Podcasts about shirakawa

832 · Adventures by Disney Japan Recap: Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Tokyo & Kintsugi - Part 2 Every step through Japan tells a story - and this week, I want to share ours. From centuries-old villages to hidden antique shops, we went looking for adventure... and found something even more meaningful.  Japan continues to unfold its magic in Part 2 of our Adventures by Disney to Japan recap, as we travel to the serene mountain town of Takayama, the timeless village of Shirakawa-go, and the vibrant heart of Tokyo. But beyond the destinations, it was the small, unexpected moments that truly defined the journey - the quiet ones, the funny ones, and the ones that took our breath away. From stumbling into a tucked-away backstreet antique shop, to mending broken pottery with gold, to the awkward bravery of stepping into your first onsen... this wasn't just a trip. It was an experience that changed us. It's about the connections we made, the lessons we learned, the memories we'll never forget - and the Adventures by Disney difference.

830 · Adventures by Disney Japan Recap: Stories & Highlights - Part 1 Japan is truly unlike anywhere else in the world. And this week, I want to take you there - not with a guidebook, but through the memories, moments, and magic we experienced together on our recent WDW Radio Adventures by Disney Journey to Japan group trip. Join me and some of the friends (who are really more like family) from our group as we reflect on our journey through Kyoto, Hiroshima, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Tokyo - and how this adventure changed us in ways we never expected. We'll share the beauty, the surprises, and the emotion of this remarkable experience - and explore not just what makes Japan so special, but why Adventures by Disney makes it unforgettable. And if you weren't able to join us on this trip... don't worry. Stay tuned for the announcement of our next very special WDW Radio adventure. I promise - you won't want to miss it.

Stationed at Fort Apache, Rusty joins a surveying patrol to mark off correct boundaries for the Apache reservation. Lt Masters finds a few Indian braves of the Shirakawa tribe who…

Se sei già stato in Giappone e stai cercando un itinerario alternativo per la tua seconda volta, questo episodio fa per te! Ti portiamo nel cuore dell'inverno giapponese tra Nagano e Gifu, alla scoperta di onsen da sogno, paesaggi innevati, tradizioni autentiche e distillerie nascoste.

Karen Peterson and Bruce Lord review NJPW Windy City Riot at the Wintrust Arena with Hiroshi Tanahashi bidding America farewell in his final U.S match against Konosuke Takeshita and Hirooki Goto defending the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Shota Umino.   Plus: Zane Jay heads to Japan to prepare for his debut. Shirakawa vs. AZM ends in a double countout. Ishii dethrones Kidd in Sudden Death. Young Bucks issue a challenge to The War Dogs for Resurgence (and they're not arriving outnumbered). Takeshita and ELP bump heads at the show's end. Access all of our NJPW reviews by becoming a member at http://postwrestlingcafe.com------NJPW Windy City Riot 2025April 11, 2025Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IllinoisHiroshi Tanahashi's Final USA Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. KONOSUKE TAKESHITA - RecommendedIWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto (c) vs. Shota UminoDavid Finlay vs. Zack Sabre, Jr. - RecommendedEl Phantasmo & Rocky Romero vs. Tetsuya Naito & TitánNJPW STRONG Openweight Championship Ironman Match: Gabe Kidd (c) vs. Tomohiro Ishii - RecommendedNJPW STRONG Openweight Tag Championships: World Class Wrecking Crew (c) vs. Intergalactic JetsettersNJPW STRONG Women's Number One Contender's Match: Mina Shirakawa vs. AZMTJP vs. Tom LawlorKickoff: STRONG SURVIVOR Match: Zane Jay (NJPW STRONG SURVIVOR) vs. CJ TinoBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comX: http://www.twitter.com/POSTwrestlingInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/POSTwrestlingFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/POSTwrestlingYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/POSTwrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://postwrestling.com/discordMerch: http://Chopped-Tees.com/POSTwrestlingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The sound recorded is of an exibition of the Kokiriko bushi traditional dance. A man, in traditional clothes, plays a song on a little stereo and dances in front of a small audience. The setting is a traditional house made of dark timber, embers shine in the ash pit in the middle of the room. As he dances he plays the binzasara, a traditional instrument that can double as a decoration to ward off evil at home. UNESCO listing: Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Recorded by Riccardo Fumagalli. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world's most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage

