be unexpectedly high, affecting planning.Filler matches can detract from the overall experience.Character development is crucial for engaging storytelling in wrestling.Overbooking can lead to chaotic and unsatisfying matches.The outcome of matches should align with the storyline for better impact.Wrestlers like Will Ospreay deserve more recognition and better storylines.AEW's approach to match outcomes can sometimes telegraph results too early.The importance of good mic skills in wrestling cannot be overstated.Future events need to focus on meaningful storylines and character arcs.Fans appreciate matches that feel significant and well-paced.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Double or Nothing 202505:00 Main Card Highlights10:03 Mercedes Mone vs. Jamie Hayter14:51 FTR's Heel Turn and Match Analysis20:03 Ricochet vs. Mark Briscoe: An Ambulance Match25:08 The Hurt Syndicate vs. Sons of Texas29:58 Okada vs. "Speedball" Mike Bailey35:27 Anarchy in the Arena: Overbooked Chaos45:17 Main Event: Hangman Page vs. Will Ospreay54:11 Looking Ahead: Future Matches and Events

The Dadley Boyz answer your burning wrestling questions...Booking the build to Omega vs. Okada!What is the best MITB cash-in?Is social media good for wrestling?Could Chad Gable be a world champion?How would an AEW fan "fix" WWE?!ENJOY!Follow us on Twitter:@AdamWilbourn@MSidgwick@WhatCultureWWEFor more awesome content, check out: whatculture.com/wwe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You might've watched Fyter Fest this week and thought, "Not that much happened, storywise. What will the girls find to talk about?" Well, we go on a romp through pop culture, past and present: Blockbuster, Pogs, Angelus, Medbay, Numb Tongue, Friday Night Lights, you name it, we mentioned it. Everyone backstage is convinced that if Hangman reconciles with Swerve, they'll be unstoppable: WILL Hangman ever get that one moment of perfect happiness? Also Mercedes ate a steak ringside and it wasn't even paywalled, Nigel embarrassed his husband Tony Schiavone, Kip Sabian must be coming up with surprises in the bedroom, and Kenny and Okada are our little babies who need to lock in. Enjoy listening as Lea drinks an entire bottle of wine!(00:00) Chitchat Time and What's Making Me Happy(08:15) Ospreay, Hangman, Swerve, and Mox(21:46) Blockbuster Video Digression(26:28) Back to Ospreay etc.(53:30) MJF and Hurt Syndicate(58:12) Toni and Mercedes(1:03:11) Nick Wayne(1:05:46) Thekla(1:12:14) Kenny and Okada(1:25:30) Max Caster(1:29:19) Tay Conti return(1:31:50) Don Callis Family/the Paragon/Anthony BowensSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/social-suplex-podcast-network/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Phil Lindsey (@PhilDL616) and Righteous Reg (@RighteousReg) are back for a new episode of Grapsody. The guys will preview #WWEMoneyInTheBank, #MariahMay, #RTruth, and more.- Preview WWE Money in the Bank- Preview WWE x NXT x AAA Worlds Collide- The beloved R-Truth is getting let go from #WWE- Okada vs. Omega is set for AEW ALL IN& moreIf you want to bet on Wrestling, or any other sport, check out our new partner where we get ALL of our odds! https://mybookie.website/joinwithFIGH... and use the promo code FIGHTFUL. Deposit $100, get $50. Go in with $200, and they'll make it $100!Want your question or statement read on the show? Donate a HumperChat at HumperChat.com or leave a SUPERCHAT in the YouTube Chat. (Click on the "$" located to the right at the bottom of the chatbox)We appreciate you visiting our YouTube Channel! Please subscribe and turn on notifications to get notified when we go live!To directly support us and our continuing breaking news, interviews, and the like, subscribe to FightfulSelect.com. You'll get exclusive news sent to you directly before anyone else, and dozens of podcasts monthly, including Sean Ross Sapp's Q&A, Ask Grapsody, Alex Pawlowski's Sour Graps, exclusive access to Fightful interviews, and more for only $5.99 a month or $64 a year!Fightful.com and Fightful Wrestling bring you accurate wrestling news, exclusive interviews, and podcasts in a professional but entertaining setting. We've interviewed the most prominent names across WWE, AEW, TNA, NJPW, UFC, and more!Make sure to check out Fightful Overbooked. The ESPN 2 version of Fightful! Youtube.com/FightfulOverbooked. Also, visit our clips channel at https://www.Youtube.Com/FightfulScraps► Shop our awesome merch! Shop.Fightful.comFollow Fightful on Social Media!X: http//www.x.com/FightfulX: http//www.x.com/FightfulSelectTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fightful.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FightfulOnline/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fightfulonlineThreads: https://www.threads.com/@fightfulonlineBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fightful.comFightful EspanolEspanol Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576712915932Espanol Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fightful_espanolEspanol Twitter: https://x.com/fightfulespanolEspañol Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fightfulespanolWant to listen to the show on the go! We are available on your favorite podcast platform!Our Sponsors:* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/FIGHTFULSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fightful-pro-wrestling-and-mma-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this week's episode of All Elite Conversation Club, PWTorch contributors Joel Dehnel and Gregg Kanner cover these topics:Kenny Omega vs. Okada V officially announcedOspreay vs. Swerve rematch happening next week at Summer BlockbusterHurt Syndicate and MJF picking a fight with MisticoFTR clickingToni and Mercedes feudMoxley vs. Briscoe reviewThekla debutTay Melo's returnKomander shining againKenny Omega 4-man matchAdam Cole on the reboundMax Caster and Anthony BowensRatingsUpcoming lineupsMailbag and triviaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/pwtorch-dailycast--3276210/support.

On this episode of Two Dudes With Attitudes, Ryan and Denton break down all 4 hours of AEW Fyter Fest 2025—from Dynamite to Collision. It was a massive night packed with surprises, promos, and storyline shifts that could shape AEW's summer.

The most entertaining pod in pro wrestling tv reviews is back for another week, as Dimitri Korolis and Mitch Hontzias come to you with another edition of The Alternate Commentary Table! This week, did the gWo unknowingly cause R-Truth's release from WWE? Also, as WWE's Money in the Bank takes place tonight, the guys give their picks going into the PLE. A new feature, "Quick Tags" sees the guys take on some instant questions.  They also look at the jump in interest in NXT, Okada v. Omega, MJF with The Hurt Syndicate and more! Thank you for checking out The A-C-T! Join us every week for FREE podcasts including:McGuire on Wrestling - Sundays featuring news, interviews, weekly analysis from The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer and others.   Legends and Champions with Andy Evans - The perfect throwback show with a UK perspective, often joined by Stefan Bennett and others.   To hear these shows and more for FREE, just subscribe wherever you're hearing this now, or visit www.celebratewrestling.com  

The boys breakdown a great week in pro wrestling with Live Fyter Fest correspondent Kevin, AEW's big Lucha infusion, Moxley's champ run, Ospreay being the most over, Omega vs Okada, Hurt Syndicate on top, and Theklas debut, over in WWE we discuss Mariah Mays NXT debut and get ready for a AAA Lucha packed weekend + Money in the Bank with a hopeful Seth Rollins cash in.WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT PRO WRESTLING?

Kenny and Fin are back to talk R-Truth & Carlito's contracts not being renewed, Omega vs. Okada at All In and much more. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week with Bill taking in some PTO 3 Beer Zach and JCB take the wheel to drive through the week in wrestling. The 1 count is WWE leading towards Worlds Collide and Money In The Bank. Naomi breaks into Bianca Belair parents' house before securing her spot in MITB. Stephanie Vaquer gets called up from NXT and wins a MITB spot on RAW. Wyatts attack the tag division again. CM Punk gets screwed by Seth Rollins and company. Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkria in another war of words. AEW is in the 2 count this week where Okada vs Omega is made official for All In. Will Ospreay continues to try and play peacemaker between Swerve and Hangman Page but challenges Strickland to a match. Nick Wayne returns from Japan and gets thrown to the wolves by Christian Cage. Toni Storm and Mercedes Mone cross paths as Mone is on commentary during Toni's tag match. The 3 count is a review of NXT. Mariah May takes her talent to Orlando and throws her hat in the ring to challenge the new women's champion in Jacy Jayne. Myles Borne wins his way out of the No Quarter Catch Crew. Trick Williams defends the TNA title vs Mike Santana and gets some unexpected help. Predictions for Worlds End and Money In The Bank to wrap up the pod! Available on all major podcast platforms. Listen Share Subscribe Repeat! Rate and review on Apple and Spotify! WWE AEW 48:25 NXT 1:44:35 WC/MITB 1:52:55

JJ, Jamie and Austin review and react to AEW's Dynamite - Fyter Fest from Denver (6-4-25). They get into the Omaga and Okada face off, Thekla's in ring debut, a whole lot of Lucha going on and a whole lot of wrestling plus So Much More!!!!!!--------------------------------------------------------Intro Music:VOYAGER 1 by John Tasoulas | https://soundcloud.com/john-tasoulasMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported LicenseLicense: Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed)

This week with Bill taking in some PTO 3 Beer Zach and JCB take the wheel to drive through the week in wrestling. The 1 count is WWE leading towards Worlds Collide and Money In The Bank. Naomi breaks into Bianca Belair parents' house before securing her spot in MITB. Stephanie Vaquer gets called up from NXT and wins a MITB spot on RAW. Wyatts attack the tag division again. CM Punk gets screwed by Seth Rollins and company. Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria in another war of words. AEW is the 2 count this week where Okada vs Omega is made official for All In. Will Ospreay continues to try and play peacemaker between Swerve and Hangman Page but challenges Strickland to a match. Nick Wayne returns from Japan and gets thrown to the wolves by Christian Cage. Toni Storm and Mercedes Mone cross paths as Mone is on commentary during Toni's tag match. The 3 count is a review of NXT. Mariah May takes her talents to Orlando and throws her hat in the ring to challenge the new women's champion in Jacy Jayne. Myles Borne wins his way out of the No Quarter Catch Crew. Trick Williams defends the TNA title vs Mike Santana and gets some unexpected help. Predictions for Worlds End and Money In The Bank to wrap up the pod!Available on all major podcast platforms. Listen Share Subscribe Repeat! Rate and review on Apple and Spotify!WWEAEW 48:25NXT 1:44:35WC/MITB 1:52:55

