Podcasts about Tokyo

Charlie delivered his final speech on September 6 to a sellout crowd in Tokyo, Japan. He was there to tell enthusiastic Japanese patriots about the importance of taking pride in your country, fighting back against the threat of globalism, and ensuring the future of a nation. And along the way, he was there to witness to the Gospel of Christ in a pagan land as well. It's a distillation of so many of the messages Charlie gave his life for and is not to be missed. As Blake Neff explains, Charlie's pacing was to account for the translations, which have been removed for an optimal listening experience. Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The PDB Situation Report: Russia's war economy is starting to crack. Deep Ukrainian strikes and tough new U.S. sanctions have pushed Moscow's oil revenues to their lowest point in two years. We'll explain what's driving the pressure and why it matters. Eddie Fishman of the Center for a New American Security joins us for more. In Japan, a single off-the-cuff remark from new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has triggered the most serious diplomatic clash with China in years. We'll break down what she said and how Tokyo and Beijing are reacting. Author Gordon Chang stops by to give his insight. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief.  YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Mando: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code PDB at https://shopmando.com! #mandopod Ridge Wallet: Upgrade your wallet today! Get 47% Off @Ridge with code PDB at https://www.Ridge.com/PDB #Ridgepod Lean: Visit https://BrickhouseSale.com for 30% off GUESTS: Edward Fishman: Author of CHOKEPOINTS: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/726149/chokepoints-by-edward-fishman/ Gordon Chang: Follow Gordon on X - https://x.com/GordonGChang Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this commentary episode, we dive deep into the world of Chainsaw Man, exploring the dark themes of exploitation and control that define Denji's journey. We discuss the pop culture impact of the series, particularly its reception in Western audiences, and analyze the complex dynamics between key characters like Denji, Makima, and Power. With insights into the show's unique animation style and its homage to various pop culture references, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what makes Chainsaw Man a standout in the anime world. 00:00:00 Introduction to Chainsaw Man Commentary 00:05:00 Exploring Denji's Struggles and Exploitation 00:10:00 Thematic Analysis: Control and Freedom 00:15:00 Pop Culture Reactions and Anime's Western Influence 00:20:00 Character Dynamics: Denji, Makima, and Power 00:25:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Speculations Takeaways The episode delves into Denji's struggles with debt and exploitation, highlighting the dark themes of control and freedom. The commentary explores the pop culture impact of Chainsaw Man, particularly its reception in Western audiences. The dynamic between Denji, Makima, and Power is analyzed, showcasing their complex relationships and character development. The episode discusses the thematic elements of control, freedom, and the desire for a normal life amidst chaos. The commentary provides insights into the show's unique animation style and its homage to various pop culture references.  