Last time we spoke about the January 28th Incident. In January of 1932, tensions escalated in Shanghai as anti-Japanese sentiments surged after Japan's invasion of Manchuria. Orchestrated by Yoshiko Kawashima, a Japanese spy, a provocation led to violence, sparking outrage among Japanese expatriates. Japan demanded apologies and compensation from China, threatening military action if their demands were unmet. As the Japanese military amassed forces in Shanghai, the Chinese 19th Route Army prepared to resist, igniting the conflict known as the January 28th Incident, marking the beginning of a fierce struggle for control. Amidst chaos, the Nanjing government struggled to respond to Japan's escalating aggression in Shanghai. Chiang Kai-Shek prioritized avoiding war, urging a diplomatic approach to protect Shanghai's economy. Despite pressure, the 19th Route Army was ordered to withdraw, but tensions flared when Japan attacked the Chinese garrison. The 19th Route Army fiercely resisted, leading to intense battles. As Japan sent reinforcements, Chiang faced mounting protests and criticism for his passive stance, questioning whether he could maintain his strategy against the encroaching enemy.   #144 The First Battle of Shanghai 1932 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. In the last episode we covered the January 28th Incident. At 11:30 pm on January 28, Japan ordered 2,300 Japanese Marines to advance westward along every branch road on the west side of North Sichuan Road, without waiting for a response. This road, which crosses into the northern area of the International Settlement and has frequently been designated as a Japanese defense zone, includes Target Road (now known as Wujin Road in Hongkou District, Shanghai), Qiujiang Road, and Yokohama Road. Their objective was to seize the Songhu Railway defense line at Tiantong'an Station. They faced strong resistance from the 19th Route Army, further escalating the conflict. In the early hours of the 29th, Japanese aircraft launched from the Notoro seaplane carrier, which was moored on the Huangpu River, attacked the Chinese district of Zhabei. Both the Commercial Press located at No. 584 Baoshan Road and the Oriental Library, the largest private library in China with over 300,000 books, were completely destroyed. That same day the 19th Route Army sent a telegram to the entire nation concerning the situation: Do forgive me it's a rough translation “Urgent. Dear Sir and Madam, the Japanese have occupied our three northeastern provinces, changing the color of our territory and making our nation perish. Recently, they have killed and set fire in Shanghai, and vagrants are everywhere, doing the most despicable and violent things in the world. Gunboats are coming one after another, and the Marines are all landed. At 12:00 a.m. on the 28th, they openly invaded our defense line in Zhabei, Shanghai, and challenged us. Guang Nai and others are soldiers, and they only know that it is their duty to defend themselves and defend their land. They cannot give up even an inch of land or an inch of grass. They resist to save the country and protect the race. Even if they sacrifice only one person and one bullet, they will never retreat and lose the personality of the soldiers of the Republic of China. This thing and this ambition are exposed to the sun and the sun and are known to the world. The spirits of our ancestors in heaven are truly relying on it”. On the morning of January 29, Chiang Kai-shek met with He Yingqin and Zhu Peide to discuss countermeasures. Simultaneously Zhu Peide convened a meeting with He Yingqin, Gu Zhutong, Li Jishen, Deng Shizeng, Lin Wei, and others to address issues such as defense deployment, the security of Nanjing and the Yangtze River, and resistance against Japan. Chiang Kai-Shek established the principles going forward for negotiations with Japan, emphasizing the need to prepare for talks while actively resisting. He stated that negotiations must have a clear final line of defense and a maximum limit that would not compromise administrative and territorial integrity, undermine the spirit of the Nine-Power Treaty, or jeopardize national sovereignty. If these limits were exceeded and unacceptable concessions were made, a decisive battle would be fought, even at the cost of defeat and death.  The defense and military strategy for Beijing and Shanghai included the 19th Route Army defending Shanghai with full strength, while the front guard army consisting of the 87th and 88th divisions would protect Nanjing. He Yingqin would remain in Nanjing, overseeing all party, government, and military personnel left behind. Chiang, along with the Central Political Council of the Kuomintang, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the National Government, and Chen Mingshu, all expressed their commitment to resisting Japanese aggression. Chiang also sent a telegram to He Chengjun, director of the Hubei Province Pacification Office, and Xu Tingyao, commander of the Fourth Division, stating "Last night, the Japanese invaders attacked our 19th Route Defense Line in Zhabei, Shanghai, and the battle is ongoing. Our army is determined to fight to the death. Their naval forces in Han and Xun will likely engage in military operations. We urge you to remain vigilant and defend yourselves, never yielding to them. The Fourth Division should concentrate on strict defense in Wuhan and avoid dispersal. If military funds become scarce, local governments will need to raise them independently." The National Government Military Committee appointed Chiang Kai-shek, Feng Yuxiang, Yan Xishan, and Zhang Xueliang as members responsible for mobilizing the army and commanding the Shanghai War. Chiang Kai-Shek officially resumed power after resigning to prevent a surrender and committed to a prolonged resistance. On January 30, the Chinese Nationalist Government announced the relocation of the capital to Luoyang. Chiang Kai-shek sent a telegram urging resistance against the Japanese and dispatched the elite Fifth Army to reinforce Shanghai. That night, Dai Ji, the commander of the Songhu Garrison, took charge of military operations in Shanghai, overseeing the 19th Route Army. The commander-in-chief was Jiang Guangnai, with Cai Tingkai as the army commander and division commanders Qu Shounian, Mao Weishou, and Shen Guanghan. Chiang Kai-Shek then issued a telegram to his troops across the nation and again I apologize for the rough translation. "Since the Northeast Incident began, the Central Government has been enduring humiliation and maintaining peace in order to avoid war and protect the lifeline of the country. It hopes to use justice and fairness to awaken the Japanese pirates. Unexpectedly, the more we tolerate, the more arrogant they become. When the Shanghai Incident occurred, we accepted their demands with great pain, but the Japanese pirates still brazenly pressed on, repeatedly attacking our Shanghai Defense Force, bombing civilian houses, throwing bombs on the streets, and our compatriots were ravaged. The country is about to perish. Anyone with blood in his veins would rather endure it. Since the 19th Route Army has risen up to defend itself bravely, our entire army In this time of national destruction and extinction, when the revolutionary soldiers are facing imminent danger, they should fight for the dignity of the country, strive for the survival of the nation, fulfill their responsibilities for the revolution, and be determined to die rather than live in disgrace, so as to deal with the brutal Japan that destroys peace and despises faith and integrity... Chiang Kai-shek and his comrades have shared hardships for a long time. Although I am now in the opposition, I am willing to swear to live and die with the soldiers and fulfill my bounden duty. I am here to inform you in advance with my blood and sincerity, and ask you to be determined and work hard, share the same hatred with the enemy, do not be arrogant, maintain the spirit of sacrifice, stay ready to fight, and save the country from danger." From that day on, the various ministries, commissions and committees of the National Government began to move to Luoyang, but the Military Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remained in Nanjing . At the same time, the frontline troops were ordered to be jointly commanded by the Minister of Military Affairs He Yingqin and the Chief of the General Staff Zhu Peide.  Typically Chinese sources breakdown what is known as the First Battle of Shanghai into three phases. In the previous episode we looked through the event up until the point of the first phase. After the initial fighting, both the 19th route army and Japanese agreed to a ceasefire so they could strengthen their positions and at least allow some form of diplomacy to occur. This went into effect on the 29th. As we mentioned, immediately afterwards the Japanese rapidly began reinforcing their position in Shanghai. They first sent the Sasebo 26th Squadron on the 30th, bearing 474 troops of the Sasebo 3rd Special Marine Corps alongside supplies. The next day the aircraft carriers Kaga and Hosho came over with 30 aircraft from the 1st air fleet. Then the cruisers Naka, Yura and Abukuma alongside 4 torpedo boats came bearing another 2000 marines. On February 1st the Terukoku Maru brought over the Yokosuka 1st Special Marine corps, roughly 525 men who landed at Huishan Wharf. With all that said and done, roughly 7000 Japanese troops had been brought over. On February 1st, the IJN warships began bombarding Nanjing from the Yangtze River, prompting Yu Jishi to frantically demand Chiang Kai-Shek transfer more troops to Shanghai. That night the Japanese light cruiser Tenryu, the protected cruisers Hirado and Taima, and the seven ships of the Navy's 23rd Destroyer Squadron fired upon Nanjing using four 140mm guns, 12 152mm single-mounted rapid-fire guns, 12 120mm single-mounted guns, and 20 76mm single-mounted rapid-fire guns. The rich and officials fled the city for refuge, but the Japanese army did not land any men to follow up the attack. Simultaneously 40,000 Shanghai workers from over 20 Japanese owned cotton mills began an anti-Japanese strike, being heavily backed by Communists. The workers began aiding the 19th route army to blockade the Japanese in the factories and streets and sabotage what they could.  On February 2nd, the Japanese army attacked Wusong several times, but was repelled each time. On the 3rd the Japanese expanded their attacks against Zhabei, Baziqiao and other locations, but the Chinese defenders successfully repelled these assaults as well. On the 4th, the Japanese launched their first major offensive, which extended the conflict to Jiangwan and Wusong. Following a day of intense fighting, the Wusong fort was destroyed by enemy bombardment; however, the Japanese army was unable to land due to the determined resistance of the Chinese defenders. The anti-aircraft artillery company from the 88th Division, reassigned to the 4th Regiment of the 156th Brigade of the 19th Route Army, managed to shoot down a Japanese aircraft. After the failure of the general offensive, Yukiichi Shiozawa was dismissed and sent back to Japan. Vice Admiral Yoshisaburo Nomura, the newly appointed commander of the Third Fleet, succeeded Shiozawa. After Nomura assumed his role, the Japanese army began to bolster its forces. Japan had initially planned to deploy troops when tensions escalated in Shanghai, but the navy had opposed this move. However, as the situation deteriorated, the navy was compelled to seek assistance from the army. On February 2, the Japanese cabinet officially decided to send troops. In response to the urgent circumstances in Shanghai, they resolved to dispatch the Shanghai Dispatch Mixed Brigade, led by Brigade Commander Major General Shimomoto Kuma, along with the 9th Division, commanded by Lieutenant General Ueda Kenkichi. The Shanghai Dispatch Mixed Brigade and the Second Independent Tank Squadron were prioritized for transport. Concurrently, the Japanese Navy also sent the Yokosuka 2nd Special Marine Corps to Shanghai. The 24th Mixed Brigade landed in Wusong on the afternoon of February 7. By this time, the combined forces of the Japanese navy, army, and air force had exceeded 10,000 personnel. At dawn on February 8, the Japanese Army's 24th Mixed Brigade launched an attack on Zhanghuabang, Yunzaobang, and Wusong Town along three routes, but they were repelled by our forces. Meanwhile on February 4, the National Government Military Commission sent out a telegram that divided the country into four defense zones. The first zone, which includes the area north of the Yellow River, was assigned to Zhang Xueliang as the commander-in-chief. The second zone, covering the area south of the Yellow River, was placed under the command of Chiang Kai-shek. The third zone, encompassing the area south of the Yangtze River as well as Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, was led by He Yingqin. The fourth zone, which includes Guangdong and Guangxi, was commanded by Chen Jitang. The telegram also stated that, aside from maintaining troops for local stability, all commanders were to concentrate their forces within their respective defense zones to confront the aggressive Japanese. Additionally, a directive was issued for the provinces of Sichuan, Hunan, Guizhou, Hubei, Shaanxi, and Henan to send troops to serve as a general reserve. On February 5, upon learning that the Japanese army had been redeployed from mainland China to Shanghai, Chairman of the Military Commission Chiang Kai-shek sent a telegram from Luoyang to He Yingqin. He instructed that if the Japanese forces landed, the Chinese Air Force would engage in combat. Additionally, Chiang sent a message of condolence to Jiang Guangnai, Cai Tingkai, and Dai Ji of the 19th Route Army, stating "Brothers, you have been fighting valiantly for a week. Each time I reflect on the tremendous sacrifices made by the soldiers and their dedication, I feel a deep sadness... If necessary, Zhong (Zheng) can come to lead in person. When the Air Force enters the fray, the Army must establish various signals in advance to communicate with it and ensure coordinated efforts..." On the same day, the 88th Division arrived in Suzhou. On February 6, Chiang ordered the 261st Brigade of the 87th Division to move from Nanjing to reinforce Kunshan. The troops reached Kunshan on February 7. On February 8, Chiang directed He Yingqin to transfer an artillery battalion to support the 19th Route Army. Then, on February 9, Chiang Kai-shek mobilized the First Division, led by Commander Hu Zongnan, and the Seventh Division, commanded by Wang Jun, to prepare for reinforcement of the 19th Route Army in Shanghai. February 8th marks the second phase of the battle. On the 10th, to ensure that the 88th Division of the Central Army complied with the orders from the 19th Route Army of the Guangdong Army, Chiang Kai-shek sent a telegram to Yu Jishi insisting that "your troops must strictly follow the commands of Commander-in-Chief Chiang and coordinate their movements with allied forces." The Japanese Marine Corps, under Yukio Shiozawa, initiated a three-pronged encirclement attack from Hongkou. The National Army mounted a determined defense and ultimately repelled the Japanese forces, pursuing and destroying them, which significantly lowered their morale. On February 11, Chen Cheng, commander of the Central Army's 18th Army, sent a telegram to Chiang Kai-shek from Ji'an, Jiangxi, reporting that the troops had not been paid for nearly two months and were lacking food. At that time, the National Government was planning to redeploy the National Army that had been engaged in suppressing the Communists in Jiangxi to Zhejiang and Shanghai and to relocate the capital to Luoyang.  On February 12, following a battle at Caojiaqiao, the Japanese army's strategy to consolidate their forces was entirely disrupted. The next morning, February 13, the Japanese 24th Mixed Brigade crossed the Caojiaqiao Bridge in Zhuozaobang and engaged with the Nationalist army. Seizing the moment, the 19th Route Army Headquarters aimed to annihilate the Japanese forces. The Nationalist army surrounded the Japanese troops near the Yong'an Cotton Mill. Additionally, 60 members of a suicide squad launched a suicide attack, resulting in the complete destruction of 1,600 Japanese soldiers. The Japanese army faced significant losses, thwarting their attempt to swiftly capture Wusong. On February 14, Chiang ordered the 88th and 87th Divisions, which were already stationed in Nanxiang and Kunshan near Shanghai, to be reorganized into the Fifth Army. He appointed Zhang Zhizhong, a volunteer eager to fight against the Japanese, as the commander of the Fifth Army. This new army was placed under the unified command of the 19th Route Army and took over the defense line stretching from the northern end of Jiangwan through Miaoxing to the western end of Wusong. It served as the left-wing army, while the 19th Route Army acted as the right-wing, tasked with defending Jiangwan, the area south of Dachang, and the urban region of Shanghai. To replenish the 19th Route Army's losses, Chiang repeatedly ordered reinforcements from various locations. For instance, on February 15, Shangguan Yunxiang dispatched 500 active soldiers from Bengbu to the 19th Route Army; on February 17, Liang Guanying sent 500 unarmed soldiers from Qingjiangpu; and on February 19, Liu Zhi contributed 1,000 active unarmed soldiers from Henan. On February 16, Chiang Kai-shek communicated with Finance Minister Song Ziwen via telegram, stating, "Since the Japanese refuse to withdraw their troops from Shanghai, we must resist until the end. ... Food supplies in Jiangxi and Henan will dwindle, and assistance will be completely halted. Please arrange to deposit 10 million yuan in central banknotes in Nanchang and 20 million yuan in Zhengzhou. This will allow the government to continue functioning, the army to be sustained, and perhaps we can navigate this crisis and avert collapse. This is my final request. I hope you can find a way to assist." To prevent any friction between the Fifth Army and the Nineteenth Route Army over competing for military accolades, Chiang Kai-shek sent a telegram to Zhang Zhizhong and Yu Jishi on February 18. "The fight against Japan is a matter of national survival and is not a matter of honor for an individual or a certain unit. Our frontline officers and men should fully understand this. Therefore, the honor of the 19th Route Army is the honor of our entire National Revolutionary Army. There is absolutely no distinction between honor and disgrace. The Fifth Army's joining the front line is feared by the enemy and will also be slandered by the reactionaries (those who oppose the Nanjing Central Government). If we can continue to fight in the name of the 19th Route Army, it will be enough to demonstrate the strength of our National Revolutionary Army. We will share life and death, let alone honor and disgrace. I hope that this will be conveyed to the officers and men of the Fifth Army. They must unite and fight with our 19th Route Army and make no sacrifices to complete the revolutionary mission." Over on the other side, following reports of significant losses suffered by the Japanese army in Wusong, Tokyo received an imperial decree from Emperor Hirohito demanding the Shanghai incident get settled quick. In response, Chief of Staff Zairen urgently ordered the 9th Army Division, commanded by Ueda Kenkichi, to swiftly reinforce Shanghai. By the afternoon of February 13, the main contingent of the 9th Division had arrived at Shanghai Port, and by February 16, all personnel had disembarked in Wusong. Consequently, Lieutenant General Ueda took over command from Nomura. At this point, the Japanese invading forces comprised over 30,000 troops from naval, land, and air units, along with 60 to 70 field artillery pieces, more than 60 aircraft, and dozens of ships concentrated at the Wusong mouth. Ueda issued a statement late on the night of the 13th, asserting, "If anyone obstructs our division from fulfilling its mission, we will take decisive action without hesitation." On the 18th, he sent an ultimatum to Cai Tingkai, demanding, "Your army must immediately cease hostilities and withdraw from the following areas by 5:00 p.m. on February 20: on the west bank of the Huangpu River, retreat from areas connecting the western end of the concession, Caojiadu Town, Zhoujiaqiao Town, and Pushong Town to the north; on the east bank, withdraw from areas connecting Lannidu and Zhangjialou Town to the north, and retreat to a zone 20 kilometers away from the border of each concession Additionally, all military installations in the specified areas must be dismantled and no new ones established. If these demands are not met, the Japanese army will have no choice but to act freely against your forces, and your army will bear all resulting consequences." In response to Ueda's ultimatum, Tsai and Chiang ordered their front-line troops to fire heavily at Japanese positions as a warning. On the morning of February 20, Ueda commanded a full-scale attack across the front, employing tactics to break through the center while flanking from both sides. The 9th Division led the assault on the junction of Jiangwan and Miaohang, aiming to encircle Wusong from the north with the Kurume Brigade and Zhabei with the Marine Corps from the south. The Japanese began with artillery bombardments, followed by infantry and tank assaults on the Zhanghuabang and Yangshupu lines, both of which were successfully repelled by Chinese defenders. Over a thousand Japanese soldiers and several tanks in Zhabei were killed or wounded due to landmines. On February 21, Ueda personally directed thousands of infantry, supported by aircraft and artillery, to attack the Chinese defensive positions. Both sides incurred heavy casualties, and the battle continued until dawn on the 23rd. The Japanese forces attempted to encircle Jiangwan Town from Jiangwan Station, but the Chinese defenders fought valiantly, launching multiple charges and capturing Japanese Major Kong Sheng along with hundreds of soldiers. Ultimately, the Japanese army was unable to withstand the resistance and began to retreat. After the Japanese 9th Division arrived in Shanghai, it prepared to initiate a second major assault on the defenders of the city. The strategy involved a comprehensive attack stretching from Zhabei to Wusong to contain the Chinese army's strength, with primary forces concentrated on Jiangwan and Miaohang. The goal was to seize these two strategic points, achieve a breakthrough in the center, sever the link between the 5th Army and the 19th Route Army, and then defeat them individually. At dawn on February 20, the Japanese dispatched over ten aircraft for reconnaissance and bombing missions over the Miaohang area. Naval artillery and heavy army cannons heavily shelled the Miaohang positions. Simultaneously, Japanese artillery bombarded the Yunzaobang area in an effort to force a crossing and facilitate the Miaohang offensive.   By 9 am, part of the Japanese forces advanced towards the Xiaochang Temple and the Maijiazhai position, immediately conducting a fire search on our troops' positions. At noon, 3,000 Japanese soldiers launched an attack against our forces. The officers and soldiers of the 527th Regiment, defending the Maijiazhai and Zhuyuandun positions, mounted a counterattack, marking the beginning of the Battle of Miaohang. After three hours of intense fighting, the Japanese suffered significant casualties and were unable to continue, retreating to their original positions. Following this, over 2,000 Japanese troops attacked the Xiaochang Temple and Jinjiatang positions. The officers and soldiers of the 523rd Regiment, taking cover in the trenches, launched counterattacks and successfully repelled the Japanese forces. As dusk fell, the Japanese infantry halted their assaults, but naval and land artillery continued to bombard our positions in an attempt to weaken our defenses and personnel for a renewed attack the following day. On February 21, Japanese artillery relentlessly shelled the positions of the 88th Division of the Fifth Army in Miaohang. Following this, thousands of Japanese infantry launched an assault on the Yanjiazhai and Miaohang Town front. As the Japanese forces advanced, the officers and soldiers of the 523rd and 524th Regiments bravely counterattacked and successfully repelled them. However, a significant number of enemy troops coordinated a comprehensive assault on the Maijiazhai, Zhuyuandun, Xiaochangmiao, and Yanjiazhai lines south of Miaohang. Our 523rd, 524th, and 527th Regiments engaged in intense combat with the enemy, particularly at the Zhuyuandun front near Maijiazhai and Xu Xu, where the fighting was especially fierce. After a day of conflict, the enemy was temporarily pushed back. On February 22, the Japanese 9th Division launched a full-scale attack on the Miaohang position held by the 88th Division of the Fifth Army. Throughout the day, aircraft bombed the Chinese defenders, and thousands of artillery shells were fired at them. However, under the direct command of Zhang Zhizhong, the enemy faced a devastating defeat due to the coordinated three-pronged assault by the Sun Yuanliang Brigade, the Song Xilian Brigade, and the 61st Division of the 19th Route Army. The Miaohang position was ultimately saved from peril, inflicting heavy casualties on the elite forces of the Japanese 9th Division and the Kurume Mixed Brigade. This victory became known as the "Miaohang Victory." In the days that followed, the enemy continued their bombardment and attacks but were consistently repelled by the defenders. The Japanese army suffered significant losses, shifting from an all-out offensive to a more focused approach before ultimately halting their attacks. By the 25th, Ueda's overall offensive strategy had also failed. On February 24, the Japanese army decided to escalate the conflict once more, transferring the 11th and 14th divisions from Japan to join the Shanghai Expeditionary Force, which included troops already engaged in the war. At that time, the flagship of the Japanese Navy's Third Fleet, the Izumo, sustained damage from a bombing raid carried out by the suicide squad of the 19th Route Army, which sent shockwaves through Japan. Additionally, the large troop presence made a quick resolution to the war impossible. Consequently, on the 23rd, the Japanese cabinet decided to promptly reinforce the army. The General Staff then established the Shanghai Expeditionary Army Command, appointing General Shirakawa Yoshinori, the former Minister of War in the Tanaka Cabinet, to replace Ueda. They dispatched the 11th Division (led by Lieutenant General Atsutarou Atsuto), the 14th Division (led by Lieutenant General Naoaki Matsuki), and over 100 aircraft to China to initiate a larger-scale offensive in Shanghai. After several reinforcements, the Japanese forces in Shanghai, under Shirakawa's command, grew to over 90,000 troops, supported by 80 warships and 300 aircraft, significantly enhancing their combat effectiveness. In contrast, the total strength of the Chinese defenders was less than 50,000, with inadequate equipment. After a month of intense fighting, the Chinese forces had suffered heavy losses, leaving their river defenses in the Taicang Liuhe area vulnerable. Learning from the failures of the previous three commanders' frontal assaults, Shirakawa opted to land at Liuhe and flank the Songhu defenders. He directed the 9th Division and other units to launch a direct attack on Songhu and Shanghai while using the 3rd Fleet to escort the 11th Division into the Yangtze River estuary. They executed surprise landings at Liuhekou, Yanglinkou, and Qiyakou, quickly outflanking the defenders. On March 1, the Japanese forces initiated attacks in Naobei, Jiangwan, and Miaohang, employing heavy artillery, field guns, and aircraft for continuous bombardment. The infantry capitalized on this to engage in close-quarters combat, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. Meanwhile, Shirakawa secretly instructed the 11th Division to exploit the weakness of the Chinese troops in Liuhe, forcibly landing at Qiyakou, Yanglinkou, and Liubinkou, ultimately capturing Liuhe. The fall of Liuhe posed a significant threat to the flank and rear of the Chinese army, compelling the entire force to retreat to the second line of defense (the Jiading-Huangdu line) by the evening of March 1.  After 34 days of intense fighting, they were forced to retreat to their second line of defense. At this point, the war had entered its final phase, resulting in a stalemate between the two sides. On the 2nd, the Japanese army seized Shanghai, and by March 3, they occupied Zhenru and Nanxiang, subsequently announcing a ceasefire. Now while we have been focused on the Japanese and Chinese perspectives in this, the international community was also heavily involved in the background. After the outbreak of hostilities, the British and American consuls in Shanghai offered to mediate. However despite a ceasefire being implemented the hostilities continued. So on February 2nd, Britain, America, France, Italy and Germany sent a notice to China and Japan "proposing to stop the conflict; (1) both sides immediately stop all violent acts according to the following conditions; (2) there will be no mobilization or preparation for any hostile acts between the two countries; (3) the Chinese and Japanese combatants in Shanghai will withdraw from the contact points; (4) a neutral zone will be established to separate the combatants of both sides to protect the public concession. The area will be garrisoned by neutral military and police, and various methods will be formulated by the consular corps; (5) once the two countries accept the treaty, they will not make any demands or reservations in advance, but will quickly negotiate with the assistance of neutral observers or participants in accordance with the spirit of the Kellogg-War Pact and the December 9th League of Nations resolution to resolve all outstanding issues..." Nanjing generally accepted the terms, but Japan instead proposed non-military zones be established 20 miles around the major ports of Shanghai, Hankou, Tianjin, Qingdao and Guangzhou as a sort of counter proposal. Meanwhile at the League of Nations, Yan Huiqing was drawing attention to the Shanghai incident, obviously linking it to the Manchuria incident and advocated for Article 10 of the League of Nations Charter, which was in regards to respecting territorial integrity and political independence of league nations. The League of Nations agreed and organized a committee to investigate the Shanghai incident. On February 4th Chiang Kai-Shek would write in his diary "As long as we do not lose our national sovereignty and territory, and the Japanese invaders do not put forward unacceptable conditions, we can take advantage of the opportunity of British and American intervention to negotiate with them; we cannot take a tough stance when other countries intervene, which will lead to adverse effects." By late February US Secretary of State Henry Stimson warned Japan for the second time, that the Nine Power Treaty and other treaties had to be maintained. Then on the 23rd he sent a letter reiterating the nine-power treaty and Kellogg War Pact to the League of Nations in regards to the Shanghai situation. On the 29th, a four-point plan for mediating the Shanghai incident was adopted at the League of Nations. The objective was to swiftly establish a local ceasefire agreement with the assistance of civil and military officials from various countries present in Shanghai. Following this, a round-table meeting was to be convened with representatives from nations with vested interests in Shanghai to discuss security measures for the International Settlement, the French Concession, and the local residents, as well as to address other issues. Subsequently, representatives from Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and other nations unanimously supported the plan, with Chinese representative Yan Huiqing and Japanese representative Sato Naotake also indicating their general agreement in principle. However, on March 2, the situation escalated when the Japanese army compelled the Chinese forces to retreat to their second line of defense. The Japanese side adopted a more aggressive stance, presenting four stringent conditions and insisting that the Chinese army withdraw first before halting their attacks. The Japanese forces were only willing to withdraw to the Shanghai and Wusong areas and refused to do so under the supervision of neutral countries, which the Chinese government firmly rejected. On March 3, the Japanese army launched another offensive. On that same day, U.S. Secretary of State Stimson summoned Japanese Ambassador to the United States Idebuchi, condemning Japan for accepting the League of Nations resolution on February 29 while simultaneously escalating military operations. On March 3rd a ceasefire came into effect as a formal meeting was held at the British consulate. The Chinese delegation was led by Guo Taiqi, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with military representatives Dai Ji, Huang Qiang, and seven others. The Japanese delegation included Shigemitsu Mamoru, Minister to China, and military representatives Ueda, Tashiro, and nine others. Officials from Britain, the United States, France, and other nations also participated in the meeting. During the negotiations, numerous contentious issues arose, particularly regarding the timing and location of the Japanese army's withdrawal. It would take until May 5th for a armistice agreement to be signed. The agreement designated Shanghai as a demilitarized zone, prohibiting China from stationing troops in the areas around Shanghai, Suzhou, and Kunshan, while permitting a limited number of Japanese units to remain in the city. China was permitted to maintain only a small police force within Shanghai. According to Chinese war reports, a total of 10,254 Japanese soldiers were killed or wounded in the Battle of Shanghai on January 28. According to Japanese data, a total of 3,091 Japanese soldiers were killed or wounded in the invasion of Shanghai: 620 Japanese soldiers were killed and 1,622 were wounded in the army; 149 Japanese soldiers were killed and 700 were wounded in the navy. Another Chinese report, stated the 19th Route Army and the Fifth Army suffered a total of 14,104 casualties 4,274 killed and 9,830 wounded. Among them, the 19th Route Army suffered 8,792 casualties, while the Fifth Army suffered 5,312 casualties. Shanghai residents faced bombardments from Japanese aircraft and artillery, resulting in over 6,080 fatalities, more than 2,000 injuries, 10,400 missing persons, and property losses totaling 1.6 billion yuan. At the onset of the war, the Japanese military intentionally targeted cultural institutions in Shanghai, such as the Commercial Press and the Oriental Library, leading to the total destruction of the Commercial Press, the oldest and largest publishing house in China. The Oriental Library, which housed millions of volumes, including over 100,000 rare ancient texts from the Song and Yuan dynasties and the Sikuquanshu compiled during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, was first devastated by artillery fire and then looted by Japanese forces. Reports from that time indicated that the Japanese army used trucks to transport the remaining books for seven consecutive days. 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. Thus what became known as the first battle of Shanghai had come to a not so swift end. Was its resolvement a victory for the League of Nations? Or was it just another indicator that the League of Nations was nothing but promises and pieces of paper? One man took notice of the Manchuria and Shanghai incidents, and he would soon bring Europe into a global war.  