This week with Bill taking in some PTO 3 Beer Zach and JCB take the wheel to drive through the week in wrestling. The 1 count is WWE leading towards Worlds Collide and Money In The Bank. Naomi breaks into Bianca Belair parents' house before securing her spot in MITB. Stephanie Vaquer gets called up from NXT and wins a MITB spot on RAW. Wyatts attack the tag division again. CM Punk gets screwed by Seth Rollins and company. Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria in another war of words. AEW is the 2 count this week where Okada vs Omega is made official for All In. Will Ospreay continues to try and play peacemaker between Swerve and Hangman Page but challenges Strickland to a mtach. Nick Wayne returns from Japan and gets thrown to the wolves by Christian Cage. Toni Storm and Mercedes Mone cross paths as Mone is on commentary during Toni's tag match. The 3 count is a review of NXT. Mariah May takes her talents to Orlando and throws her hat in the ring to challenge the new women's champion in Jacy Jayne. Myles Borne wins his way out of No Quarter Catch Crew. Trick Williams defends the TNA title vs Mike Santana and gets some unexpected help. Predictions for Worlds End and Money In The Bank to wrap up the pod!Available on all major podcast platforms. Listen Share Subscribe Repeat! Rate and review on Apple and Spotify!WWEAEW 48:25NXT 1:44:35WC/MITB 1:52:55

This week with Bill taking in some PTO 3 Beer Zach and JCB take the wheel to drive through the week in wrestling. The 1 count is WWE leading towards Worlds Collide and Money In The Bank. Naomi breaks into Bianca Belair parents' house before securing her spot in MITB. Stephanie Vaquer gets called up from NXT and wins a MITB spot on RAW. Wyatts attack the tag division again. CM Punk gets screwed by Seth Rollins and company. Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria in another war of words. AEW is the 2 count this week where Okada vs Omega is made official for All In. Will Ospreay continues to try and play peacemaker between Swerve and Hangman Page but challenges Strickland to a match. Nick Wayne returns from Japan and gets thrown to the wolves by Christian Cage. Toni Storm and Mercedes Mone cross paths as Mone is on commentary during Toni's tag match. The 3 count is a review of NXT. Mariah May takes her talents to Orlando and throws her hat in the ring to challenge the new women's champion in Jacy Jayne. Myles Borne wins his way out of the No Quarter Catch Crew. Trick Williams defends the TNA title vs Mike Santana and gets some unexpected help. Predictions for Worlds End and Money In The Bank to wrap up the pod!Available on all major podcast platforms. Listen Share Subscribe Repeat! Rate and review on Apple and Spotify!WWEAEW 48:25NXT 1:44:35WC/MITB 1:52:55

PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by PWTorch's Chris Lansdell to discuss the June 4 edition of AEW Dynamite including Kenny Omega vs. Okada becoming official for All In, the Will Ospreay-Swerve Strickland dynamic, the latest with Hurt Syndicate, the Fyter Fest four hour double-header format, AEW's incorporation of Luchadors, and much more with live caller, email, and chat interaction throughout, plus PWTorch's Chris Griffin joined early as an on-site correspondent with details from in the arena.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-post-shows--3275545/support.

You're listening to Dirt Sheet Radio!! WWE fans are given a shocking taste of TKO medicine when R-Truth is suddenly let go alongside of Judgement Day's Carlito. Is the position of "WWE-lifer" gone? Who's next? Kenny Omega vs Kazuchika Okada. Title for title. AEW All In. It is on!! Mariah May makes the jump in QUICK fashion from AEW to WWE NXT!! Somebody check on Jacey Jane. WWE Money in the Bank and World's Collide preview discussion. Walk the King's Road as we reminisce on the anniversaries of two of professional wrestling's greatest performances.

We predict this Saturday's #WWEMITB and react to the controversial release of R-Truth and Carlito, along with AEW's #FyterFest! PLUS we hear from Cypher as he addresses Blade Rodriguez's callout, and Travis Anderson and The Cap both offer stipulations for #TriviaTakeoverX Theme song: "Every Single Scar" by our house band Captain's Revenge https://open.spotify.com/artist/6bmxa3E97iSuJ1qqoHdFMz?si=lpr8t6HmQru7nUQWF4BidQ #rtruth #carlito #moneyinthebank #wwemitb #mitb #fyterfest#wwe #aew #wrestling #podcast #wwepredictions #wrestlingpodcast #wrestlinghighlights #wrestlingnews #allelitewrestling #nxt #njpwworld #newjapanprowrestling #ddtpro #ddtprowrestling #tnawrestling #tnaimpact #thisistna #aewvsnxt #aewpodcast #aewdynamite #aewrampage #wweraw #wwesmackdown #romanreigns #codyrhodes #rhea ripley #mjf #cmpunk Visit us as www.maxwrestlingnet.weebly.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/maxwrestling Twitter: www.twitter.com/maxwrestlinguk Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/maxwrestling Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Q8pmjfAmbmpXlyvZnlg7T

K100 w/ Konnan & Disco is presented to you by BetOnline! BetOnline is your #1 source for all sports! Get all the latest stats, news, scores, odds, & lines, plus follow your favorite teams! Plus, use the code BLEAV for a 50% welcome bonus! Check out our Patreon site at Konnan.me and Patreon.com/Konnan for extra audio, FULL AD FREE episodes, exclusive video, listener roundtable discussion shows, weekly watch-a-longs, call in shows with Konnan and DI, plus so much more! Get Interactive on Twitter @Konnan5150 @TheRealDisco @JFFeeney3rd @TheCCNetwork1 @K100Konnan @TheHughezy @HarryRuiz @HugoSavinovich @RoyLucier Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepinIt100OFFICIAL @K100Konnan on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Check out LegacySupps.com and use the code K100 for 10% off of their fat burner, pre workout, testosterone supplement, and sleep aid! Brought to you by friend of the show, Nick Aldis! Plus they now carry Women's supplements, brought to you by Mickie James! RUFF GREENS joins as a K100 sponsor! Treat your doggie & use the code DISCO at ruffgreens.com for a FREE Jumpstart Trial Bag! TheAeonMan.com brings you high quality Superfood Protein, world class New Zealand Deer Antler Velvet extract for natural testosterone, & world class New Zealand Deer Antler Velvet extract to eradicate joint pain & more for your health & supplement needs! Use code WELCOME15 for 15% off!

This week on Snacky Tunes, Darin sits down with Chef Jeff Okada-Ramsey, executive chef of Mizumi at the Wynn Las Vegas, whose global journey—from being in a band to slicing sashimi—has shaped a truly unique culinary voice. We talk about his sushi beginnings, deep dives into Japan's kitchen culture, and what it means to bring that depth & discipline to the Vegas Strip. Then we head into the archives for a live performance from She Keeps Bees—one of our all-time favorites.Snacky Tunes: Music is the Main Ingredient, Chefs and Their Music (Phaidon), is now on shelves at bookstores around the world. It features over eighty of the world's top chefs who share personal stories of how music has been an important, integral force in their lives. The chefs also give personal recipes and curated playlists too. It's an anthology of memories, meals and mixtapes. Pick up your copy by ordering directly from Phaidon, or by visiting your local independent bookstore. Visit our site, www.snackytunes.com for more info.

Welcome to a Special Edition of the Two Man Power Trip with host John Poz, as he welcomes in BJJ black belt, pro wrestler, author, historian, podcaster from the Wrestling Observer, Bryan Alvarez. John and Bryan will talk all things WWE, Triple H, The Rock, John Cena, WrestleMania no longer being in New Orleans, AEW, Tony Khan, booking decisions, Young Bucks, Okada, Omega, Ospreay, and so much more!Follow us on Twitter and IG @TwoManPowerTripStore - https://twomanpowertrip.dashery.com

We discuss #NXTBattleground, #TrickWilliams is your new #TNAChampion, #StephanieVaquer defeats #JordynneGrace, #TonyD defeats #Stakks, #TheRuler Oba Femi defeats #MylesBorne, #AEWAllorNothing results, #HangmanPage defeated #WillOspreay, Okada beats #SpeedballMikeBailey and some updates.