Denji, a young man burdened by debt, navigates a world filled with devils and danger. With his chainsaw devil dog, Pochita, he hunts devils to pay off his debts. After a betrayal by the Yakuza, Denji is killed but is revived by Pochita's sacrifice, merging with him to become Chainsaw Man. He battles the zombie devil and its minions, showcasing his newfound powers. A public safety devil hunter offers him a choice: live as a human under her care or die as a devil. Denji arrives in Tokyo, navigating the bustling city as he adjusts to his new life as Chainsaw Man. He encounters new allies and faces unexpected challenges, all while grappling with his identity and the responsibilities of being a devil hunter. The episode explores themes of adaptation, identity, and the complexities of urban life.   00:00:00 Introduction to Denji and Pochita 00:03:00 Denji's Struggles with Debt 00:06:00 Betrayal by the Yakuza 00:09:00 Pochita's Sacrifice and Denji's Revival 00:12:00 Battle with the Zombie Devil 00:15:00 A New Life Offered 26:21 Denji's Arrival in Tokyo 29:21 New Allies and Challenges 32:21 Grappling with Identity 35:21 Responsibilities of a Devil Hunter 38:21 Adaptation to Urban Life 41:21 Themes of Identity and Responsibility   Takeaways Denji's life is heavily burdened by debt, leading him to sell his body parts and hunt devils for money. Pochita, Denji's chainsaw devil dog, is his loyal companion and plays a crucial role in his survival. The Yakuza exploit Denji's desperation, using him to pay off his father's debts. Denji's dreams of a normal life are constantly challenged by his harsh reality. A pivotal moment occurs when Pochita sacrifices himself to save Denji, merging with him to become Chainsaw Man. Denji's transformation into Chainsaw Man is both a physical and emotional journey. The story explores themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and survival in a world filled with devils. Denji's interactions with the Yakuza highlight the exploitation and manipulation he faces. The narrative delves into Denji's internal struggle with his identity and aspirations. The episode sets the stage for Denji's ongoing battle against devils and his quest for a better life. Denji's arrival in Tokyo marks a new beginning. The bustling city presents both opportunities and challenges. Denji struggles with his identity as Chainsaw Man. New allies emerge to support Denji in his journey. The responsibilities of being a devil hunter weigh heavily on Denji. The episode explores the theme of adaptation to new environments. Denji's past continues to influence his present decisions. The complexities of urban life are highlighted. Denji's journey is both physical and emotional. The story delves into themes of identity and responsibility.  

Register here to join Founder University Japan's kickoff: https://luma.com/cm0x90mkToday's show:Google and Meta had their cases dismissed (or received a slap on the wrist)… Despite all the backlash and cynicism, AI companies continue making bank and releasing hot new products… What does it all mean?For Jason Calacanis, the signs are pointing to a “major M&A moment,” with huge opportunities for increased efficiency and consolidation among America's favorite brands and largest companies?Who will it be? Join Jason and Alex for a round of hot speculation.PLUS why Jason thinks Michael Burry is both right and wrong about GPU depreciation, why NOTHING is certain about these OpenAI mega-deals, Google's Nano Banana Pro can make infographics and they're VERY impressive… and much more.Timestamps:(1:54) Jason's calling in from Vegas… He's doing a hot lap at F1!(3:18) How restaurants are becoming the new Hot IP(6:50) Founder University is heading to TOKYO!(9:27) Why Jason thinks the future of startups is truly global(10:06) Pipedrive - Bring your entire sales process into one elegant space. Get started with a 30 day free trial at pipedrive.com/twist(11:39) Nvidia killed it on the numbers… but what are the vibes around AI? Jason sounds off.(13:05) Why nothing is certain when it comes to the Nvidia/OpenAI deal(19:40) Is Google now WINNING consumer adoption of AI? How did it get this close?(19:57) Crusoe Cloud: Crusoe is the AI factory company. Reliable infrastructure and expert support. Visit https://crusoe.ai/build to reserve your capacity for the latest GPUs today.(26:07) Meanwhile, AI apps are still dominating the iOS Store(27:09) Why Jason and Alex think Michael Burry's both right and wrong about GPU depreciation(30:13) Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!(37:46) We're testing out Nano Banana Pro on a BBQ infographic challenge(43:42) What a week for AI models! It doesn't seem like things are slowing down…(46:12) Kalshi is growing fast, but can it catch Polymarket?(47:50) Is a rate cut coming? Jason and Alex read the tea leaves.(50:13) Why Jason predicts a “major M&A moment” in the next six months(52:09) VIEWER QUESTION: What should a software engineer be working on RIGHT NOW.(54:02) Founder Friday is now… STARTUP SUPPER CLUBSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:(10:06) Pipedrive - Bring your entire sales process into one elegant space. Get started with a 30 day free trial at pipedrive.com/twist(19:57) Crusoe Cloud: Crusoe is the AI factory company. Reliable infrastructure and expert support. Visit https://crusoe.ai/build to reserve your capacity for the latest GPUs today.(30:13) Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Blank Space: A Cultural History of the Twenty-First Century by author and critic W. David Marx is a gripping retrospective that examines our culture today — and questions where we might be headed. David joins us to talk about living in Tokyo, the internet, merging art and commerce, nostalgia, smartphones and more with cohosts Chris Gillespie and Isabelle McConville. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Isabelle McConville and Chris Gillespie, and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Blank Space: A Cultural History of the Twenty-First Century by W. David Marx Status and Culture by W. David Marx The Nineties: A Book by Chuck Klosterman There's Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension by Hanif Abdurraqib Immediacy: Or, The Style of Too Late Capitalism by Anna Kornbluh Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality by Amanda Montell Cue the Sun!: The Invention of Reality TV by Emily Nussbaum When the Clock Broke: Con Men, Conspiracists, and How America Cracked Up in the Early 1990s by John Ganz Liberalism and Its Discontents by Francis Fukuyama Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture by Kyle Chayka Everything I Need I Get from You: How Fangirls Created the Internet as We Know It by Kaitlyn Tiffany  