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Discovering Family Secrets in Shirakawa-go's Blossoming Past Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-03-27-22-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 春の風が柔らかく村を通り抜ける。En: The spring breeze gently passed through the village.Ja: 白川郷の合掌造りの家々が素朴な美しさで立ち並ぶ。En: The Shirakawa-go village, with its gassho-zukuri houses, stood in simple beauty.Ja: 桜の花びらが舞い、村全体がやさしいピンク色に染まっている。En: Sakura petals danced through the air, coloring the entire village in a gentle pink hue.Ja: 桜と春人は、大きく並ぶ古い家の一つにいた。En: Sakura and Haruto were in one of the large, old houses lined up in the village.Ja: 桜は幼い頃、ここに滞在したのを覚えていたが、今回は特に心が引かれていた。En: Sakura remembered staying here when she was young, but this time she felt particularly drawn to it.Ja: 「もっと、先祖のことを知りたい」と考えていた。En: She thought, "I want to know more about my ancestors."Ja: 屋根裏に登ると、埃っぽい箱が二人を出迎えた。En: As they climbed into the attic, dusty boxes greeted the two of them.Ja: 春人は笑顔で「探検だね！En: Haruto smiled and said, "It's an adventure!"Ja: 」と言って蓋を開けた。En: and opened the lid.Ja: 中には古い写真と手紙があった。En: Inside were old photographs and letters.Ja: 桜は写真を見つめた。En: Sakura stared at the photos.Ja: 「これ、おばあちゃんの若い頃じゃない？En: "Isn't this grandma when she was young?"Ja: 」春人が頷いた。En: Haruto nodded.Ja: しかし、一通の手紙が彼らの手に渡ると、雰囲気は変わった。En: However, when one letter came into their hands, the mood changed.Ja: 「これ…信じられない」桜は手紙を読み上げた。En: "This...Ja: それは、家族に隠されていた秘密の手紙だった。En: I can't believe it," Sakura read the letter aloud.Ja: 家族の歴史を覆すものだった。En: It was a secret letter hidden from the family.Ja: 桜は動揺し、心の中で葛藤が始まった。En: It was something that overturned their family history.Ja: 「このまま秘密にするべきか、真実を話すべきか…」春人は心配そうに見ていた。En: Sakura was agitated, and a conflict began in her heart.Ja: 「でも、大事なのは家族の名誉だよ」と彼は言った。En: "Should I keep this a secret, or should I speak the truth..." Haruto looked worriedly.Ja: 桜は決意を固めた。En: "But what's important is the family's honor," he said.Ja: 「家族に話そう。En: Sakura made up her mind.Ja: 大切なことだから。En: "Let's tell the family.Ja: 」春人も頷き、彼らは一緒に手紙を持って家に戻った。En: It's important."Ja: ちょうどその時、村では花見祭りが始まっていた。En: Haruto nodded, and together they went back home with the letter.Ja: 家族みんなが桜の下に集まっている。En: At that moment, the flower-viewing festival in the village began.Ja: 「今しかない」と桜は思った。En: The whole family gathered under the cherry blossoms.Ja: 彼女は家族の前で静かに手紙を見せた。En: "It's now or never," Sakura thought.Ja: その内容を解明した。En: She quietly showed the letter to her family and revealed its contents.Ja: 最初、家族は驚いていた。En: At first, the family was surprised.Ja: しかし、徐々に話し合いが始まり、家族の絆が深まるのを感じた。En: However, as discussions began, they felt the family's bonds deepen.Ja: これまでの想像とは違う家族の姿が、真実が、新たな絆を生んだ。En: A previously unimaginable side of the family, the truth, birthed a new bond.Ja: 桜は、過去の良いことも悪いことも受け入れ、更なる理解を得た。En: Sakura accepted both the good and bad of the past and gained further understanding.Ja: そして春人も、不都合な真実を直視する勇気を学んだ。En: Haruto also learned the courage to face uncomfortable truths.Ja: 夜が深まり、花見の宴は続いた。En: As night deepened, the flower-viewing celebration continued.Ja: 桜と春人は、静かに夜空を見上げ、流れる桜の花びらにいつも家族が守られていることを感じた。En: Sakura and Haruto quietly looked up at the night sky, feeling that the flowing cherry blossoms always protected their family.Ja: 白川郷の春は、こうして彼らに新しい始まりを与えたのだった。En: Spring in Shirakawa-go thus gave them a new beginning. Vocabulary Words:breeze: 風gently: 柔らかくvillage: 村stood: 立ち並ぶhue: 色にdrawn: 引かれているattic: 屋根裏dusty: 埃っぽいgreeted: 出迎えたadventure: 探検lid: 蓋overturned: 覆すhistory: 歴史agitated: 動揺conflict: 葛藤truth: 真実honor: 名誉mind: 決意を固めたreveal: 解明したcontents: 内容surprised: 驚いていたdeepened: 深まるbonds: 絆accepted: 受け入れcourage: 勇気uncomfortable: 不都合blossoms: 花びらprotected: 守られているnew beginning: 新しい始まり