It's our pre-PV week, and we run through the upcoming Double or Nothing card with all the build, starting with a deep dive into Ospreay and Hangman's in-ring face off and going through all the rest of the many long, odd talking segments that had Allie questioning the very nature of existence. What IS wrestling? Don't get us wrong - it was high level entertainment, from the glass doll you stare through to the unforgettable night you're just never going to forget. Anyway, party matches and Anarchy in the Arena rock, the Hurt People suck, and FTR segments have gotten far too normal. Enjoy!(00:00) Chitchat Time and What's Making Me Happy (Allie)(11:14) Ospreay and Hangman(37:43) Mercedes Mone and Jamie Hayter(45:16) Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa(50:00) Anarchy in the Arena setup(1:14:07) Okada vs. Mike Bailey(1:15:22) Ricochet and Mark Briscoe, Anthony Bowens(1:22:43) Hurt People, Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara(1:29:49) FTR, Nigel, Daniel GarciaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/social-suplex-podcast-network/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  Last time we spoke about the February 26th incident. Within the turbulent “ government of assassination” period of 1936 Japan, a faction of discontented junior officers, known as the Kodoha, believed that their emperor, Hirohito, was being manipulated by corrupt politicians. In a desperate bid for what they termed a "Showa Restoration," they meticulously plotted a coup d'état. On February 26, they launched a rebellion in Tokyo, attempting to assassinate key figures they deemed responsible for undermining the emperor's authority. The young officers executed coordinated attacks on prominent leaders, resulting in several deaths, while hoping to seize control of the Imperial Palace. However, their plan unraveled when their actions met with unexpected resistance, and they failed to secure strategic locations. Dark snow blanketed the city as Hirohito, outraged by the violence, quickly moved to suppress the uprising, which ultimately led to the downfall of the Kodoha faction and solidified the military's grip on power, ushering in a new era marked by militarism and radicalism.   #151 The Suiyuan Operation 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. So we last left off with the February 26th incident breaking out in Japan, but now I would like to return to China. Now we spoke a little bit about some influential Japanese politicians in the previous episode. Prime Minister Satio Makoto oversaw Japan from May 1932 to July 1934, succeeded by Prime Minister Keisuke Okada from July 1934 to March 1936. The foreign policy of Japan towards China during the Saitō and Okada administrations exhibited a notable paradox, characterized by two conflicting elements. On one hand, Foreign Minister Hirota championed a diplomatic approach that emphasized friendship, cooperation, and accommodation with China. On the other hand, the military actively undermined the authority of the Nationalist government in northern China, creating a significant rift between diplomatic rhetoric and military action.    The Okada cabinet then endorsed the Army Ministry's "Outline of Policy to Deal with North China" on January 13, 1936. This policy document explicitly proposed the eventual detachment of five provinces, Hubei, Chahar, Shanxi, Suiyuan, and Shandong from the Nationalist government in Nanking. The approval of this outline marked a pivotal moment, as it represented the first official government endorsement of the military's longstanding agenda and underscored the army's evolution from a mere rogue entity operating in the region to the de facto authority dictating the course of Japan's policy towards China. Despite this, on January 22, during the 68th Diet session, Hirota reaffirmed his dedication to fostering better ties with China, to which a representative from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded positively. The Nationalist government in Nanjing also expressed interest in engaging in formal negotiations. However, this diplomatic initiative quickly faltered, and the expected discussions in Nanjing never took place. Shortly thereafter, a mutiny by young army officers on February 26, 1936, led to the fall of the Okada cabinet. Following Prince Konoe Fumimaro's refusal of the imperial mandate to form a new government, Hirota stepped in to establish a cabinet on March 9. General Terauchi Hisaichi was appointed as the Minister of the Army, Admiral Nagano Osami took charge of the Navy Ministry, and Baba Eiichi became the finance minister. Hirota briefly served as foreign minister until Arita Hachirö, who had just submitted his credentials as ambassador to China on March 6, returned to Japan. The Hirota Koki cabinet, established immediately following the February 26 incident further entrenched military influence in politics while allowing interservice rivalries to impede national objectives. In May 1936, Hirota, influenced by army and navy ministers, reinstated the practice of appointing military ministers solely from the ranks of high-ranking active-duty officers. He believed this would prevent associations with the discredited Imperial Way faction from regaining power. By narrowing the candidate pool and enhancing the army's power relative to the prime minister, Hirota's decision set the stage for army leaders to leverage this advantage to overthrow Admiral Yonai's cabinet in July 1940. Arita began his new job by meeting with Foreign Minister Chang Chen while hearing views from the Kwantung Army chief of staff General, Itagaki Seishiro. Yes, our old friend received a lot of promotions. Itagaki had this to say about the Kwantung Army's policy in China "The primary aim of Japan's foreign policy, is the sound development of Manchukuo based upon the principle of the indivisibility of Japan and Manchukuo. If, as is probable, the existing situation continues, Japan is destined sooner or later to clash with the Soviet Union, and the attitude of China at that time will gravely influence operations [against the Soviet Union]." The Kwantung Army's was growing more and more nervous about the USSR following its 7th comintern congress held in July and August of 1935. There it publicly designated Japan, Germany and Poland as its main targets of comintern actions. Japanese intelligence in the Red Army also knew the Soviets were gradually planning to expand the military strength so they could face a simultaneous west and east front war. This was further emboldened by the latest USSR 5 year plan. Alongside the growing Red northern menace, the CCP issued on August 1st a declaration calling upon the Nationalist Government to end their civil war so they could oppose Japan. By this time the CCP was reaching the end of its Long March and organizing a new base of operations in Yenan in northern Shanxi. The developments by the USSR and CCP had a profound effect on Japan's foreign policy in China. The Kwantung Army believed a war with the USSR was imminent and began to concentrate its main force along the border of Manchukuo. The Kwantung Army's plan in the case of war was to seize Vladivostok while advancing motorized units towards Ulan Bator in Outer Mongolia, hoping to threaten the Trans-Siberian Railway near Lake Baikal. Their intelligence indicated the USSR could muster a maximum of 250,000 troops in eastern Siberia and that Japan could deal with them with a force two-thirds of that number. The IJA at that point had inferior air forces and armaments, thus urgent funding was needed. The Kwantung Army proposed that forces in the home islands should be reduced greatly so all could be concentrated in Manchuria. To increase funding so Kwantung leadership proposed doing away with special allowances for Japanese officials in Manchuria and reorganizing the Japanese economic structure. The Kwantung leaders also knew the submarine base at Vladivostok posed a threat to Japanese shipping so the IJN would have to participate, especially against ports and airfields. All said and done, the Kwantung Army planned for a war set in 1941 and advised immediate preparations. On July 23, 1936, Kanji Ishiwara presented the army's document titled “Request Concerning the Development of Industries in Preparation for War” to the Army Ministry. He asserted that in order to prepare for potential conflict with the Soviet Union, Japan, Manchukuo, and North China must have the industries critical for war fully developed by 1941. Ishiwara emphasized the urgent need for rapid industrial growth, particularly in Manchukuo. He followed this request on July 29 with a draft of a “Policy on Preparations for War” regarding the Soviet Union, advocating for immediate reforms to Japan's political and economic systems to facilitate economic expansion and lay the groundwork for future fundamental changes. However, he cautioned that if significant turmoil erupted in economic sectors, Japan must be ready to execute a comprehensive overhaul without delay. At the same time, the Hirota cabinet initiated a review of its policy towards China. In the spring of 1936, a secret committee focused on the Current Situation was formed, consisting of officials from the Army, Navy, and Foreign ministries. Their discussions led to the adoption of the "Measures to Implement Policy toward China" by the Four Ministers Conference on August 11, along with the "Second Outline of Policy to Address North China," which the cabinet approved as part of the "Fundamentals of National Policy" on the same day. The first of these documents outlined the following actionable steps: “1. Conclusion of an anti-Communist military pact. a) To prepare for the conclusion of such a pact, a special secret committee of military experts from both countries should be organized. b) Their discussions should cover the scope and substance of the pact and ways and means of realizing the objectives of the pact.  2. Conclusion of a Sino-Japanese military alliance. A special secret committee, composed of an equal number of delegates from each nation, should be organized to prepare for the conclusion of an offensive and defensive alliance against attack by a third country.  3. Acceleration of solutions of pending questions between China and Japan. a) Engagement of a senior political adviser: The Nationalist government should engage a senior Japanese political adviser to assist in the conduct of the domestic and foreign affairs of the Nationalist government. b) Engagement of military advisers: The Nationalist government should engage military advisers, along with military instructors. c) Opening of airline services between China and Japan: Airline services between China and Japan should be opened immediately. To realize such a service, various means should be used to induce the Nanking authorities to establish an airline corporation in North China, to begin flights between Formosa and Fukien province, and to start test flights between Shanghai and Fukuoka. d) Conclusion of a reciprocal tariff treaty: A reciprocal tariff treaty should be concluded promptly between China and Japan, on the basis of the policy approved by the ministries concerned, with regard to the abolition of the special trade in eastern Hopei province and the lowering of the prohibitively high tariffs. For this purpose Japan should, if necessary, propose the creation of a special committee composed of Japanese and Chinese representatives.  4. Promotion of economic cooperation between China and Japan. Japan should promote cooperation with the common people of China to establish realistic and inseparable economic relations between China and Japan that will promote coexistence and co-prosperity and will be unaffected by changes in the Chinese political situation. “ The document also included suggestions for Japan's economic expansion into South China. This included tapping into the natural resources of the provinces of Fujian, Guangdong, and Guangxi, building a railway between Guangzhou and Swatow, and establishing air routes between Fuchoz and Taipei, which would connect to services in Japan and Thailand. It also called for survey teams to be dispatched to explore the resources of Sichuan, Gansu, Xinjiang, and Qinghai provinces, and for support to be provided to the independence movement in Inner Mongolia. However, these initiatives presented significant challenges. The preface to the "Second Outline of Policy to Deal with North China" cautioned, "In implementing this policy, we must carefully consider the Nanking government's prestige and avoid actions that could prompt it to adopt an anti-Japanese stance in response to the desires of the Chinese people."  On September 19th, six fundamental points for a settlement in North China were dictated to China to “establish a common defense against communism, promoting economic cooperation, lowering tariffs, initiating an airline service between the two nations, employing Japanese advisers, and controlling subversive Koreans." September 22 was set as the deadline for a response from China. While agreeing to some Japanese requests, the Chinese included several counter-demands that the Japanese found completely unacceptable. These demands required Japan to “(a) refrain from using armed intervention or arbitrary actions in its dealings with China, (b) recognize China as an equal and sovereign state, (c) avoid leveraging antigovernment groups or communist elements, and (d) remove any derogatory references to China from Japanese textbooks. The Chinese also insisted that any agreement regarding North China “must precede the annulment of the Tanggu and Shanghai cease-fire agreements, the disbanding of the East Hopei regime, a prohibition on unauthorized Japanese flights over North China, a ban on smuggling activities by Japanese, the restoration of China's right to control smuggling, and the disbandment of the illegal East Hopei government along with the armies of Wang Ying and Prince De in Suiyuan”. Now that mention of a Prince De in Suiyuan brings us to a whole new incident. This podcast series should almost be called “the history of Japanese related incidents in China”. Now we've spoken at great lengths about Japan's obsession with Manchuria. She wanted it for resources, growing space and as a buffer state. Japan also had her eyes set on Inner Mongolia to be used as a buffer state between Manchukuo, the USSR and China proper. Not to mention after the invasion of North China, Inner Mongolia could be instrumental as a wedge to be used to control Northern China. Thus the Kwantung Army began fostering a Mongolian independence movement back in August of 1933. They did so through a special organ led by chief of the general staff Koiso Kuniaki. He began work with the Silingol League led by Prince Sonormurabdan or “Prince So” and another influential Mongol, Prince Demchukdongrob or “Prince De”. Prince De was the West Sunid Banner in Northern Chahar. Likewise the Kwantung Army was grooming Li Xuxin, a Mongol commoner born in southern Manchuria. He had been a bandit turned soldier absorbed into Zhang Xueliangs army. Li had distinguished himself in a campaign against a group of Mongols trying to restore the Qing dynasty to further establish an independent Mongolia. During Operation Nekka Li had served in a cavalry brigade under Zu Xingwu, reputed to be the best unit in Zhang Xueliangs Northeastern border defense army. He led the army's advance unit into western Shandong. Afterwards Li suddenly became friends with Major Tanaka Hisashi, the head of the Special Service Agency at Dungliao where he defected to the Kwantung Army. He soon was leading a force too strong to be incorporated into the Manchukuo Army, thus it was disbanded, but his Kwantung Army buddies encouraged him to move to Tolun in Rehe province. At one point during the Nekka campaign, Li's army was threatened by a strong Chinese counterattack, but they had Manchukuo air support allowing them to capture Tolun. This victory launched what became the East Chahar Special Autonomous District with Li becoming a garrison commander and chief administrator.  Back in time, upon the founding of the Chinese Republic, the affairs of Inner Mongolia fell upon the Bureau of Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs. This was reorganized in 1930 into the Commission on Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs when the provinces of Chahar, Suiyuan and Ningxia were organized. Prince De had been a member of a nationalist group known as the Young Mongols, although his aim was self-determination for Inner Mongolia within China, not independence. The Nationalist government's support for Chinese settlement in Mongol territories and its disregard for Mongol perspectives quickly triggered a rise in Mongol nationalism and anti-Chinese feelings. This was exacerbated by the government's introduction of a law on October 12, 1931, requiring local Mongolian administrative units to consult with hsien officials on matters concerning their administration. The nationalist sentiment was further fueled by the presence of the neighboring Mongolian People's Republic in Outer Mongolia and the establishment of Xingan province in western Manchuria by Manchukuo authorities in March 1932. This new province included the tribes of eastern Inner Mongolia and granted them greater autonomy than other Manchukuo provinces while banning Chinese immigration into it. When Nanjing did not react to these developments, Prince De and his supporters took steps toward gaining autonomy. On July 15th, 1933, Mongol leaders from western Inner Mongolia gathered at Pailingmiao for two weeks to deliberate on a declaration for regional independence. Although many princes were initially hesitant to take this step, they reconvened on August 14 and sent a cable to Nanjing announcing their decision to create an autonomous Mongolian government. The cable was signed by Prince So and Prince De. Over the following two months, additional conferences at Pailingmiao were held to organize the new government, which would operate under Nanking's guidance but without involvement from provincial chairmen. On October 22, Prince Yun, head of the Ulanchap League and a close ally of Prince De, was elected to lead the new regime, with Prince De assuming the role of chief of its political affairs bureau. After receiving a cable from the Mongolian leaders in August, Nanjing quickly sent Minister of the Interior Huang Shao-hung and Xu Qingyang, head of the Commission on Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs, to halt the movement. However, the Mongols declined to travel to Kalgan or Kueisui to meet Huang. In November, as the leader of a special commission appointed by Nanjing, Huang reached an agreement with Yun De and other Mongolian leaders concerning a proposal that abandoned the Mongols' demand for an autonomous government. This agreement was later altered by Nanjing, and its essential points were excluded from a measure approved by the Central Political Council of the Kuomintang on January 17, 1934. The dispute reignited, fueled by the Nationalist government's rising concerns over the anticipated enthronement of Pu Yi in Manchukuo. On February 28, the Central Political Council enacted a measure that outlined "eight principles of Inner Mongolian autonomy" and created the Mongolian Local Autonomous Political Council. Since these principles did not grant authority over foreign and military affairs, powers explicitly reserved for the central government in the January measure, they were seen as a concession to the Mongols and were accepted. On March 7, the central government issued regulations to establish a semi autonomous regime for Inner Mongolia, which was officially launched at Pailingmiao on April 23. Although the council was led by three moderate princes, Prince Yun, supported by Princes So and Sha, the real administrative authority was held by Prince De, who served as the secretary-general. Most of the twenty-five council members were of Mongolian royalty, through whom Prince De aimed to fulfill his objectives. Nevertheless, the Nationalist government seemed to consider the council merely a token gesture to placate De, as Nanking never provided the promised administrative funds outlined in the "eight principle declaration." Was not much of a shock Prince De sought support from the Kwantung Army, which had established contact with him as early as June 1934. Japanese pressures in North China were starting to alter the power dynamics, and after the first Western incident in Jehol in February 1935, it compelled the relocation of Sung Queyuan's army from Chahar to Hopei, providing encouragement to Prince De. In May, he met with Kwantung Army Vice Chief of Staff Itagaki Seishirö, Intelligence Section Chief Kawabe Torashirö, and staff officer Tanaka Ryükichi, where he was officially informed for the first time about the Kwantung Army's intention to assist him. On July 25, the Kwantung Army drafted its "Essentials of Policy toward Inner Mongolia," which regarded Japanese support for cooperation between De and Li Xuxin as part of their strategic preparations for a potential conflict with the Soviet Union. Shortly after this policy was adopted, a conflict arose over who had the authority to appoint the head of the Mongol Xukung banner, situated north of the Yellow River and Paot'ou. Following the death of the previous administrator, Prince Xu declared that he had taken control of the position. In response to a request from the local abbot, Prince Yun, acting in his capacity as chairman of the Mongolian Political Council, dismissed Xu. Xu then turned to Nanking through Suiyuan Provincial Chairman Fu Zuoyi, arguing that the central government held the authority to appoint heads of administrative units. In retaliation, Prince De dispatched troops to Xukung. On November 10, Fu presented a mediation proposal, which was rejected since it not only failed to acknowledge Shih's dismissal but also demanded the withdrawal of De's forces. De refused to pull back, further intensifying his hostility toward the Nanking government. In December, the Kwantung Army attempted to move Li's forces from eastern Chahar into the six Xun to the north of Kalgan, which serves as Chahar's granary. Following the Qin-Doihara agreement, Matsui Gennosuke from the Kalgan Special Service Agency secured a deal to separate these six districts from the southern region predominantly populated by Chinese; a Mongolian peace preservation corps was tasked with maintaining order in the northern area, while a Chinese corps was responsible for the south. During the discussions for an autonomous regime centered around Song Queyuan in North China in November 1935, Kwantung Army troops were concentrated around Gubeikou. To exert pressure on Song's rear, the Kwantung Army proposed replacing the Chinese peace preservation unit in the area north of Kalgan with Li Xuxin's army, which would establish this territory as its base.   The operation commenced on December 8. In a surprise attack just before dawn, Li captured Paochang. By December 12, despite facing strong Chinese resistance and the heaviest snowfall in sixty years, Li, aided by Kwantung Army planes disguised as those of the Manchukuo Airline Corporation, had taken control of Kuyuan. Further advances were halted by an order from Kwantung Army headquarters, and on December 13, it was reported that, had the operation not been stopped, Tokyo would have issued an imperial command. The operation had faced opposition from the Tientsin army, which feared it would weaken Song Queyuan's position just as they were informing Tokyo that the autonomy movement was going smoothly. Additionally, both Britain and the United States publicly expressed strong opposition to the Kwantung Army's involvement in the autonomy movement. However, the directive was ultimately prompted by the emperor's anger upon discovering that a unit of the Kwantung Army led by Colonel Matsui Takurö had advanced to Tolun to support Li's progress. Although Li's advance was halted, the operation undeniably contributed to the formation of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council.   