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Tradition in the Storm: Shirakawa-go's Festival Resilience Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-01-11-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 白銀に覆われた白川郷の村は、冬の中、毎年恒例のどぶろく祭りを迎えていました。En: The village of Shirakawa-go, covered in silver, was welcoming the annual doburoku festival amidst the winter snows.Ja: 写真家のヒロシは、この美しい瞬間をカメラに収めようと意気込んでいました。En: Photographer Hiroshi was eager to capture this beautiful moment on camera.Ja: 彼の友人である愛子は、文化の意義を記事にするために村を訪れていました。En: His friend Aiko was visiting the village to write an article about the cultural significance of the festival.Ja: しかし、愛子には心配がありました。En: However, Aiko had concerns.Ja: 観光客の増加が伝統にどのように影響するかを考え続けています。En: She kept pondering how the increase in tourists might impact the traditions.Ja: 雪が深く積もるある日、ヒロシは勇気を出してゆきに近づきました。En: On a day when the snow lay thick on the ground, Hiroshi bravely approached Yuki.Ja: 彼女は家族代々のどぶろく作りを引き継ぐ職人です。En: She was an artisan who had inherited the family tradition of making doburoku.Ja: ゆきは伝統を守るために、外部の干渉に抵抗を感じていました。En: Yuki felt a resistance to external interference in order to protect her traditions.Ja: 「ゆきさん、あなたの作るどぶろくの写真を撮りたいです。En: "Yuki-san, I'd like to take photos of the doburoku you make.Ja: 心を込めて、伝統の良さを広めたいです」とヒロシは誠実に頼みました。En: I want to sincerely spread the goodness of this tradition," Hiroshi earnestly requested.Ja: 最初、ゆきは戸惑いました。En: At first, Yuki was hesitant.Ja: だがヒロシの真摯な態度に心を打たれ、二人は協力することに決めました。En: However, touched by Hiroshi's sincere attitude, they decided to work together.Ja: ヒロシには特別な許可が与えられ、どぶろくの製造工程を撮影することになりました。En: Hiroshi was granted special permission to photograph the doburoku production process.Ja: しかし、祭りの直前、突然の雪嵐が襲います。En: However, just before the festival, a sudden snowstorm hit.Ja: 嵐は村人たちの一丸となる力を試すものでした。En: The storm tested the villagers' ability to unite as one.Ja: 嵐にも負けず、村人たちは手を取り合い、祭りを続ける決意を固めました。En: Undeterred by the storm, the villagers joined hands, strengthening their resolve to continue the festival.Ja: ヒロシはその様子をカメラに収めました。En: Hiroshi captured this scene with his camera.Ja: 村人たちの笑顔、協力する姿、どれもが心を打つものでした。En: The villagers' smiles, their cooperation—all were moving.Ja: 特に、ゆきの家に漂うどぶろくの芳香。En: Especially memorable was the aroma of doburoku wafting from Yuki's home.Ja: 温かい灯火の中、村人たちが和やかに集う姿は、ヒロシの心に深く刻まれました。En: The sight of villagers gathering warmly in the light of the fire left a deep impression on Hiroshi's heart.Ja: この経験を通して、ヒロシは伝統の重みと現代の課題をより深く理解しました。En: Through this experience, Hiroshi gained a deeper understanding of the weight of tradition and the challenges of modern times.Ja: そして、ゆきも外部の者が彼女たちの文化を支える可能性を感じました。En: Meanwhile, Yuki sensed the potential for outsiders to support their culture.Ja: 祭りは無事に終わり、白川郷は再び雪に覆われ、静寂を取り戻しました。En: The festival ended safely, and Shirakawa-go was once more covered in snow, reclaiming its silence.Ja: しかし、その静けさの中には、新しい絆と希望が刻まれていました。En: Yet within that tranquility, new bonds and hopes were etched.Ja: ヒロシの写真には、村の温かさ、伝統の力、そして未来への希望が詰まっていました。En: In Hiroshi's photos, there was an abundance of the village's warmth, the power of tradition, and hope for the future. Vocabulary Words:covered: 覆われたwelcoming: 迎えていましたeager: 意気込んでいましたsignificance: 意義pondering: 考え続けていますthick: 深く積もるartisan: 職人inherited: 引き継ぐinterference: 干渉sincerely: 心を込めてhesitant: 戸惑いましたearnestly: 誠実にtouched: 心を打たれpermission: 許可sudden: 突然のsnowstorm: 雪嵐undeterred: 負けずunite: 一丸となるresolve: 決意captured: 収めましたwafting: 漂うaroma: 芳香gathering: 集うetched: 刻まれていましたtranquility: 静寂external: 外部のpotential: 可能性challenges: 課題bond: 絆tradition: 伝統

On this special year-end episode, Brad and Tyler welcome Fightful's Rob Wilkins (@robwilkins) to dish out 2024 awards. The trio relive the best and worst of the year in pro wrestling and pop culture. They discuss a seminal year for Roman Reigns, a controversial WNBA Finals, Kendrick Lamar's decisions, and the enigmatic Aaron Rodgers.Awards include:Funniest MomentGreatest New GIFBest GimmickFightful is also the Sports Podcast Awards' Best Wrestling Podcast finalist. Visit sportspodcastgroup.com to learn more and how to recognize their work. Thank you for your support!Follow the show for exclusive updates.Social: @gipod19 Web: gimmickinfringementpod.com, 19mediagroup.comGoods: https://19-media-group.myspreadshop.com0:00 Intro1:13 Funniest Moment12:02 Best Off-Air Promo16:25 Best Non-Wrestling Promo21:14 It Was Good Until It Wasn't32:47 Biggest Real-Life Babyface41:46 Biggest Non-Wrestling Work52:34 Greatest New GIF56:48 Best Gimmick1:06:22 Closing

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Finding Inspiration: Riku's Christmas Eve in Shirakawa-go Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2024-12-10-23-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 澄みきった冬の朝、白川郷の古い合掌造りの家の中で、雪が静かに降り積もっていた。En: On a clear winter morning, inside the old gassho-zukuri houses of Shirakawa-go, snow quietly piled up.Ja: リクは窓辺に腰を下ろし、外の風景を見ていた。En: Riku sat by the window, gazing at the landscape outside.Ja: 彼の心は重く、芸術のインスピレーションを求めて彷徨っていた。En: His heart was heavy, wandering in search of artistic inspiration.Ja: 「あのー、大丈夫ですか？」明るい声が響いた。En: "Um, are you okay?" A cheerful voice rang out.Ja: それは地元のガイド、ユキだった。En: It was Yuki, a local guide.Ja: 彼女はこの地域の文化遺産に強い愛情を持ちながら、人々との本物のつながりを求めていた。En: She had a deep affection for the cultural heritage of the area and sought genuine connections with people.Ja: リクは微笑んで頷いたが、心の中ではまだ疑問を抱えていた。En: Riku smiled and nodded, but inside, he still had questions.Ja: 「はい、ただ…新しい何かを見つけたくて。」リクは言った。En: "Yes, I just... want to find something new," Riku said.Ja: ユキはリクの表情を見て彼の迷いを理解した。En: Yuki looked at Riku's expression and understood his indecision.Ja: そして、親友のソラのことを思い出した。ソラは彼女にいつも新しい世界を探検するように促していた。En: Then she remembered her best friend, Sora, who always encouraged her to explore new worlds.Ja: 「それなら、もっと深くこの村を見てみるのはどう？」ユキは提案した。En: "In that case, how about taking a deeper look at this village?" Yuki suggested.Ja: 雪がしんしんと降る中、リクはユキの提案を受け入れ、彼女と共に村を歩き始めた。En: As the snow fell quietly, Riku accepted Yuki's suggestion and started walking through the village with her.Ja: ユキはツアーガイドの頃では語らなかった場所や、彼女の個人的な思い出を共有した。En: Yuki shared places she hadn't talked about during her time as a tour guide and her personal memories.Ja: 小さな神社や、子供の頃に遊んだ雪の広場、そして村人たちとの温かいエピソードだった。En: Small shrines, the snowfields where she played as a child, and heartwarming episodes with the villagers.Ja: リクの心は次第に和らぎ、何かが変わり始めたと感じた。En: Gradually, Riku's heart began to soften, and he felt something starting to change.Ja: そしてクリスマスイブの夜が訪れた。En: Then, Christmas Eve arrived.Ja: 煌めくイルミネーションに飾られた合掌造りの家々、その光景は雪の中で幻想的に浮かび上がっていた。En: The gassho-zukuri houses adorned with sparkling illuminations appeared fantastical against the backdrop of snow.Ja: 「これだ…これが僕の探していたものだ。」リクは呟いた。En: "This is it... this is what I was looking for," Riku murmured.Ja: 彼の心に新たなインスピレーションが沸き上がった。En: New inspiration welled up in his heart.Ja: その瞬間、彼はスケッチブックを取り出し、目の前の光景を描き始めた。En: At that moment, he pulled out his sketchbook and began to draw the scene in front of him.Ja: ユキは彼の横で安心した微笑みを浮かべていた。En: Yuki stood beside him with a relieved smile.Ja: スケッチが完成し、リクはユキへ感謝の気持ちを込めてその絵を見せた。En: Once the sketch was complete, Riku showed the drawing to Yuki, expressing his gratitude.Ja: 「この村の美しさと、あなたの優しさがインスピレーションになりました。」リクは静かに言った。En: "The beauty of this village and your kindness inspired me," Riku said quietly.Ja: ユキはその絵を見つめて今まで感じたことのない理解が心に広がるのを感じた。En: Looking at the drawing, Yuki felt a new understanding spread through her heart that she had never experienced before.Ja: 「また会いましょう。」彼女は心からの約束を交わした。En: "Let's meet again," she promised sincerely.Ja: その後、リクは白川郷を離れ、新しい目的とともに旅を続けた。En: After that, Riku left Shirakawa-go and continued his journey with a new purpose.Ja: 彼の作品はより個人的で親密なものとなり、彼自身の心とつながるものになった。En: His works became more personal and intimate, connecting with his own heart.Ja: 一方、ユキもまた、新たなつながりを信じて心を開くことを学んだ。En: Meanwhile, Yuki also learned to keep her heart open, believing in new connections.Ja: こうして、白川郷の静かなクリスマスイブは、ふたりにとって大切な出会いと成長の物語となったのだった。En: Thus, the quiet Christmas Eve in Shirakawa-go became a story of important encounters and growth for both of them. Vocabulary Words:gassho-zukuri: 合掌造りheritage: 文化遺産indecision: 迷いshrine: 神社landscape: 風景gaze: 見つめるaffection: 愛情genuine: 本物のwandering: 彷徨inspiration: インスピレーションexplore: 探検するilluminations: イルミネーションsparkling: 煌めくadorned: 飾られたfantastical: 幻想的sketchbook: スケッチブックgratitude: 感謝encouraged: 促したpersonal: 個人的intimate: 親密なepisode: エピソードheartwarming: 温かいbackdrop: 背景soften: 和らぐmurmured: 呟いたrelieved: 安心したspread: 広がるsincerely: 心からのunderstanding: 理解promised: 約束した

Listen to this episode ad free + exclusive episodes and bonus material at https://www.patreon.com/voicesinjapanWinter snow accumulation and the winter season is coming very soon for many parts of Japan, so we reviewed the top winter activities to enjoy! Those include visiting picturesque winter villages like Shirakawa-go, skiing and snowmobiling in Furano, walking on drift ice and dipping the Okhotsk Sea of Hokkaido, and much more!Sponsors:MaruMoriThis site has everything you need to learn Japanese! It's an all-in-one, guided, gamified Japanese learning experience with the aim to take you all the way from absolute beginner to language mastery, and the best part is you can start anywhere! https://marumori.io/register?rcode=vijBearfoot BarLocated in downtown Sapporo, walking distance from the subway station. There are a variety of Japanese made local and craft beers, bottled and on tap. 21 different sorts of international beers. A wide range of regular and unique spirits and basic cocktails also available. Burgers and pub style snacks. With friendly English and Japanese speaking staff.  https://www.facebook.com/bearfootbarHokkaido GuideEstablished over 10 years ago, written by locals for locals and international tourists. The guide contains information on all types of businesses and locations around Hokkaido. There's information regarding all things Hokkaido such as sightseeing, nightlife, events, services, food and restaurants, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more. Currently offered in English and Thai, advertising space available. Check out website for everything you need to know about this beautiful prefecture. https://hokkaidoguide.comThe Red House A restaurant located in the heart of Rusutsu Ski Resort, just cross the main road and it's behind the Seicomart Convenience store. The restaurant features western style dishes, including vegetarian dishes. Open winter and summer, 12-3pm for lunch, 5-9pm for dinner.https://theredhouse.jp/Use our Buzzsprout affiliate link to start your podcast today! Website:https://www.voicesinjapan.com/Follow us and check out our other content:https://youtube.com/@voicesinjapanpodcasthttps://twitter.com/voicesinjapanhttps://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/Get in touch: voicesinjapan@gmail.comSupport the show