Although the operation was halted, the Kwantung Army remained committed to its objectives. They contended that Li's army's advance into the six districts north of Kalgan was merely a peace preservation unit moving into territory within the truce line established by the Tanggu Agreement. Consequently, on December 29, they ordered Li to advance southward. Li peacefully occupied Changpei the following day and entered Shangtu on December 31. Manchukuo civil officials were appointed to oversee the six districts, and the currency of Manchukuo was introduced, although the existing tax system initially remained unchanged. The Kwantung Army allocated silver worth 6 million yuan to support administrative expenses. This outcome, known as the Eastern Chahar incident, marked a complete success for the Kwantung Army, which then redirected its focus toward Suiyuan Province. Each year, the Kwantung Army developed a secret plan for covert operations for the following year. The 1936 plan included strategies to secure air bases for routes connecting Europe and Asia, targeting Tsinghai and Sinkiang provinces, Outer Mongolia, Western Mongolia, and even remote areas of Ningxia province. In January 1936, staff officer Tanaka Ryūkichi formulated a document titled "Essentials of Policy Toward (Northwestern) Inner Mongolia." This document advocated for the establishment of a Mongolian military government to facilitate Japanese operations in northwestern Mongolia and suggested pushing Fu Tso-yi out of Suiyuan into Shansi province. Tanaka's proposals were incorporated into the final plan of the Kwantung Army, ultimately leading to the Suiyuan incident of November 1936. In February 1936, a meeting at Pailingmiao, where Prince De proposed the independence of Inner Mongolia, resulted in the departure of Prince So and several other Mongolian leaders from the coalition. They sought to establish a rival political council at Kueisui under the protection of Fu Zuoyi. By April, De and his supporters decided to form a military government at Tehua in Chahar, which was officially inaugurated in June as the Inner Mongolian government, headed by De with Li Shou-hsin as his deputy. This new government quickly signed a mutual assistance treaty with Manchukuo, and the emperor granted De the title of prince.   In July, at a conference in Tehua, Tanaka was appointed as the head of the Special Service Agency for Inner Mongolia with the mission of implementing the army's Intelligence Section plans. He traveled to Pingtiqüan alongside Chief of Staff Itagaki and Intelligence Chief Mutō Akira to propose a local anti-Communist agreement to Fu. After failing to convince Fu, he attempted to persuade Sun Tien-ying to form a puppet army but managed to recruit only a bandit from Suiyuan, Wang Ying. The February 26 mutiny in Tokyo heightened anti-Japanese sentiments in China, resulting in increased violence. By August, the construction of an airplane hangar in Paot'ou was halted due to riots by local Chinese residents. On August 13, a group of fifteen Japanese, led by Nakajima Manzo, was ambushed while delivering ammunition to a pro-Japanese leader who was shortly thereafter assassinated. Chinese soldiers from Wang Qingkuo's 70th Division carried out the attack, and tensions escalated as the arrival of ammunition and Japanese laborers in Kalgan prompted border villages to strengthen their defenses.   By late September, Tanaka's "Guidelines for the Execution of the Suiyuan Operation" received approval, with operations set to commence in early November. The plan evolved from a covert mission into a personal initiative by Tanaka, financed largely through funds from the Kwantung Army's secret services and profits from special trading in eastern Hopei. Tanaka claimed to have transported 600,000 yen to Tehua in October and later sent 200,000 yuan into Inner Mongolia, estimating total expenses at approximately 6 million yen. He acquired new weaponry from the disbanded Northeast Army and established three clandestine forces: Wang Ying led 500 men, including artillery; Qin Xiashan commanded 3,000 from Sun Tienying's army; and Chang Futang also led 3,000 specialized units. During strategic meetings, Tanaka dismissed proposals for unified command and refusing to integrate secret units into the Mongolian army. He advocated for the slogan "Overthrow Chiang Kai-shek," while Matsui managed to include "Independence for Inner Mongolia."   The Japanese had developed the entire battle strategy. The 1st Army, commanded by Li Xuxin, would serve as the left flank, while the 2nd Army, led by Demchugdongrub, would be positioned on the right. Wang Ying's forces were designated as the central force. Their initial targets would be Hongort, Xinghe, Tuchengzi, and Guisui city, followed by a division to seize Jinging, Baotou, and Hetao. On November 13, Prince Demchugdongrub's and Wang Ying's forces left Shandu in two columns to assault Xinghe and Hongort. By the 15th, 1,500 troops reached Hongort, where they engaged the 1st Cavalry Division led by Peng Yubin. The next day, Ryukichi Tanaka, Demchugdongrub's chief advisor, sent two cavalry brigades and one infantry brigade to capture the town, effectively overrunning its defenders. Meanwhile, Wang Ying dispatched a smaller group to secure Tuchengzi.   Fu Zuoyi established his headquarters in Jining that same day. After assessing the situation, he concluded that if the enemy secured Hongort, it would diminish his defenders' morale. Consequently, he launched a counterattack. Peng Yubin led a joint force of the 1st Cavalry Division and Dong Qiwu's 218th Brigade to confront around 400 of Wang Ying's men defending Hongort and Tuchengzi. By 7 AM on the 18th, Tuchengzi was reclaimed, and at 8:30 AM, the 1st Cavalry Division entered Hongort, charging through 500 of Wang Ying's soldiers. The struggle for Hongort persisted for over three days, resulting in nearly 1,000 casualties before Fu Zuoyi regained control.   As the tide shifted against the invaders, Fu Zuoyi initiated an offensive toward the Bailing Temple, the rear base of the enemy, well-stocked and defended by 3,000 men under Prince Demchugdongrub. Fu Zuoyi ordered the 2nd Cavalry Division, along with the 211th and 315th Brigades, the 21st Artillery Regiment, and a convoy of 20 trucks and 24 armored vehicles to assault the Bailing Temple as quickly as possible. Taking advantage of the Mongolian chaos, Fu Zuoyi's 35th Brigade executed a flanking maneuver west of the Bailing Temple amid a severe snowstorm.   At 1 AM on the 24th, the battle for the Bailing Temple commenced as the Chinese engaged the Mongolians for the fortified positions around the temple. From 2 to 4 AM, the Chinese advanced closer to the temple walls, facing artillery and machine-gun fire. They launched desperate frontal assaults against the city gates, suffering heavy losses. A fierce stalemate ensued, with Japanese aerial bombardments causing significant casualties to the Chinese forces. Fu Zuoyi subsequently ordered all armored vehicles to converge at the main city gate. Despite intense fire, the armored cars managed to breach the gate, allowing Chinese infantry to flood into the temple area. The resulting carnage within the temple walls led to 900 Mongol deaths, with 300 captured as the rest fled. The Chinese suffered 300 casualties but secured the strategically vital rear base, along with a substantial stockpile of provisions, including 500 barrels of petrol, 600 rifles, 10 machine guns, vehicles, and field guns. Following the devastating defeat at Bailing Temple, the invaders regrouped at Xilamuleng Temple. On the 28th, the Japanese sent 100 vehicles to transport 3,000 troops to prepare for a significant counteroffensive to recapture Bailing Temple. On the 29th, Wang Ying personally led 2,000 cavalry north of Shangdu to Taolin in an attempt to contain the enemy. However, after he left the bulk of his forces at Xilamuleng Temple, officers from the Grand Han Righteous Army secretly began negotiating to defect to the Chinese side, undermining the forces needed for the counterattack against Bailing Temple.   The counteroffensive commenced on December 2nd, with 10 armored vehicles and 1,000 Mongol troops leading the charge at 6 AM. They were pushed back by the heavily fortified 211th Brigade, which was well-supplied with machine guns and artillery. The following day, at 3 AM, the Mongols attempted a surprise attack but faced an ambush as they crept toward the temple. They incurred hundreds of casualties, with 230 men either captured or having defected. After this, the counterattack stalled, as the Mongol forces couldn't approach within 3 miles of the temple. Subsequently, the Chinese 2nd Cavalry Division launched a pincer maneuver, causing significant casualties among the invaders. By 9 AM, the enemy had suffered 500 casualties and was in retreat. At 7 PM, Fu Zuoyi ordered another counteroffensive. By the next morning, hundreds more had been lost, and several hundred soldiers were captured. With such heavy losses, the defense of Xilamuleng Temple weakened significantly, prompting more officers to defect to the Chinese. Late on the 4th, Fu Zuoyi assembled a force comprising two cavalry regiments, one infantry regiment, one artillery battalion, four armored vehicles, and a squadron of cars to launch a nighttime assault on Xilamuleng Temple.   Meanwhile, the 2nd Cavalry Division clashed with Wang Ying's cavalry 30 miles northeast of Wulanhua. Wang Ying's 2,000 cavalry had been raiding nearby villages to create diversions, drawing enemy forces away from the Bailing-Xilamuleng theater. By the 9th, Wang Ying's cavalry were encircled in Xiaobei, where they were nearly annihilated, with Wang escaping with around a hundred guards toward Changpei. On the 7th, some Grand Han Righteous Army officers set in motion plans to defect to the Chinese side. Early on the 9th, these officers led their men to invade the residence of Japanese advisors, killing all 27 Japanese officers under Colonel Obama. Simultaneously, Fu Zuoyi's forces executed a flanking maneuver against the Xilamuleng Temple amidst the chaos. With mass defections, the Chinese forces surged into the temple area, resulting in the invader army disintegrating in confusion and surrender. After seizing the temple, the invaders were routed, their lines of communication severed, and only isolated pockets continued to resist. Taking advantage of the confusion, Fu Zuoyi launched simultaneous attacks, attempting to capture Shangdu. However, Yan Xishan sent him a telegram, ordering him to halt, stating that Shangdu fell under the jurisdiction of Shanxi and not Suiyuan.   In response to the loss, Tanaka planned a counteroffensive with Qin's troops, but Chiang kai-shek commanded a strong defense of Pailingmiao, successfully outmaneuvering Tanaka's strategies. The resurgence of Chinese forces led to the disintegration of Qin's troops, who revolted and eventually joined the Nationalist army. The Kwantung Army aimed to redeploy its forces for recovery but faced opposition from Tokyo, which criticized the situation. After Chiang kai-shek was kidnapped by Zhang Xueliang on December 12, Tanaka and Prince De seized the opportunity to reassess their strategy. Ultimately, the Kwantung Army decided to abandon efforts to reclaim Pailingmiao, marking the official end of hostilities on December 21. The Suiyuan incident ultimately strengthened Chinese resolve against Japan and increased international distrust.   The defeat of Japan's proxy forces inspired many Chinese to advocate for a more vigorous resistance against the Japanese. The triumph in Suiyuan was celebrated throughout China and surprised the international media, marking the first occasion where the Chinese army successfully halted a Japanese unit. Delegations traveled from as distant as southern Chinese provinces to encourage the defenders to continue their fight. Captured Japanese weapons and equipment served as proof of Japan's involvement in the conflict, despite Japan's Foreign Minister Hachirō Arita claiming that "Japan was not involved in this conflict in Suiyuan at all." After his defeat, Prince Demchugdongrub and his Inner Mongolian troops retreated to northern Chahar, where he had to reconstruct his army due to significant losses. The Japanese implemented new regulations for the Mongolian Army to enhance its effectiveness, and efforts to recruit new soldiers commenced.   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. More incidents and more battles to seize territory raged in North China. However things did not go according to plan for the Japanese and their puppets. The tides had turned, and now a more angry and invigorating China would begin lashing out against the encroachment. It was only a matter of time before a full blown war was declared. 

Last time we spoke about Operation Chahar. In the turbulent year of 1935, tensions surged in North China as the Kwantung Army defied Tokyo's orders, encroaching deeper into Chahar province. This period was marked by widespread anti-Japanese sentiments, fueled by local revolts and the assassination of pro-Japanese figures, which infuriated Japanese authorities. On May 20, the Kwantung Army launched an offensive against a bandit group led by Sun Yungqin, seeking to exert control over the demilitarized regions established by earlier agreements. Their swift victory forced the resignation of local officials opposing Japanese interests. As chaos escalated, the Chinese government, under pressure to appease Japan, dismantled anti-Japanese factions and dismissed key leaders. The climax in this saga came with the signing of the He-Umezu Agreement, stripping China of authority in Hubei and Chahar, signaling Japan's increasing dominance and setting the stage for further exploitation of the region.   #150 The February 26 Incident 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. While this podcast is supposed to be given through the Chinese perspective, I apologize but yet again I need to jump over to the Japanese side. You see, a very pivotal moment during the Showa era would occur in the year of 1936. I think it's crucial to understand it, and the underlying issues of it, to better understand what we will be stuck in for the unforeseeable future, the Second Sino-Japanese War. I've briefly mentioned the two factions within the Japanese military at this time, but now I'd really like to jump into them, and a major incident that made them collide. In the aftermath of WW1, 2 prominent factions emerged during this tumultuous period: the Kodoha, or Imperial Way Faction, and the Toseiha, or Control Faction. Each faction represented distinct visions for Japan's future, deeply influencing the nation's course leading up to World War II. The Kodoha rose to prominence in the 1920s, driven by a fervent belief in Japan's divine destiny and its right to expand its imperial reach across Asia. This faction was characterized by its adherence to traditional Japanese values, rooted in the samurai ethos. They viewed the Emperor as the embodiment of Japan's spirit and sought to return to the moral foundations they believed had been eroded by “Western influence”. The Kodoha was often critical of the West, perceiving the encroachment of Western thought and culture as a threat to Japan's unique identity. Their ideology emphasized a robust military force, advocating for aggressive campaigns in regions like Manchuria and China to assert Japan's dominance. Contrasting sharply with the Kodoha, the Toseiha began to emerge as a more dominant political force in the late 1930s. The Toseiha embraced a pragmatic approach, advocating for a disciplined military that could engage effectively with the complexities of modern warfare. They recognized the importance of retaining some traditional values while also integrating Western military techniques. Rather than rejecting Western influence entirely, the Toseiha believed in adapting to global shifts to ensure Japan's strength and security. The Toseiha's moderation extended to their governance strategies, as they prioritized political stability and control over radical ideology. They saw this approach as crucial for creating a robust state capable of managing Japan's expansionist ambitions without provoking the backlash that Kodoha tactics elicited. Their more calculated approach to military expansion included securing partnerships and pursuing diplomatic solutions alongside military action, thereby presenting a less confrontational image to the world. Now after Manchuria was seized and Manchukuo was ushered in, many in the Japanese military saw a crisis emerge, that required a “showa restoration' to solve. Both factions aimed to create military dictatorships under the emperor. The Kodoha saw the USSR as the number one threat to Japan and advocated an invasion of them, aka the Hokushin-ron doctrine, but the Toseiha faction prioritized a national defense state built on the idea they must build Japans industrial capabilities to face multiple enemies in the future. What really separated the two, was the Kodoha sought to use a violent coup d'etat to make ends meet, whereas the Toseiha were unwilling to go so far. The Kodoha faction was made up mostly of junior and youthful officers, typically country boys as we would call them. These were young men whose families were not the blue bloods, farmer types. They viewed the dramatic changes of Japan in light of their own family experiences, many were impoverished by the dramatic changes. A very specific thing these Kodoha boys hated were the Zaibatsu. The Zaibatsu were large Japanese business conglomerates, primarily active from the Meiji period until WW2. They combined various industries, including banking, manufacturing, and trading. Prominent examples included Mitsubishi and Sumitomo. The reason they hated the Zaibatsu was because they believed they were influenced by western thought and that they super succeeded the authority of the emperor. More or less you can think of it as “we hate the fat cats who are really running things”.   Now the Toseiha faction were willing to work with the Zaibatsu to make Japan stronger. Basically they believed them to just be a necessary evil, you had to play ball to get things rolling. Random note, Hirohito's brother Prince Chichibu sympathized with the Kodoha faction and repeatedly counseled his brother that he should implement direct imperial rule even if it meant suspending the constitution, aka a show restoration. Hirohito believed his brother who was active in the IJA at the time was being radicalized. Now I cant go through the entire history of it, but this time period is known as the “government by assassination” period for Japan. Military leaders in the IJA, IJN and from within the Kodoha and Toseiha factions kept assassinating politicians and senior officers to push envelopes forward. Stating all of that, I now want to talk about the February 26th incident and I will add I am using a specific source, simply because it's my favorite. That is Herbert P Bix's Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan. In late 1934, several officers from the Imperial Way faction at the Army Cadet School were arrested for plotting a coup. Although there were no immediate repercussions, the following year, two of the same Kodoha officers, named Isobe Asaichi and Muranaka Takaji were arrested again for distributing a document accusing Toseiha faction officers, like Major General Nagata Tetsuzan, of previously drafting coup plans against the government. This time, the army's upper echelons responded firmly, condemning Isobe and Muranaka's accusations as acts of disloyalty, resulting in both officers losing their commissions. Meanwhile, other Imperial Way officers sought retaliation against Nagata, who was rumored to be planning a major purge to eliminate factionalism within the army. Tatsukichi Minobe was a Japanese statesman and scholar of constitutional law and in the 1930s he began a movement bringing up the very real issue with the Meiji constitution in relation to the role of the emperor. In August 1935, amid a populist movement denouncing Minobe's interpretation of the constitution, Lt colonel Aizawa Saburo from Kodoha faction entered Nagata's office and fatally attacked him with his katana. This marked a significant escalation in the military struggle over state reform and the push for increased military funding, which was intertwined with the movement against Minobe. Meanwhile anti- Prime Minister Okada factions within the army, continuing to use slogans like “kokutai clarification” and “denounce the organ theory,” intensified their attacks on the emperor's advisers and hereditary peers. Senior generals from the Kodoha faction arranged a public court-martial for Aizawa, held by the 1st Division, a group heavily populated by Kodoha officers based in Tokyo. When Aizawa's trial commenced on January 12, 1936, his defense team transformed it into an emotional condemnation of the Okada cabinet, the court entourage, and Minobe's constitutional theories. This strategy garnered support across the nation, even reaching unexpected places like the imperial palace, where Dowager Empress Teimei Kogo, a staunch rightist, expressed sympathy for Aizawa. However, before the trial could progress, a military mutiny disrupted proceedings in the capital. Shockwaves rippled through the army after Army Minister Hayashi dismissed Kodoha member General Mazaki from his position overseeing military education and ordered the transfer of the 1st Division to Manchuria, which ignited the largest army uprising in modern Japanese history. The uprising was orchestrated through a series of meetings held from February 18 to 22 by key individuals including Nishida, Yasuhide Kurihara, Teruzō Andō, Hisashi Kōno, Takaji Muranaka, and Asaichi Isobe. Their plan was relatively straightforward: the officers would assassinate the most prominent adversaries of the kokutai, seize control of the administrative center of the capital and the Imperial Palace, and present their demands, which included the dismissal of certain officials and the establishment of a new cabinet led by Mazaki. They did not establish long-term goals, believing that those should be determined by the Emperor. However, it is suspected that they were prepared to replace Hirohito with Prince Chichibu if necessary. The young Kodoha officers felt they had at least implicit support from several influential Imperial Japanese Army officers after making informal inquiries. This group included figures such as Araki, Minister of War Yoshiyuki Kawashima, Jinzaburō Mazaki, Tomoyuki Yamashita, Kanji Ishiwara, Shigeru Honjō, as well as their immediate superiors, Kōhei Kashii and Takeo Hori. Later, Kawashima's successor as Minister of War remarked that if all the officers who had endorsed the rebellion were forced to resign, there would not have been enough high-ranking officers left to replace them. To articulate their intentions and grievances, the young officers prepared a document titled "Manifesto of the Uprising" “Kekki Shuisho”, which they intended to present to the Emperor. Although the document was authored by Muranaka, it was written under the name of Shirō Nonaka, the highest-ranking officer involved in the plot. The document aligned with Kokutai Genri-ha ideals, criticizing the genrō, political leaders, military factions, zaibatsu, bureaucrats, and political parties for jeopardizing the kokutai with their selfishness and disregard for the Emperor, and emphasized the need for direct action: “Now, as we face immense foreign and domestic challenges, if we do not eliminate the disloyal and unjust who threaten the kokutai, if we do not remove the villains obstructing the Emperor's authority and hindering the Restoration, the Imperial vision for our nation will come to naught [...] Our duty is to purge the malevolent ministers and military factions surrounding the Emperor and eradicate their influence; we shall fulfill this mission.” Seven targets were selected for assassination for "threatening the kokutai". Keisuke Okada served as Prime Minister, where he notably advocated for the London Naval Treaty and supported the "organ theory" of the kokutai. His actions reflect a commitment to international agreements and specific ideological principles at the time. Saionji Kinmochi, a Genrō and former Prime Minister, also supported the London Naval Treaty. However, his influence extended further, as he played a role in prompting the Emperor to establish inappropriate cabinets, impacting political stability. Makino Nobuaki, the former Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal and Foreign Minister, was another key figure who supported the London Naval Treaty. He notably