Summarize my Japan trip experience with friend, on late October 2024. Around Tokyo, Kyoto, Shirakawa-go, Nagoya, Kamakura, etc.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Moonlit Decisions: Balancing Tradition and Progress Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/moonlit-decisions-balancing-tradition-and-progress Story Transcript:Ja: 澄んだ秋の空に鮮やかな紅葉が広がる白川郷の村。En: In the village of Shirakawa-go, vibrant autumn leaves spread across the clear autumn sky.Ja: ここでは、伝統が風景とともに息づいています。En: Here, tradition breathes alongside the landscape.Ja: 村の至る所に見える合掌造りの家々は、まるで時を超えて村を守る守護者のようです。En: The gassho-style houses scattered throughout the village stand like guardians, as if protecting the village across time.Ja: 収穫された稲の香りが漂い、夜の月見祭りの期待が高まっています。En: The scent of harvested rice fills the air, and anticipation for the nighttime moon-viewing festival intensifies.Ja: レンは都市生活に慣れた長男で、心の中には家の将来についての小さな心配があります。En: Ren, the eldest son accustomed to city life, harbors a small worry about the future of their home.Ja: 妹のきよみは、逆に田舎の生活に深く結びつき、家族の伝統的なライフスタイルを守り続けたいと考えています。En: His sister Kiyomi, on the other hand, is deeply connected to rural life and wishes to preserve the family's traditional lifestyle.Ja: 月見の日、家族は平和な時間を過ごし、月の美しさを楽しんでいました。En: On the night of the moon viewing, the family spends peaceful time enjoying the beauty of the moon.Ja: レンは、この穏やかな夜が家を売る話を持ち出すのに最適だと考えました。En: Ren thinks this serene evening is the perfect opportunity to bring up the topic of selling the house.Ja: 彼は家庭の財政的安定のために、家を売ることが最善だと信じています。En: He believes selling the house is the best option to ensure the family's financial stability.Ja: 夕食後、月が静かに輝く中、レンは家族に売却の話を持ちかけます。En: After dinner, as the moon quietly shines, Ren broaches the subject of selling the house to his family.Ja: 「このままでは家を保つのは難しい」と言いますが、きよみはすぐに反発します。En: He states, "It will be difficult to keep the house at this rate," but Kiyomi immediately pushes back.Ja: 「これはただの家じゃない。En: "This is not just a house.Ja: これは私たちの歴史であり、文化です」と力強く述べるのです。En: It is our history and culture," she asserts passionately.Ja: 家族は静かに聞き入り、緊張感が漂います。En: The family listens quietly as tension fills the air, but Kiyomi's fervent plea resonates with them.Ja: しかし、きよみの熱い訴えが心に響きます。En: "I want to protect this house.Ja: 「この家を守りたい。En: Let's find a new way to do so," she insists.Ja: そのための新しい方法を考えよう」と。En: Ren and Kiyomi work together to find a compromise.Ja: レンときよみは、共に妥協点を見出します。En: "Let's revive this house as a cultural guesthouse," Ren suggests.Ja: 「この家を文化的なゲストハウスとして再生しよう」レンは提案します。En: "That way, we can preserve tradition while connecting with the modern world."Ja: 「それで、伝統を守りながら現代と繋がることができる」翌日から、二人は家の復興計画を立て始めます。En: From the next day, the two begin to draft plans for the house's restoration.Ja: レンは、田舎の美しさと家族の歴史が持つ力を改めて感じ、進歩と伝統のバランスの大切さを学びます。En: Ren rediscovers the power of the countryside's beauty and his family's history, and learns the importance of balancing progress with tradition.Ja: その瞬間から、兄妹の間に新しい絆と共通の夢が生まれました。En: From that moment, a new bond and shared dream emerged between the siblings.Ja: こうして、家族は変わることなく、しかし新しい未来を受け入れ、月明かりの下で一つになりました。En: Thus, the family remained unchanged, yet embraced a new future, uniting under the moonlight.Ja: それが、彼らの新しい一歩となったのです。En: This became their new beginning. Vocabulary Words:vibrant: 鮮やかなautumn leaves: 紅葉guardians: 守護者anticipation: 期待harbors: 抱くbroaches: 持ちかけるasserts: 述べるfervent: 熱いresonates: 響くcompromise: 妥協点revive: 再生guesthouse: ゲストハウスrestoration: 復興bond: 絆embraced: 受け入れたtradition: 伝統landscape: 風景serene: 穏やかなplea: 訴えrevitalization: 再生moon-viewing: 月見preserve: 守り続けるprofoundly: 深くsecure: 保つinvoke: 高まるfuture: 将来historical: 歴史的enthusiastic: 力強くcultural: 文化的proposition: 提案

Steven and Jeremy are back with a special edition of Speaking of Strong Style covering a show that brought together talent from AEW, New Japan, CMLL and STARDOM. Topics covered include:  An excellent main event between AEW Champion Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay.  A pair of NJPW title changes as Tetsuya Naito regained the IWGP World Heavyweight title and Mercedes Mone picked up the NJPW Strong Women's title, which was created for her in the first place.  How Stephanie Vaquer won over the Long Island crowd despite losing her match. Naito's disappointing performance and possible reasons for it.  How Toni Storm, Mariah May and Mina Shirakawa delivered an entertaining title match, and why Shirakawa should be on everyone's radar.  A big night for The Elite with Jack Perry winning the TNT title and Kazuchika Okada teaming with the Young Bucks to beat The Acclaimed and Hiroshi Tanahashi Why Shingo Takagi versus Bryan Danielson and Orange Cassidy versus Zack Sabre Jr. couldn't miss. Speculation on upcoming directions for the champions coming out of the show.   

It's time to review the newest edition of AEW Dynamite! We're talking about the Jun 19, 2024 show that aired from the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia! Super fun, super eventful A busy and packed edition of Dynamite that was filled with angles, story bumps, and seeds being planted for the future! The Owen Hart Tournament brackets were revealed We'll take a few minutes to talk about the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament brackets and in particular: Who is the Wild Card? All-star, all great Once again this week, a multi-man match was the highlight of the show. Why can't we get these every show? And More! Strickland and Ospreay meet face-to-face, Mone and Shirakawa sign the contract, MJF beats Rush, and so much more!

The Dadley Boyz review last night's episode of AEW Dynamite and discuss...MJF RETURNS!Swerve Strickland vs. Roderick Strong!Mark Briscoe is heading to Forbidden Door!Storm & Shirakawa vie for May's affections!FOUR Chris Jericho segments?!ENJOY!Follow us on Twitter:@AdamWilbourn@MichaelHamflett@MSidgwick@WhatCultureWWEFor more awesome content, check out: whatculture.com/wwe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tatsuro Shirakawa is a specialist in law and public policy, with extensive experience in global economic collaborations and inventive strategies. Having worked previously with Accenture and now with EY Strategy and Consulting as Director, Tatsuro is focussed on areas like IT strategy, innovation, and international business, making him a sought-after expert in corporate circles.Tatsuro Shirakawa Interview Questions00:00 - 03:54 Introduction03:55 - 08:20 Tatsuro's career and educational background08:21 - 10:19 The Japanese culture of business10:20 - 12:44 EY Japan's role in promoting Japanese markets worldwide12:45 - 16:30 How can a technology business venture into Japanese markets16:31 - 21:42 Initiatives by Japanese govt to foster foreign investments21:43 - 27:38 Innovation hubs in Japan, and the importance of relationships27:39 - 29:34 Startup active programs29:25 - 33:06 Relationship between EY Japan and Japanese govt33:07 - 40:14 Principles of Society 5.0 and how Japan can inspire the world40:15 - 47:43 The Innovation ecosystem in Japan47:44 - 54:07 Japanese influencers and leaders in technology and innovation54:08 - 01:01:20 5 steps to do business in Japan01:01:21 - 01:03:14 EY Japan is an important touchpoint to reach out in Japanese Markets01:03:15 - 01:04:10 ClosureTatsuro Shirakawa BiographyTatsuro Shirakawa, born in Tokyo in 1988, is a Director at EY Strategy and Consulting known for his expertise in international economic collaborations and innovative strategies. His journey from Tokyo to the UK and back has shaped his global perspective, which he applies to create transformative strategies for the public sector.Tatsuro spent over three years in the UK between 1996 and 1999, laying the foundation for his international outlook. He graduated from the University of Tokyo with a Bachelor's degree in Law and a Master's degree in Public Policy. He briefly studied at the University of Cambridge in 2010.With over six years at Accenture, Tatsuro specialised in strategy and management consulting for the public sector. He crafted strategies that attracted foreign investment, fueled innovation, and facilitated Japanese companies' global expansion.As a Director at EY Strategy and Consulting, Tatsuro's fluent business-level English and strategic insights aid foreign companies entering Japan. He played a role in enhancing Tokyo's reputation as a global financial hub by supporting the emerging technologies such as AI, Fintech, Robot, Gaming, IoT, companies' establishment.Tatsuro's research focuses on economic and industrial policies, including innovation, startup support, and the impact of financial industries on the broader economy. His involvement in constructing investment chains underscores his role as a forward thinker.Tatsuro Shirakawa, as a Director at EY Strategy and Consulting, continues to drive economic growth in Japan through cross-border collaborations and strategic insights, reflecting his multicultural experiences, academic achievements, and professional journey.Learn more about Tatsuro Shirakawa on https://www.openbusinesscouncil.org/wiki/tatsuro-shirakawaMore about EY Japan on https://www.openbusinesscouncil.org/wiki/ey-japanAbout Dinis Guarda profile and Channelshttps://www.openbusinesscouncil.orghttps://www.intelligenthq.comhttps://www.hedgethink.com/https://www.citiesabc.com/Support the show

Weiter geht es auf unserem Roadtrip durch Japan im Campervan. Drei Wochen waren wir insgesamt unterwegs und berichten in dieser Episode über die vielen lustigen, skurrilen aber auch bewegenden Erlebnissen on the road. Wir geben Tipps und zählen die Vor- und Nachteile des japanischen Vanlifes auf. Im zweiten Teil besuchen wir die heilige Insel Miyajima und besuchen Hiroshima, die Stadt mit der traurigsten Geschichte Japan. Am japanische Meer fahren wir vorbei an einer riesigen Sanddüne in Tottori, der schönen Lagune bei Amanohashidate nach Kanazawa und den Chirahama Beach. Durch die japanischen Alpen geht es mit Zwischenstopps in Shirakawa und am Fuji für ein paar Strandtage nochmal auf die Halbinsel Izu, bevor die Reise in Tokio bzw. Narita endet.

La distilleria Shirakawa ha contribuito a suo tempo a scrivere la storia del whisky giapponese; ha poi chiuso i battenti diventando un oggetto mitologico. Oggi è stata riscoperta in maniera rocambolesca, entrando definitivamente nella leggenda.

The never ending story between Mina Shirakawa and MIRAI continues in this year's 5STAR Grand Prix. Talked certian matches fo NXT The Great American Bash. What an amazing tag title match between Better Than You Bay Bay and FTR on AEW Collision. DDT announced for another tain show in a Bullet train between Minoru Suzuki and Sanshiro Takagi. Saya Kaitani who is now injured, was revealed that no sub will happen, plan were made for her to win the tournament but we discussed who win this year. ENJOY.

Bonjour à tous cette semaine on part explorer le charmant village niché entre les montagnes de Shirakawa-Go, village classé au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO ça rigole pas !et pour ceux qui voudraient soutenir le podcast et accéder à du contenu bonus il y a le Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/explorejaponPour voir mes photos et des reel en direct du japon : https://www.instagram.com/ngeeet aussi présent sur thread https://www.threads.net/@ngeeet sur twitter : https://www.twiter.com/KitsuneDandypour ceux qui veulent aller voir les vidéos ma chaine youtube se trouve ici : https://www.youtube.com/@KitsuneDandyet il y a toujours le site https://www.explorejapon.com bien entendu Voir le contenu bonus sur Patreon ! Hébergé par Acast. Visitez acast.com/privacy pour plus d'informations.

After she was expelled from Oedo Tai, what was next for Saki Kashima however an unexpected turn we didn't expect but a lot of thought. Since cutting all ties with Cosmic Angels, Mina Shirakawa behavior has drastically changed but will this be what will help. Since Cosmic Angels had their ups and downs however a new strong Couzen will be ok from here and out. Reviewed a past wrestling show by Circle 6 at the Barroom Blitz with only 2 matches. Also reviewed a title match from Gatoh Move for the Super Asia Championship between Natsumi Maki (aka Natsupoi) vs. Riho (c) from November 8, 2018 at Shinkiba. Recently, Toni Storm made some comments about Guilia at the Media Scrum but Guilia layed down the challenge. NJPW announced a new generation of 3 musketeers but however there's been talk about it's dumb of the generation wrestlers. ENJOY

On May 27 in Stardom, Mina Shirakawa issued a challenge for Double Crown Championship match for both the White Belt and Red Belt but what do I think. Also in Stardom Himeka's Retirement Ceremony that features her in traditional retirement match where she faces the entire roster. What's been going on with GCW? Certain wrestlers haven't been seen for a while. Finally Anti AEW fan are out giving shit to AEW for the Wembley Stadium show in August. ENJOY

Pete is back from Japan and is doing a recap episode of all the sites, scenes and food he ate and gives his recommendations, stories and answering listeners questions about the Land of the Rising Sun! Photos of the trip available on Spotify and YouTube! Socials - https://linktr.ee/whatdoyousayanime 0:00 - Intro & Answering Questions 15:18 - Day 0. The Journey to Japan 19:22 - Day 1. Kanazawa 25:24 - Day 2. Shirakawa-go 30:55 - Day 3. Takayama 35:02 - Day 4. Matsumoto 37:42 - Day 5. Hakoke 40:17 - Days 6 & 7. Tokyo (Shibuya, Shinjuku) 47:43 - Days 8-10. Osaka & Kyoto 1:02:25 - Days 11-14. Tokyo (Akihabara, Central Tokyo, Shinjuku)

A strong earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 5.2 hit Chiba last week, with another measuring 5.1 hitting the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima on Saturday. Tokyo reportedly has the second highest number of millionaires in the world. In Gifu prefecture, villagers in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa village came together for the first time in five years to re-thatch one its well-known houses. And as the Daizafu-Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka undergoes renovation, a temporary hall at the shrine was unveiled, designed by the Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. The 1,300 year-ago Kanda Myoujin Shrine in Tokyo sits just above the Kanda River. We catch several gold mikoshi being carried on the shoulders of volunteers through the streets of Kanda and Akihabara as they make their way towards Kanda Myoujin for the bi-annual Kanda festival or matsuri. — Substack: notebookpodcast.substack.com Instagram: @notebook_pod Twitter: @notebook_pod — Get in touch: notebook.podcast@gmail.com Leave a message: speakpipe.com/notebook — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill reviews Stardom's All-Star Grand Queendom 2023 from Yokohama Arena, which came to us on Sunday, April 23. He goes over all the matches on this event-of-the-year candidate, including some stellar title matches and multiple (and sometimes surprising) title changes.  Matches Discussed: Stardom Rumble Oedo Tai (Momo Watanabe, Natsuko Tora, Ruaka & Saki Kashima) vs. Thekla & Club Venus (Jessie, Mariah May & Xena)  Mei Seira & Starlight Kid vs. AZM & Mei Suruga in a High-Speed Showcase Match Queen's Quest (Miyu Amasaki & Utami Hayashishita) vs. Hazuki & Fuwa-chan Himeka's Retirement Match: Himeka vs. Maika 7Upp (Nanae Takahashi & Yuu) (c) vs. The New Eras (Mirai & Ami Sohrei) for the Goddess of Stardom Tag Team Championship Prominence (Kurumi Hiragi, Risa Sera & Suzu Suzuki) vs REStart (Kairi, Saori Anou & Natsupoi) for the Artist Of Stardom Championship  Saya Kamitani (c) vs. Mina Shirakawa for the Wonder of Stardom Championship Syuri vs. Chihiro Hashimoto in a UWF Rules Match Mercedes Moné (c) vs. Mayu Iwatani for the IWGP Women's Championship Giulia (c) vs. Tam Nakano for the World of Stardom Championship

First things first, congratulations to Tsukasa Fujimoto giving birth of her child. Waka Tsukiyama said in a recent Stardom press conference where Nanae Takahashi revealed KAIRI has her tag partner at New Blood premium. What happened in the matches for the Wonder of Stardom Championship match and World of Stardom Championship match and their post match. Finally AEW Revolution. ENJOY

This episode we talk to Tomoya about the beginnings of DRT, And Kengo about working with them . Thank you Kengo for being a translator. Check out Phenix Rods https://phenixrods.com to see all models mentioned in this episode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Link to full transcript at https://www.fluentfiction.org/... Fluent Fiction - Japanesewww.FluentFiction.org/Japanese The Warmth of Love: Kuniko and Akio Story Transcript: Ja: 暗く肌寒い白川の夜、雪が積もった窓ガラスから月の光が差し込んでいた。 En: It was a dark and chilly night in Shirakawa, and the light of the moon shone through the snow-covered windowpane. Ja: 国子と昭夫は台所で並んで立ち、湯気の立った鍋をかき混ぜていた。 En: Kuniko and Akio were in the kitchen, standing side by side, stirring a steaming pot of soup. Ja: そばの香りが漂い、家族の愛の温もりが感じられました。 En: The smell of soba noodles filled the air, and with it, the warmth of the family's love. Ja: 国子と昭夫は子供の頃から一緒に料理をしていた。 En: Kuniko and Akio had been cooking together since they were children. Ja: 何年も前に亡くなった母親は、伝統的なそばつゆの作り方を二人に教えていました。 En: Their mother, who had passed away many years ago, had taught them both how to make the traditional soba noodle soup. Ja: 彼らはこれまで何度も料理をしてきましたが、この夜は違いました。 En: They had cooked it many times before, but this night was different. Ja: 大人になり一人暮らしを始めた2人にとって、母のいないところでスープを作るのは初めて。 En: The two of them were now adults, living on their own, and this was their first time making the soup without their mother. Ja: 鍋のスープをかき混ぜながら、冬は雪だるまを作り、夏はホタルを捕まえた子供時代の思い出を思い出しました。 En: As they stirred the pot of soup, they reminisced about childhood memories—of making snowmen in the winter, and catching fireflies in the summer. Ja: 彼らは将来について話し、いつか自分の家族を持つという夢について話しました. En: They talked about the future, and their dreams of one day having a family of their own. Ja: スープが完成すると、2つのボウルに分けて座って食べました。 En: When the soup was finished, they divided it into two bowls and sat down to eat. Ja: スープの温かさを味わいながら、お互いに感じた愛の温もりを分かち合いました。 En: As they savored the warmth of the soup, they also shared the warmth of the love they felt for each other. Ja: 翌朝、国子と昭夫が目を覚ますと、雪が溶けて太陽が輝いていました。 En: The next morning, Kuniko and Akio awoke to find that the snow had melted and the sun was shining. Ja: その日は美しい日で、世界中の心配事が肩から取り除かれたかのように、彼らの気分が軽くなりました。 En: It was a beautiful day, and it made them feel lighter, as if the worries of the world had been lifted from their shoulders. Ja: その夜、二人は再びスープを作るために台所に戻った。 En: That night, the two of them returned to the kitchen to make the soup once again. Ja: でも今回は家族も一緒でした。 En: But this time, their family was with them. Ja: 4人で麺を分け合い、スープの温もりを心で分かち合いました。 En: The noodles were shared among the four of them, and the warmth of the soup was shared among their hearts. Ja: くにこさんとあきおさんは、あの白河の寒い冬の夜をいつまでも思い出すでしょう。 En: Kuniko and Akio will always remember that cold winter night in Shirakawa. Ja: 彼らはスープの暖かさとお互いへの愛の暖かさを思い出すでしょう. En: They will remember the warmth of the soup and the warmth of their love for each other. Ja: 彼らにとって、伝統的なそばつゆは、いつまでも家族への愛の象徴です。 En: For them, the traditional soba noodle soup will always and forever be a symbol of the love they have for their family. Vocabulary Words: 国子 : Kuniko 昭夫 : Akio 白川 : Shirakawa 月 : Moon 雪 : Snow 窓ガラス : Windowpane そば : Soba noodles 家族 : Family 愛 : Love 母親 : Mother 雪だるま : Snowmen ホタル : Fireflies 将来 : Future 夢 : Dreams ボウル : Bowls スープ : Soup 麺 : Noodles 月の光 : Moonlight 肌寒い : Chilly かき混ぜる : Stirring 子供 : Children 溶ける : Melted 太陽 : Sun 輝く : Shining 光 : Light 冬 : Winter 夏 : Summer 分かち合う : Shared 温もり : Warmth 象徴 : Symbol

Mina Shirakawa return to Stardom after her horrific injury in early November 2022 but some questions being ask when cut all ties with Unagi, new unit with xia Brookside & Mariah May, status with Cosmic Angels and Waka. The Wrestling World got the buzz when the rumors were confirmed that Mercedes Mone fka Sasha Banks appeared at New Japan's Wrestle Kingdom 17 issued a challenge to KAIRI for the IWGP Women's Championship at Battle of the Valley on February 18th. Since Guilia won the World of Stardom Championship, who could be possible matches she could have for 2023. Luchador Dragon Lee won the AAA World Tag Team Championship with his brother and announced that he signed with WWE. More info about Mandy Rose surface about the amount of money she got with FanTime, new Rolls Royce and Booker T on her decision. ENJOY

Scott rides solo this week to talk about a little bit of everything in a somewhat quiet week from the Joshi world. The show kicks off by breaking down the Mina Shirakawa promo that went viral following her Wonder of Stardom Championship match against Saya Kamitani and what it could mean for her in the future. After that, Scott talks about the Goddess of Stardom Tag League matches from this past weekend.  Join the Patreon for just $5.00 per month here: https://www.patreon.com/fightgamemedia Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/fightgamemedia Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1958473677605950 Follow our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fightgamemedia Subscribe to our YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/c/FightGameMedia Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fightgamemedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex and Dylan return to host the latest edition of Stardom Quest. This time they are joined by the unofficial third man Scott E. Wrestling. They go over the recent news from Stardom including the Gold Rush card, Historic X-Over card, Stardom in Showcase announcements, and New Blood announcements. The trio then review Stadom's Hiroshima PPV with a focus on Mina Shirakawa's breakout day, Natsuko Tora surpassing expectations, Utami Hayashishita BACK on top form, and their thoughts on Maika vs Syuri. They then review Stardom's latest tag league offerings before previewing the coming week of block action Follow Dylan on twitter: @XXIchiban Follow Alex: @LWOSPWAlexR or @LWOProWrestling Amazing show art courtesy of @UltraGruntyy Also listen to Dylan and Alex's other podcast Victory Through Guts @VTGPod which is all about the legendary All Japan Women's Pro Wrestling

Mina Shirakawa had one her best matches of her career in Stardom when she face Saya Kamitani for the White Belt in Hiroshima Goddess Festival on November 3rd but a botched finisher by Kamitani resulted in her losing 2 or 3 frontal teeth and bruised jaw. Also in Stardom's Hiroshima Goddess Festival, Mayu Iwatani madeva surprising move after defending the SWA title for a 3rd victory, she decided to relinquish itbto focus on the IWGP Women's Championship but what does this means for the title now that is vacant. At WWE Crown Jewel, Logan Paul had an amazing match against Roman reign for the Undisputed Championship so what are my initial thoughts. More info is coming out about the biopic film based of pro Wrestling family the Von Erichs which features Zac Afron and AEW star MJF. Unagi Sayaka continues to make waves as a freelancer but her recent development is at Just Tap Out when an unexpected Joshi wrestler made a surprising choice. Finally, Shooter aka Shota Umino now graduated to Roughneck made his surprise return to New Japan and challenge Will Ospreay at the Historic X-Over for the IWGP United States Heavyweight championship. ENJOY.

The Big Audio Nightmare is back to talk about everything happening in the world of Japanese professional wrestling over the past week. This week's topics include: * A look at a really strong NJPW Battle Autumn finale in Osaka * New Japan beginning to establish their future - the right way * FTR has another standout defense against the United Empire * A review of Stardom's Kinsai Stardom pay-per-view *Shirakawa and Maika step up in big matches *A look at the now-complete Historic X Over match lineup *Change our minds on Pro Wrestling NOAH

The Big Audio Nightmare is back to talk about everything happening in the world of Japanese professional wrestling over the past week. This week's topics include: * A look at a really strong NJPW Battle Autumn finale in Osaka * New Japan beginning to establish their future - the right way * FTR has another standout defense against the United Empire * A review of Stardom's Kinsai Stardom pay-per-view *Shirakawa and Maika step up in big matches *A look at the now-complete Historic X Over match lineup *Change our minds on Pro Wrestling NOAH

Mais um local hero chega no Tokucast! Dharuriser conta a história de Akihiro, um ator falido que sem super poderes se torna a única esperança de Shirakawa! Sena, Maguila e Giuzão Chagas recebem Thiago Freitas (Tokuclube) e contam um pouco… Continue Reading →

More developments with Joshi wrestlers Mina Shirakawa and Unagi Sayaka in their respected ways. ROH will put out one last ppv in 2022 before their weekly tv show in 2023. What going on with the Never Openweight Championship with Karl Anderson now returned to WWE and what are we speculate. On AEW Dynamite, Hangman Adam Page got injured during title match against Jon Moxley. Ace Steel is now released from AEW following the All Out backstage Altercation along with CM Punk and beef with The Elite. ENJOY.

On October 10th, 2022, NJPW announced a brand new Championship belt the IWGP World TV Championship but what's the significance of this title. Follow up on the recent development of Joshi wrestler Unagi Sayaka. Joshi wrestlers Mina Shirakawa and Miu Watanabe have been making head ways in their respective promotions that making the Wrestling World buzz. On the latest WWE Raw, the Good Brothers made their return to WWE reunited with AJ Styles has the OCs butnwhatbdoesmthis mean for he NJPW title the NEVER Openweight Championship. Also triple is been scrambling to get his people back but who are the possibility to return. ENJOY.

Like so many new moms, 24-year-old Lauren Davis struggled to breastfeed her infant  son. She was prescribed domperidone, which is often used off-label to induce lactation. When she tragically died in her sleep, her parents suspected a link between her death and the medication. Seven years later, they graciously share Lauren's story so other women may proceed with caution. ~ Erin Davis and Rob Whitehead, Lauren's parents 

Những ngôi nhà cổ lấp lánh ánh sáng, được bao phủ dưới lớp tuyết dày với độ sâu 1-2 m ở làng Shirakawa-go, là hình ảnh … Ngôi làng ở Nhật Bản luôn ngập tuyết như cổ tích dịp Noel Read More ». Xem chi tiết https://tokyometro.vn/ngoi-lang-o-nhat-ban-luon-ngap-tuyet-nhu-co-tich-dip-noel-s265082-html/

We tackled some STARDOM, WAVE, WWF Raw from 2001, and much much more.

CM Punk and MJF had a 20 minute promo at the start of AEW Dynamite. What If Triple H left WWE and start his own promotion but how will he do it. Mina Shirakawa vs. Tam Nakano had an interest match during Stardom's Tokyo Super Wars for the Wonder of Stardom Championship (aka the White Belt). Kenta make his long awaited return to Pro Wrestling NOAH since he left for WWE. ENJOY

Interesting developments has happened with the former NXT UK Champion WALTER who we haven't seen since losing the title, now open about moving to the U.S. & dating NXT UK star Jinny. Mina Shirakawa of the Cosmic Angels issued a challenge to her leader Tam Nakano for the Wonder of Stardom Championship (aka the White Belt) but she is now being obsessive to obtain this title. New Japan faction Chaos integrated old and new members into Chaos, they are the AEW's Best Friends (Trent Beretta, Chuck Taylor, Orange Cassidy, Wheeler Yuta & Kris Statlander) but will we see any one from Chaos in a AEW ring. Joshi promotion Actwres girl'Z announced that they will be shutting down operations by the end of 2021 and what does this means for the wrestlers. Finally, AEW had their latest ppv show Full Gear which was awesome. ENJOY.