prevented Prince Fushimi from voicing protests to the Emperor during this period, and he established a court faction in collaboration with Saitō, further entrenching political alliances. In his capacity as Grand Chamberlain, Kantarō Suzuki supported the London Naval Treaty but faced criticism for "obstructing the Imperial virtue," suggesting tensions between political decisions and traditional values. Saitō Makoto, who served as Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal and former Prime Minister, was involved in advocating for the London Naval Treaty and played a significant role in Mazaki's dismissal. He, too, formed a court faction with Makino, indicating the intricacies of court politics. Takahashi Korekiyo, as Finance Minister and former Prime Minister, engaged in party politics with the aim of diminishing military influence. His approach was focused on maintaining the existing economic structure amid the shifting political landscape. Finally, Jōtarō Watanabe, who replaced Mazaki as Inspector General of Military Education, supported the "organ theory" of the kokutai yet faced criticism for refusing to resign, despite being considered unsuitable for his position. On the night of February 25, Tokyo experienced a heavy snowfall, which uplifted the rebel officers as it evoked memories of the 1860 Sakuradamon Incident. During this event, political activists known as shishi assassinated Ii Naosuke, the chief advisor to the Shōgun, in the name of the Emperor. The rebel forces, organized into six groups, began mobilizing their troops and departing from their barracks between 3:30 and 4:00 AM. At 5:00 AM, they launched simultaneous attacks on key targets, including Okada, Takahashi, Suzuki, Saito, the Ministry of War, and the headquarters of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. At around five o'clock on the morning of February 26, 1936, a rebellion erupted, fueled by the long-standing tensions surrounding the kokutai issues that had plagued 1935. Twenty-two junior officers led over 1,400 armed soldiers and non-commissioned officers from three regiments of the 1st Division and an infantry unit of the Imperial Guards in a mutiny in snow-covered Tokyo. The attack on Okada involved a contingent of 280 men from the 1st Infantry Regiment, commanded by 1st Lieutenant Yasuhide Kurihara. The troops encircled the Prime Minister's Residence and compelled its guards to open the gates. Upon entering the compound, they attempted to locate Prime Minister Okada but were met with gunfire from four policemen stationed there. All four policemen were killed, wounding six rebel soldiers in the process. However, the shots served as a warning for Okada, prompting his brother-in-law, Colonel Denzō Matsuo, to help him find refuge. Matsuo, who closely resembled Okada, was eventually discovered by the soldiers and killed. After comparing Matsuo's wounded face to a photograph of the prime minister, the attackers mistakenly believed they had accomplished their mission. Okada managed to escape the following day, but this information was kept confidential, and he did not play any further role in the events. After Matsuo's death, Kurihara's men took up guard positions around the compound, reinforced by sixty soldiers from the 3rd Imperial Guard. In another key operation, Captain Kiyosada Kōda led a group of 160 men to seize control of the Minister of War's residence, the Ministry of War, and the General Staff Office. Upon entering the Minister's residence at 6:30 AM, they demanded to see Minister Kawashima. Once admitted, they read their manifesto aloud and presented a document detailing several demands, including: A prompt resolution to the situation that would further "advance the cause of the Restoration." A call to prevent the use of force against the Righteous Army. The arrest of Kazushige Ugaki (Governor-General of Korea), Jirō Minami (commander of the Kwantung Army), Kuniaki Koiso (commander of the Korean Army), and Yoshitsugu Tatekawa for their roles in undermining military command. The immediate dismissal of Lieutenant Colonel Akira Mutō, Colonel Hiroshi Nemoto, and Major Tadashi Katakura from the Imperial Japanese Army for promoting "factionalism." The appointment of Araki as the new commander of the Kwantung Army. Ugaki, who served as Minister of War during two separate terms, had overseen significant reductions and modernization efforts within the army. He had also failed to support the March Incident plotters, who had hoped to install him as Prime Minister. Minami, Mutō, Nemoto, and Katakura were all influential members of the Tōsei-ha faction; Katakura had been partly responsible for reporting on the Military Academy Incident. Later that morning, Isobe encountered Katakura outside the Ministry of War and shot him non-fatally in the head. During this tumultuous period, several officers sympathetic to the rebels, including General Mazaki, General Tomoyuki Yamashita, and General Ryū Saitō, joined the uprising. Saitō praised the young officers' spirit and encouraged Kawashima to accept their demands. Shortly before 9:00 am, Kawashima indicated he needed to speak with the Emperor and left for the Imperial Palace. Meanwhile, Captain Hisashi Kōno led a team of seven, comprised mostly of civilians, to attack Makino Nobuaki, who was staying at Kōfūsō, part of the ryokan Itōya in Yugawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, with his family. Arriving at 5:45 am, they stationed two men outside while entering the inn with weapons drawn. Inside, policemen opened fire, leading to a lengthy exchange of gunfire. A policeman managed to alert Makino and his party of the danger, guiding them to a rear exit. Although the assassins fired at the escaping group, Makino successfully evaded capture. Kōno sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, and one policeman, Yoshitaka Minagawa, was killed. As Kōno was evacuated from the scene, the assailants set fire to the building. Hearing a gunshot, Kōno assumed that Makino had shot himself inside. After his recovery at a nearby military hospital, Kōno and his team were arrested by military police. Around 10:00 am, Kurihara and Nakahashi loaded a fleet of three trucks with sixty men and drove from the Prime Minister's Residence to the offices of the Asahi Shimbun, a significant liberal newspaper. They stormed the building, ordering the evacuation of employees and declaring their actions as "divine retribution for being an un-Japanese newspaper." The rebels then overturned and scattered the newspaper's type trays, containing 4,000 different characters, temporarily halting its publication. Following this attack, the men distributed copies of the uprising's manifesto to nearby newspapers before returning to the Prime Minister's Residence. On another front, 1st Lieutenant Motoaki Nakahashi of the 3rd Imperial Guard gathered 135 men and, under the pretext of paying respects at Yasukuni Shrine, marched to Takahashi Korekiyo's residence. There, he divided his forces, sending one group to attack while the other remained to guard the entrance. After breaking into the compound, Nakahashi and Lieutenant Kanji Nakajima found Takahashi in bed, where Nakahashi shot him while Nakajima delivered a fatal sword strike. Takahashi died without waking. Once his target was eliminated, Nakahashi regrouped with the soldiers and proceeded to the Imperial Palace, aiming to secure it. Entering through the western Hanzō Gate at 6:00 am, Nakahashi informed Major Kentarō Honma, the palace guard commander, that he had been dispatched to reinforce the gates due to earlier attacks. Honma, already aware of the uprisings, accepted Nakahashi's arrival. He was assigned to help secure the Sakashita Gate, the primary entrance to the Emperor's residence. Nakahashi planned to signal nearby rebel troops at police headquarters once he controlled access to the Emperor. However, he struggled to contact his allies, and by 8:00 am, Honma learned of his involvement in the uprising and ordered him, at gunpoint, to vacate the palace grounds. Nakahashi complied and returned to join Kurihara at the Prime Minister's Residence, while his soldiers remained at the gate until relieved later that day, preventing their inclusion in the government's official count of rebel forces. Elsewhere, 1st Lieutenant Naoshi Sakai led a detachment of 120 men from the 3rd Infantry Regiment to Saitō Makoto's home in Yotsuya. After surrounding the policemen on guard, five soldiers entered the residence and found Saitō and his wife, Haruko, in their bedroom. They shot Saitō dead, prompting Haruko to plead for her life, saying, "Please kill me instead!" While they pulled her away, she was unwittingly wounded by stray gunfire. Following Saitō's assassination, two officers directed another group to target General Watanabe, while the remaining men moved to strategically position themselves northeast of the Ministry of War. In Kōjimachi, Captain Teruzō Andō commanded 200 men from the 3rd Infantry Regiment to assault Suzuki's residence across from the Imperial Palace. After disarming the police on duty, they located Suzuki in his bedroom and shot him twice. When Andō moved to deliver the coup de grâce with his sword, Suzuki's wife implored to be allowed to do it herself, believing her husband to be fatally wounded. Andō obliged and, apologizing for the act, explained it was for the nation's sake. After saluting Suzuki, the soldiers left to guard the Miyakezaka junction north of the Ministry of War. Following the assault on Saitō, a party of twenty men, led by 2nd Lieutenants Tarō Takahashi and Yutaka Yasuda, headed to Watanabe's residence in Ogikubo after 7:00 AM. Despite the two-hour delay since previous attacks, no measures had been taken to alert Watanabe. As they attempted to storm the front entrance, military police inside opened fire, wounding Yasuda and another soldier. The troops then gained entry through the rear, confronting Watanabe's wife outside their bedroom. After shoving her aside, they found Watanabe using a futon as cover. He opened fire, prompting one soldier to retaliate with a light machine gun. Takahashi then rushed in and fatally stabbed Watanabe, witnessed by his nine-year-old daughter, Kazuko, who hid nearby. The soldiers departed, taking their wounded to a hospital before positioning themselves in northern Nagatachō. In a significant move, Captain Shirō Nonaka led nearly a third of the rebel forces, comprising 500 men from the 3rd Infantry Regiment, to assault the Tokyo Metropolitan Police headquarters. Their objective was to secure communication equipment and prevent dispatch of the police's Emergency Service Unit. Meeting no resistance, they quickly occupied the building, possibly due to a strategic decision to leave the situation in the military's hands. After securing the police headquarters, 2nd Lieutenant Kinjirō Suzuki led a small group to attack Fumio Gotō's residence, the Home Minister's, but found that Gotō was not home, thus allowing him to escape. This attack appeared to result from Suzuki's independent decision, rather than a coordinated effort among the officers. Despite all of these actions, the Kodoha boys had failed to secure the Sakashita Gate to the palace, which allowed the palace to maintain communication with the outside world, and they neglected to address potential naval interventions. At the Yokosuka naval base, Rear Adm. Yonai Mitsumasa and his chief of staff, Inoue Shigeyoshi, positioned marines to defend the Navy Ministry and prepared warships in Tokyo Bay to suppress the rebellion. By the morning of February 28, after unsuccessful negotiations through sympathetic officers at army headquarters, the commander under martial law transmitted an imperial order to disperse. Most troops returned to their barracks, one officer committed suicide, and the remaining leaders surrendered, resulting in the uprising ending with minimal further