Frustrated by obstruction from the Daijo-daikan, Emperor Shirakawa called it quits... or did he? In this episode, we explore his creation of a new kind of government which gave him the power he needed to effectively overrule the Fujiwara clan.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/AHistoryOfJapan)

Jeff Young spoke with Masaaki Shirakawa, former Governor of the Bank of Japan. Mr. Shirakawa recently published a book, Tumultuous Times: Central Banking in an Era of Crisis (Yale Program on Financial Stability Series), where he recounts his 39 years as a central banker, and offers his views on critical questions, such as, What is the outlook for inflation? Are central banks trying to do too much? Will fiscal policy succeed where monetary policy has not? How can an economy raise its productivity?

Sara from the Philippines and Paolo from Italy joined Chan and me on a trip to Nagano. Together we embarked on an adventure to taste raw horse meat, see kappa monsters and explore Matsumoto, Kamikouchi and the famous Shirakawa village. As usual, we also discuss a variety of other topics such as Japanese Doctors and dentists, how Japanese people sometimes do anything just to avoid foreigners and ponder about making bad decisions. Send us your comments, questions or feedback to mindduckjapan@gmail.com. Check out some photos from the trip here: https://imgur.com/gallery/TPSuR8O 00:00 Intro – Who is Sarah and Paolo 03:51 Language quirk - Why Japanese people forget to say the last syllable of many words in English 07:04 Travelling tips - our experiences from: Nagano, Matsumoto, Takayama, Shirakawa village, Kamikouchi - the kappa monster 16:01 Food and drinks - Mountain Bandit Bake, raw meat, Hida beef and more 30:50 News - Paolo's doctor's appointments and doctors in Japan 37:19 News - How Japanese people try to avoid foreigners 45:44 Brand name of the week - American Drug 47:47 Video - Ossan's Love - Otona Koukou (Adult High School) - Mosaic Japan 53:56 Thought of the day - Is making a bad decision better than not making a decision? 01:17:09 Outro - Japanese Music Check out Sara's instagram @saracoat

Í þessum þætti er farið víða um völl, við kynnumst bólusóttarguðinum og hyrndum andstæðingi hans, hvernig keisarinn Shirakawa stýrði Japan úr klaustri og hvað Japanir gera til að fagna nýju ári.

Hver sem er getur reiðst yfir sviknu loforði, en þegar munknum Raigo er synjað um að stækka hofið sem hann elskar af sjálfum keisaranum endar það með ósköpum fyrir alla sem koma nærri. Í þessum þætti er einnig fjallað um fyrri hluta valdatíð keisarans Shirakawa og þróun Tendai búddisma á Heian-tímanum.

咖啡在你的生活中代表什么？在留有江户余韵的清澄白河，保留传统魅力的同时，逐渐兴起了各色职人咖啡馆。旧时的仓库被各种在地与国外知名品牌改建成摩登气息的咖啡馆，变身为东京又一处咖啡激战区。 What does coffee represent in your life? Kiyosumi-shirakawa, which is full of the Edo period, has retained its traditional charm, and various professional cafes have gradually emerged. The old warehouse has been transformed into a modern coffee shop by various well-known local and foreign brands, becoming another Tokyo competition area of coffee. 关注我们的 Twitter 和 微博 @Tokyo_Stations 与我们互动，分享你收听节目的想法、见解与感想。 现可于以下平台收听 TOKYO STATIONS： Anchor, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pocket Casts, Overcast, Castbox, 小宇宙, 网易云音乐, 荔枝, 喜马拉雅, 皮艇 主播：黄大姐，秦老板，方枪枪，小狐狸 设计：哦小普 编辑：哦小普 剪辑：哦小普，秦老板 监制：哦小普 Produced by (kbys) studio

咖啡在你的生活中代表什么？在留有江户余韵的清澄白河，保留传统魅力的同时，逐渐兴起了各色职人咖啡馆。旧时的仓库被各种在地与国外知名品牌改建成摩登气息的咖啡馆，变身为东京又一处咖啡激战区。What does coffee represent in your life? Kiyosumi-shirakawa, which is full of the Edo period, has retained its traditional charm, and various professional cafes have gradually emerged. The old warehouse has been transformed into a modern coffee shop by various well-known local and foreign brands, becoming another Tokyo competition area of coffee.关注我们的微博 @Tokyo_Stations 与我们互动，分享你收听节目的想法、见解与感想。主播：黄大姐，秦老板，方枪枪，小狐狸设计：哦小普编辑：哦小普剪辑：哦小普，秦老板监制：哦小普Produced by (kbys) studio

Shirakawa-go is a quaint mountain village nestled in the Japanese Alps that is known for its beautiful views and a unique architectural style called gassho-zukuri. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the many things to see and do in this picturesque village!

Jim reflects on one of his favorite Japanese monster movies with Inshiro Honda's 1959 cult classic, "The H-Man," starring Yumi Shirakawa, Akihiko Harata and Jenji Sahara. A police detective investigating a bizarre case of missing persons discovers a terrifying threat to humanity which has links to recent H-Bomb tests in the Pacific. It's all ahead in the this episode of "Monster Attack!"

Learn The world’s best language and pass the Manga Sensei 30 Day challenge. Pre-order the 30 day Challenge Field Guide to get that extra edge for gaining a foundation in Japanese. John Sensei walks through each day and grammar point, explaining everything more simply and more thoroughly. Get Manga Sensei’s own words on how to learn Vocabulary, tips and hacks for memorizing and completing difficult days. Learn how to create good study habits and expand your understanding of Japanese with this actually useful book.PURCHASE this book today and get the first copy with an additional surprise study help.Daily Walkthroughs and grammar breakdownsWorkbook PagesDetailed Charts and Conjugation helpsMemorization techniques and hacksDownloadable mobile friendly e-bookDetailed and easy to follow printoutsExtra tasks and insightsUse this field guide to master Japanese and start speaking/Reading Japanese every day. https://manga-sensei.com/product/30-day-challenge-field-manual/

Learn The world’s best language and pass the Manga Sensei 30 Day challenge. Pre-order the 30 day Challenge Field Guide to get that extra edge for gaining a foundation in Japanese. John Sensei walks through each day and grammar point, explaining everything more simply and more thoroughly. Get Manga Sensei’s own words on how to learn Vocabulary, tips and hacks for memorizing and completing difficult days. Learn how to create good study habits and expand your understanding of Japanese with this actually useful book.PURCHASE this book today and get the first copy with an additional surprise study help.Daily Walkthroughs and grammar breakdownsWorkbook PagesDetailed Charts and Conjugation helpsMemorization techniques and hacksDownloadable mobile friendly e-bookDetailed and easy to follow printoutsExtra tasks and insightsUse this field guide to master Japanese and start speaking/Reading Japanese every day. https://manga-sensei.com/product/30-day-challenge-field-manual/