violence. Nevertheless, martial law in Tokyo continued for nearly five months. The rebel officers had initially planned for General Kawashima, a staunch ally of the Kodoha, to relay their intentions to the emperor, who they assumed would issue a decree for a “Showa restoration.” Despite their radical objectives of overthrowing the political order, the mutineers, like other military and civilian extremists of the 1930s, sought to operate within the imperial framework and maintain the kokutai. They believed the emperor was under the control of his advisers and lacked a genuine will of his own. Once the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal and the Grand Chamberlain were removed, they expected the emperor to appoint General Mazaki as prime minister, a leader they believed would reinforce the military and effectively address the China issue. At the onset of the insurrection, they had a real chance of success. The Tokyo military police commander, General Kashii Kohei, sympathized with their cause, and the emperor's chief aide, General Honjo, was related to rebel officer Capain Yamaguchi Ichitaro. Support for the mutineers was present at military bases nationwide. Historian Hata Ikuhiko notes that the rebels contacted General Honjo by both phone and written message before attacking the Okada cabinet. As the first in the imperial entourage to learn of the mutiny, Honjo could have warned the intended targets but chose not to do so. By the time he arrived at court at 6:00 am. on the 26th, key advisors like Chief Secretary Kido, Imperial Household Minister Yuasa Kurahei, and Vice Grand Chamberlain Hirohata Tadakata were already aware of the potential danger. Suzuki was murdered, and the emperor was deeply affected, awakening to the news at 5:40 am from the chamberlain on night duty, Kanroji Osanaga. He learned that his old ministers had been attacked and a coup was underway. Upon receiving this information, Hirohito resolved to suppress the uprising. He was outraged by the killing of his ministers and feared that the rebels might use his brother, Prince Chichibu, to force him to abdicate. He donned his army uniform and summoned Honjo, ordering him to “end it immediately and turn this misfortune into a blessing.” Hirohito adopted a strategy proposed by Kido, who had acted swiftly earlier that morning, instructing Honjo to assess the Imperial Guard Division's potential actions if the mutineers advanced on the Palace. Kido aimed to prevent the establishment of a new provisional cabinet until the mutiny was fully quelled. At 9:30 am Army Minister Kawashima, who had previously met with one of the rebel officers, arrived at court. He urged the emperor to form a cabinet that would “clarify the kokutai, stabilize national life, and fulfill national defense.” Surprised by Kawashima's tone, Hirohito reprimanded him for not prioritizing the suppression of the mutiny. He also expressed his frustration to Chief of the Navy General Staff Prince Fushimi, dismissing him when he inquired about forming a new cabinet. Later that day, Kawashima met with the Supreme Military Council, consisting mainly of army officers sympathetic to the rebels. The council decided to attempt persuasion before relaying the emperor's orders a move contrary to Hirohito's directive. According to historian Otabe Yuji, an “instruction” was issued to the rebel officers at 10:50 am, acknowledging their motives and suggesting the emperor might show them leniency. This message was communicated to the ringleaders by martial law commander General Kashii. That evening, when members of the Okada cabinet came to submit their resignations, Hirohito insisted they remain in power until the mutiny was resolved. On February 27, the second day of the uprising, Hirohito announced “administrative martial law” based on Article 8 of the Imperial Constitution. This invoked his sovereign powers to address the crisis while freeing him from needing cabinet approval for his actions. Hirohito displayed remarkable energy throughout the subsequent days, sending chamberlains to summon Honjo for updates and threatening to lead the Imperial Guard Division himself when dissatisfied with the reports. Honjo, however, resisted the emperor's demands and exhibited sympathy for the rebels. During the uprising, Hirohito met with Prince Chichibu, who had recently returned from Hirosaki. Their discussions reportedly led Chichibu to distance himself from the rebels. However, rumors of his sympathy for them persisted, leading to concerns about potential conflicts within the imperial family. On the second day, Rear Admiral Yonai and his chief of staff demonstrated their loyalty to Hirohito. By February 29, the fourth day of the uprising, Hirohito had reasserted his authority, troops were returning to their barracks, and most rebel leaders were captured. Seventeen of these leaders were court-martialed and executed in July without legal representation. Shortly after, during the obon festival, Hirohito allegedly instructed a military aide to secure seventeen obon lanterns for the palace. This action, though secret, may have provided him some personal comfort amidst the turmoil. An investigation following the mutiny revealed that the rebels' sense of crisis was amplified by the recent general elections, which had shown an anti-military sentiment among voters. Despite their populist rhetoric, most ringleaders were not motivated by the agricultural depression; their goal was to support the kokutai by advocating for increased military rearmament. During this period, military spending steadily rose from 3.47% of GNP in 1931 to 5.63% in 1936. Intriguingly, the ringleaders and their senior commanders shared a desire for state control over production to mobilize resources fully for total war. While united in this goal, their ideas about how to achieve a “Showa restoration” varied greatly, with some leaders, like Isobe, calling for complete economic consolidation and a return to strong state power. The February mutiny reinforced Hirohito's belief in the constitutional framework that underpinned his military authority. He became increasingly cautious about decisions that could compromise his command and developed closer ties to the army's Control faction, justifying military spending increases. Yet, the memory of the mutiny left him feeling uncertain about the throne's stability. Now you know me, whenever I can bring up Hirohito's involvement in the war related times I gotta do. After WW2, in an apparent effort to downplay his role as supreme commander, Hirohito provided a deliberately distorted account of the February events. “I issued an order at that time for the rebel force to be suppressed. This brings to mind Machida Chuji, the finance minister. He was very worried about the rebellion's adverse effect on the money market and warned me that a panic could occur unless I took firm measures. Therefore I issued a strong command to have [the uprising] put down. As a rule, because a suppression order also involves martial law, military circles, who cannot issue such an order on their own, need the mutual consent of the government. However, at the time, Okada's whereabouts were unknown. As the attitude of the Army Ministry seemed too lenient, I issued a strict order. Following my bitter experiences with the Tanaka cabinet, I had decided always to wait for the opinions of my advisers before making any decision, and not to go against their counsel. Only twice, on this occasion and at the time of the ending of the war, did I positively implement my own ideas. Ishiwara Kanji of the Army General Staff Office also asked me, through military aide Chojiri [Kazumoto], to issue a suppression order. I don't know what sort of a person Ishiwara is, but on this occasion he was correct, even though he had been the instigator of the Manchurian Incident. Further, my chief military aide, Honjo, brought me the plan drafted by Yamashita Hobun, in which Yamashita asked me to please send an examiner because the three leaders of the rebel army were likely to commit suicide. However, I thought that sending an examiner would imply that they had acted according to their moral convictions and were deserving of respect. . . . So I rejected Honjo's proposal, and [instead] issued the order to suppress them. I received no report that generals in charge of military affairs had gone and urged the rebels to surrender.”  On February 26, when Hirohito ordered the immediate suppression of the rebels, his anger was directed not only at the insurgents who had assassinated his closest advisors but also at senior army officers who were indecisive in executing the crackdown. The following day, in addition to his role as Minister of Commerce and Industry, Machida took on the responsibilities of finance minister. Concerns over economic panic and confusion contributed to the emperor's sense of urgency, despite not being the primary motivation for his actions. Hirohito believed that every hour of delay tarnished Japan's international reputation. Since the Manchurian Incident, the emperor had frequently clashed with the military regarding encroachments on his authority, though never about fundamental policy issues. At times, he had managed to assert his political views during policy discussions, similar to his earlier influence under the Hamaguchi cabinet. The February 26 mutiny highlighted to Hirohito and Yuasa his privy seal from March 1936 to June 1940, and the first lord keeper of the privy seal to attend court regularly the necessity of fully exercising the emperor's supreme command whenever the situation demanded it. Even when faced with opposition from Honjo, Hirohito managed to gain support and assert his authority through a decisive approach. His resolution marked the end of a period during which alienated “young officers” attempted to leverage his influence as a reformist figure to challenge a power structure they could not manipulate effectively. However, Hirohito learned how to adeptly manage that establishment in most situations. The decision-making process within the government was characterized by secrecy, indirect communication, vague policy drafting, and information manipulation, creating a landscape of confusion, misunderstanding, and constant intrigue aimed at achieving consensus among elites. This was the modus operandi in Tokyo and a reflection of how the emperor operated. Once again, Hirohito reminded the tightly-knit elite that he was essential to the functioning of the system. On May 4, 1936, during his address at the opening ceremony of the Sixty-ninth Imperial Diet, while Tokyo remained under martial law, Hirohito closed the chapter on the February mutiny. Initially, he contemplated sending a strong message of censure to the military, but after considerable deliberation over three months, he ultimately chose to issue a brief, innocuous statement: “We regret the recent incident that occurred in Tokyo.” The response from his audience of Diet members and military officials was one of startled awe, with some privately expressing disappointment. Once again, at a critical juncture, Hirohito avoided an opportunity to publicly rein in the military through his constitutional role. Nonetheless, due to his behind-the-scenes actions, the drift in domestic policy that had characterized Japan since the Manchurian Incident came to an end. In the following fourteen months, the emperor and his advisors largely aligned with the army and navy's demands for increased military expansion and state-driven industrial development. 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. So some very unruly young Japanese officers got the bright idea of forcing a showa restoration by killing all the culprits they believed held their emperor hostage. Little did they know, this event spelt the end of the Kodoha faction and rise of the Toseiha faction. Henceforth the military was even more in charge and would get even more insane.