Dr Carolyn Lam:                Welcome to Circulation on the Run, your weekly podcast summary and backstage pass to the journal and its editors. I'm Dr Carolyn Lam, associate editor from the National Heart Center and Duke National University of Singapore. This week's issue provides much long awaited healthcare resource utilization and cost implications in the MOMENTUM 3 randomized controlled trial of a magnetically levitated cardiac pump in advanced heart failure. All of this coming right up after these summaries.                                                 The first original paper this week provides important mammalian data on the acute effects of phosphodiesterase type 1 inhibition on the heart. Now phosphodiesterase type 1, or PDE1, is known to hydrolyze cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP in the heart. However, what's important to understand is that data from rodents may not be applicable to humans because rodents express mostly the cyclic GMP favoring PDE1A isoform, whereas human hearts predominantly express PDE1C isoform which has a balanced selectivity for cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP.                                                 In today's paper, first author Dr Hashimoto, corresponding author Dr Kass from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and colleagues, determined the acute effects of PDE1 inhibition on PDE1C expressing mammals, dogs and rabbits, in normal and failing hearts. They found that selective inhibition of PDE1 with ITI-214 induced positive inotropic, lusitropic, chronotropic, and arterial vasodilatory effects in dogs and rabbits. These effects occurred via cyclic AMP modulation and were observed in failing hearts. ITI-214 contractile increase was insensitive to beta adrenergic blockade or heart rate increase, but inhibited in vivo by adenosine receptor inhibition. Furthermore, isolated myocytes revealed differences between PDE1 and PDE3 inhibition. Wherein PDE3 inhibition, augmented beta receptor agonism and calcium transients, whereas PDE1 inhibition enhanced function without calcium increase. These findings have important clinical implications for ITI-214 which has completed phase 1 trials and may provide a novel therapy for heart failure.                                                 We know that macrophages are involved in foam cell formation in atherosclerotic plaques, but our next paper tells us we may now have a way to therapeutically modify this. Co-corresponding authors Dr Wei and Schober from Ludwig Maximilian's University Munich elucidated the role of microRNA generating enzyme Dicer in macrophage activation during atherosclerosis. They showed that Dicer deletion in macrophages accelerated atherosclerosis in mice, along with enhanced inflammatory response and increased lipid accumulation in lesional macrophages. In vitro, alternative activation was limited, whereas lipid filled foam cell formation was exacerbated in Dicer deficient macrophages due to impaired mitochondrial fatty acid oxidative metabolism. MicroRNA biogenesis promoted the degradation of fatty acids by mitochondrial respiration in macrophages, which in turn reduced intracellular lipid storage and limited atherosclerosis. Thus, reducing foam cell formation in atherosclerotic arteries by enhancing energy metabolism through microRNA mediated fatty acid oxidation may be a promising approach for the treatment of atherosclerosis.                                                 The next study evaluates how aortic stiffening relates to resting cerebral blood flow and cerebral vascular reactivity in older adults. First and corresponding author Dr Jefferson from Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center and her colleagues studied participants free of clinical dementia, stroke, or heart failure, including 155 older adults with normal cognition and 115 mild cognitive impairment. They found that greater thoracic aortic stiffening quantified by cardiac magnetic resonance was associated with lower cerebral blood flow in cognitively normal older adults. Aortic stiffening was associated with reduced resting cerebral blood flow in the presence of preserved reactivity and associated vasodilatory capacity, particularly among participants without hypertension. ApoE4, a well-known genetic susceptibility risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, modified the results with stronger effects among carriers in the temporal lobes, where Alzheimer's disease pathology is known to first evolve. In summary, greater aortic stiffening related to lower regional cerebral blood flow and higher cerebral vascular reactivity in cognitively normal older adults, especially among individuals with increased genetic predisposition for Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the association between higher aortic stiffness and compromised brain health, including cerebral hemodynamics, may allow for earlier detection and targeted interventions to prevent or mitigate the onset of more serious cerebral vascular damage associated with greater aortic stiffening.                                                 Aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis is usually timed according to the development of symptoms, but could the timing be too late once irreversible myocardial scar has developed? Co-first authors Drs Musa and Treibel, corresponding author Dr Greenwood from University of Leeds and their colleagues found that in patients with severe aortic stenosis, focal myocardial fibrosis determined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was present in over 50% of patients and was associated with a two-fold higher late mortality. Focal scar was independently associated with all cause and cardiovascular mortality, after both surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement. In severe aortic stenosis, late gadolinium enhancement appears to be a useful biomarker of left ventricular remodeling, and its presence is associated with worse long-term outcomes following aortic valve intervention. Thus, in severe aortic stenosis, late gadolinium enhancement may be a useful biomarker of left ventricular remodeling, and its presence may be associated with worse long-term outcomes following aortic valve intervention.                                                 The next study suggests that endogenous factor Xa activity may be irrelevant pharmacodynamic marker to guide Edoxaban dosing in future. First author Dr Yin, corresponding author Dr Giugliano from TIMI Study Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and their colleagues, describe the value of endogenous factor Xa activity as a pharmacodynamic marker, linking Edoxaban concentrations and clinical outcomes in the ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial. They showed that the extent of inhibition of endogenous factor Xa activity was influenced by Edoxaban dosing and clinical characteristics, and was associated with both antithrombotic benefit and risk of bleeding. The implications are that this approach of linking endogenous factor Xa activity to clinical outcomes may be used to guide dose selection in future clinical trials, to monitor patients in certain clinical scenarios, or to define the doses of oral factor Xa inhibitors in patients who require precise anticoagulation therapy.                                                 The next paper describes a novel multi-protein complex that plays a critical role in regulating cardiomyocyte survival. First author Dr Zhang, corresponding author Dr Yan from University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and colleagues, showed that phosphodiesterase 1C is activated by transient receptor potential canonical channel-3 derived calcium, thereby antagonizing adenosine A2 receptor cyclic GMP signaling and promoting cardiomyocyte death or apoptosis. Targeting these molecules individually, or in combination, may represent a compelling therapeutic strategy for potentiating cardiomyocyte survival.                                                 The final paper demonstrates a molecular link between two well-recognized biomarkers of fibrosis, Galectin-3 and Osteopontin. First author Dr Shirakawa, corresponding author Dr Sano from Keio University School of Medicine and their colleagues, showed that Osteopontin was almost exclusively produced by Galectin-3 high CD206 positive macrophages, which specifically appear in the infarct myocardium after a myocardial infarct. The interleukin-10-STAT3 Galectin-3 axis was essential for Osteopontin producing reparative macrophage polarization after myocardial infarction, and these macrophages contributed to tissue repair by promoting fibrosis and clearance of apoptotic cells. These results therefore suggest that Galectin-3 may contribute to reparative fibrosis in the infarct myocardium by controlling Osteopontin levels. And that brings us to the end of this week's summaries, now for a feature discussion.                                                 Left ventricular assist devices have truly revolutionized our management of advanced heart failure. In fact, these devices have allowed us to keep patients not just as a bridge to transplantation, but as destination therapy. The devices get better and better but also more and more expensive, and the problem is, that places a lot of strain on our healthcare systems. A lot of us are crying out for information on the cost effectiveness of these newer devices, and guess what? We have answers this week with our featured paper.                                                 I am delighted to have with us the first and corresponding author Dr Mandeep Mehra from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, as well as our senior editor Dr Biykem Bozkurt from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Hello, Mandeep and Biykem! I am so pleased to be talking about a subject really close to all our hearts. Mandeep, could you start by maybe sketching out the actual issue, and maybe reminding our audience what's the difference between the different types of left ventricular assist systems that you compared. Dr Mandeep Mehra:       The era of left ventricular assist devices took a major therapeutic shift when we recognized that we could usher in continuous flow devices. These are devices that generate no peripheral pulse, they do not have systole and diastole. And these devices are small in profile, have very few moving parts, and there are several commercially available devices, two in the United States and up to three worldwide, that bear these characteristics.                                                 The HeartMate II device, which is a continuous flow device that flows blood in an axial format. The HeartWare, or HVAD device, which is a centrifugal flow pump, where the blood comes in and then is ejected at a 90 degree angle. The Jarvik 2000 pump that is still used in some areas, in many regions experimentally, and then the new kid on the block, the HeartMate 3 device, which is a centrifugal flow pump with some very unique technological characteristics. Dr Carolyn Lam:                Nice! And now drumroll, please tell us what you found in your brilliant study this week. Dr Mandeep Mehra:       First, I'd like to remind the audience that the MOMENTUM 3 trial which randomized patients to the HeartMate II versus the HeartMate 3 device, was called MOMENTUM 3 and was a two-year study. We presented the pivotal two year trials results in 366 randomized patients earlier this year in The New England Journal of Medicine, and this study showed that the HeartMate 3 was superior on the primary endpoint when compared to the HeartMate II. The primary endpoint was survival, free of a disabling stroke, or the need to replace the pump surgically for a pump malfunction. And much of that, Carolyn, was driven by the need for replacement of the pump because the HeartMate 3 pump has some unique features that reduce its proclivity for pump thrombosis.                                                 The HeartMate 3 pump is a frictionless pump. It's completely, magnetically, dynamically, born in the rotor. It has wider blood flow paths, so we don't see hemolysis with this pump. And this pump also has an artificial intrinsic pulse that has been created, that pulsates the pump in a 40 beats per minute configuration. So this was the primary trial result, and one of the lucky foresights that we had when we designed the trial was to embed, prospectively, economic analysis within this trial. We recognized that the cost effectiveness related issues and cost configurations with these devices would become very, very important as we scale into today's day and age of healthcare transformation. And the paper that is being presented in Circulation this week, really speaks to the health resource utilization and cost outcomes between the two devices.                                                 We found that the HeartMate 3 pump is actually a cost minimization device, and what that means, Carolyn, is that we have become very used to thinking of new technology as providing incremental costs. So we think that, "Oh, well, what incremental costs should society bear for the benefits as we allocate new technology?" And in this particular trial, what we found is that while the costs of the pump itself, the HeartMate II and the HeartMate 3, were kept the same, which means its operational implant costs were the same, pretty much. We found that the HeartMate 3 pump was associated with a reduction in healthcare resource utilization over two years and with a marked decrease in cost. And in fact, our estimate of cost reduction was in the range of about 65 thousand dollars less, compared to the HeartMate II, in favor of the HeartMate 3. Dr Carolyn Lam:                Wow, Mandeep, first of all, congratulations on these remarkable findings. Biykem, I really have to bring you in here. What do you think of the implications of this? Dr Biykem Bozkurt:         First, I would like to congratulate the authors for a very innovative approach. As Mandeep has stated, they prospectively collected very challenging billing data from the hospitals, and then also did a very complex analysis including the VRG, as well as looking at payer reimbursements for public versus private. And did a variety of subgroup analysis, which I thought was quite helpful in sorting out that perhaps the cost effectiveness was concurrent both from the Medicare, the public, as well as the private, or regardless of the intent for destination versus bridge to transplant.                                                 Probably the most important concept when you look at these close analysis is incremental cost effectiveness ratio, per quality of adjusted life year gained. Now, I do realize the current analysis doesn't allow us to infer the ICER benefit or the incremental cost effectiveness, which I think the investigators are planning to do with a thousand and more patients over a course of two years, which is going to be probably the more definitive. But as it currently stands, with what is provided by Dr Mehra and his colleagues is, we're probably reaching that sweet spot of what is construed as the cost effectiveness ratio of a cost.                                                 Let's say 100 thousand dollars over the course of a year, then I would like to ask Mandeep whether on the prediction will reach that threshold of less than 100 thousand dollars. Because the former studies, looking at the ICER ratios, or incremental cost effectiveness ratios for the DT destination therapies, usually we select somewhere around 200 thousand dollars. And I know that usually that is seen as a prohibited cost, and there was a discussion whether we would be able to reduce the cost by about half, either doing index admission and add subsequent hospitalizations. With the data Dr Mehra and his colleagues have shown, it looks like the re-hospitalization cost is about, approximately half, or reduced by 50%. Mandeep, any thoughts on that, on that sweet spot? Dr Mandeep Mehra:       Yeah. I think, Biykem, you have articulated this extraordinarily well. And for the audience, since it's worldwide, I'd like to place a few things in perspective on how to think of economic modeling. First of all, the point I would make is that this is the first prospectively collected data that we have in the field, and as you pointed out, it was very, very difficult to pull this data together and is still very complex. But let's just think about what ICER really is. It all starts with what we consider to be health utility.                                                 For example, Carolyn, Biykem, and me less so, would have a health utility of 1.0, 1.0 means a perfect health utility number. And I know, Carolyn, you and Biykem are absolutely perfect so you would be a 1.0, I probably am not a 1.0. But a patient with advanced heart failure has a health utility of about .4, so that's only 40% of what is perfect. And when we place ventricular assist devices, whether you place the HeartMate 3 or the HeartMate II, the health utility actually jumps up to about .7. So it's not perfect yet, but it moves all the way up there.                                                 The incremental cost effectiveness ratios of implanting a device over time are calculated based on this health utility benefit, compared to the population of advanced heart failure. And the best current estimates of the HeartMate II are that ICER is about 200 thousand dollars, per quality adjusted life years gained, and this has been done by creating what's known as Markov modeling. A lot of that, by the way, is conjecture, it's not real information. It is predicted information, so one has to take that data with a grain of salt.                                                 Here in this health resource analysis for MOMENTUM 3, we actually looked at actual data. There are some estimates used in this analysis as well, where we did not have accurate billing forms available, but we focused on those things where we had very clear knowledge of the cost of outcomes. For example, we did not look at the costs of outpatient follow-up care. We mainly looked at the cost differences of hospitalizations. And what we essentially found here is that just looking at hospitalizations and differences between the two devices, the cost differential, whether it's Medicare which is public [inaudible 00:20:14], or whether it's commercial. It ranges somewhere between 50 to 65 thousand dollars of difference between the two devices.                                                 Now, if you assume that the ICER for the HeartMate II is accurately at about 200 thousand, and you reduce that ICER by about 50 to 60 thousand, the ICER would naturally come into the range of what you would consider to be about 135 thousand to 150 thousand dollars per quality adjusted life years gained for the HeartMate 3, compared to an advanced heart failure population. Once we look at it from that perspective, as Biykem pointed out, we are getting closer and closer to the societal norms.                                                 At one time-point, society used to think of a quality adjusted life years gained cost of 50 thousand dollars as something that would be acceptable to society, and this was seemingly based on the threshold for what dialysis provides in benefit. And now, we recognize that we have to really expand that to somewhere around 100 thousand more logically, or between 100 and 150 thousand for some technologies. The important thing I would say to you is that, that is society dependent. So what the United States considers to be a reasonable ICER, say 100 to 130 thousand dollars per quality adjusted life years gained, may not be the same that Great Britain would look at, or Sweden would look at, or another country would look at. And each country actually creates their own economic value propositions, and this will have to be taken into account as we think about this data as well. Dr Carolyn Lam:                How cleverly and clearly articulated, thank you so much Mandeep. Just one last question for both you and Biykem, what do you think this implies for moving to less and less advanced heart failure with these left ventricular assist device systems? Biykem? Dr Biykem Bozkurt:         It's an ever-expanding field, and as these devices are becoming smaller, lower profile with lesser complications and more affordable, probably the utilization will likely increase as we have been seeing. As you know, even the percutaneous non-durable device used, as well as our mechanical circulatory support durable devices are definitely increasing utilization. And thus, one may wonder not only the bridge to transplantation, but the destination therapy portfolio, or bridge to decision portfolio, may really increase as these devices become safer and more affordable. Dr Carolyn Lam:                Wow, that's amazing. How about you, Mandeep, what do you think? Dr Mandeep Mehra:       Carolyn, I couldn't have said it any better than what Biykem articulated. I do think that at least in the United States, as we reach the thresholds of cost effectiveness that we as a society accept, we will start to see a lot more widespread utilization, particularly for lifelong therapy or so-called destination therapy. I completely agree with that. I think that moving the needle to the less sicker population is still challenging, because there are complications with these devices that make that slightly difficult.                                                 There was a trial called the REVIVE-IT trial that was stopped midstream largely because of concerns about pump thrombosis, and that trial was looking at taking these devices to a less sick NYHA class 3 population and was stopped midstream. Now that the HeartMate 3 has pretty much resolved the issue of pump thrombosis, and even show a halfing in stroke rates with this device over two years, I think that that portfolio of evidence needs to be reopened. I would caution though, that until we have confirmatory randomized data in those less sick populations, the use to that population should still stay restricted. Dr Carolyn Lam:                I don't think anyone could have said it better than both of you. Thank you so much for this very insightful and balanced conversation.                                                 Thank you so much for listening today. You were listening to Circulation on the Run, and don't forget to tune again next week.  

In this story, Connie Shirakawa goes into battle mode when her Muslim friend seems in danger of being targeted by the current administration's travel ban.

Resümee aus Tōkyō 12 Im vorletzten Teil der Japanreise führe ich euch durch die japanischen Alpen, das „Higurashi“-Dorf Shirakawa-go, eine noble (Ex-)Samurai-Residenz und den mythologischen Schöpfungsort Japans. Nächstes Mal gibt's dann das Finale in Kyoto! Bis dahin: Esst mehr Natto, und schaut mal auf meinem Instagram-Account vorbei! Podcast herunterladen 00:00:00 Japanische Alpen und Bilderbuchonsen 00:04:07 Sakuramanjû in Takayama 00:05:10 Shirakawa-go, wo die Zikaden zirpen 00:08:24 Edo-Bürokratie 00:10:00 Müßiges Moospflücken in Kanazawa und verarmte Samurai 00:14:44 Die Himmelsleiter, die zur Erde herabfiel 00:19:05 Pokemon Go-Zombies und Instagram-Hipster 00:22:00 Er ist wieder da (in Japan) 25:47 Musiktipp: Princess Chelsea - The Cigarette Duet Traditionelles Haus in Shirakawa-go Teehaus mit künstlichem See im Kenroku-en in Kanazawa Amonohashidate Mata-nozoki Pose

Esto es HistoCast. No es Esparta pero casi. Como ya es tradición tenemos aquí la tercera entrega de sitios y asedios que tanto os gustan. Para ello tenemos cavando minas y contraminas a @tamtamveramendi, @rodericus_rex, @HugoACanete y @goyix_salduero.Secciones Historia: - Santiago de Cuba 1898 - 05:25 - La Habana 1762 - 1:21:46 - Asalto de la mansión Shirakawa 1156 - 1:46:33 - Sitio de Budapest 1944 - 2:21:35

■023 ぽんこつ見習い中なぅ [@shirakawa_so_go シラカワ牛乳さん]23 PK2_interv023.mp3■今回のインタビューは 【お話】 @shirakawa_so_go シラカワ牛乳さん 【ぽんこつ予備校第40回について】　　【収録】2012年12月23日 (ぶ)　　　【楽曲使用】 ■DESKTOP ROCK ■HURT♡RECORD ■jets/SNOOP

■023 ぽんこつ見習い中なぅ [@shirakawa_so_go シラカワ牛乳さん]23 PK2_interv023.mp3■今回のインタビューは 【お話】 @shirakawa_so_go シラカワ牛乳さん 【ぽんこつ予備校第40回について】　　【収録】2012年12月23日 (ぶ)　　　【楽曲使用】 ■DESKTOP ROCK ■HURT♡RECORD ■jets/SNOOP

■023 ぽんこつ見習い中なぅ [@shirakawa_so_go シラカワ牛乳さん]23 PK2_interv023.mp3■今回のインタビューは 【お話】 @shirakawa_so_go シラカワ牛乳さん 【ぽんこつ予備校第40回について】　　【収録】2012年12月23日 (ぶ)　　　【楽曲使用】 ■DESKTOP ROCK ■HURT♡RECORD ■jets/SNOOP