Aujourd'hui dans Silicon Carne, on plonge dans le nerf de la guerre technologique :

Une légende du marathon français rend visite à RMC Running ! Nicolas Navarro, meilleure perf' française aux JO de Tokyo et Paris sur la distance reine, est l'invité de Benoit Boutron et Yohan Durand. En stage à Font-Romeu alors que le froid sévit, le marathonien nous explique son changement de cap à l'entrainement : il teste désormais la méthode norvégienne, avec des séances de double seuil ! Un risque qu'il a voulu prendre à quasiment 35 ans, pour tenter d'aller chercher son record perso de 2h05"53, lors du marathon de Valence le 7 décembre prochain. Comment se passe sa préparation ? En quoi la méthode norvégienne change-t-elle de ses précédentes prépas ? Nicolas revient également sur Paris 2024 et se projette sur son avenir. A l'occasion de la venue de Nicolas, son équipementier "ON" vous offre une paire de basket CloudBoom Max ! Un bon plan matos exceptionnel à gagner sur l'Instagram de RMC Running. 

Episode 011 opens with the new remix I was asked to make for Manufactured Superstars — a duo who shaped a major era of EDM a decade ago — so it was an honor to be invited to rework Diva. The mix moves into my piano house track Raindrops and develops through a melodic early section with AVIRA's Memory and Zen Freeman & Gan's God Only Knows. The middle of the set leans into soulful and Afro-house grooves with Disclosure, Danmds, Shimza, and Junior Jack, built on rolling percussion and steady, groove-first transitions. Energy lifts further with Mantra, Let Me See You Work, Nihil Young's Out Of Control, and my newly released track Don't Stop on Smash Deep. The pace tightens into a more tech-driven and bass house direction with Miss Monique & Glowal's Rollin' and Pure NRG, before shifting into the vocal Latin tech surge of SOA Deejays' Escandalo. The set closes with the feel-good uplift of The Chainsmokers' Smooth (Extended Mix). Recorded live in Tokyo, this episode travels from piano house through Afro-house and into tech and bass house, ending on warm, feel-good vibes. ⚡️Like the Show? Click the [Repost] ↻ button so more people can hear it!

「【西新宿・新宿アイランドタワー】フォトスタジオ『studio clori.TOKYO新宿店』が11月22日ニューオープン！」　西新宿にある新宿アイランドタワー44Fに、フォトスタジオ『studio clori.TOKYO新宿店』が2025年11月22日(土)ニューオープン。詳細をご紹介します。新宿アイランドタワーの44階にオープンした『studio clori.TOKYO新宿店』は、フォト婚やブライダルセレモニーなどを行うフォトスタジオ。

The Japanese Foreign Ministry has rebutted China's claim that the safety risk is increasing in Japan, by releasing data on recognized serious crimes in Japan in which Chinese nationals were victims.

This week, the Krewe is joined by Loretta Scott (aka KemushiChan on YouTube Channel) for a personal, insightful, and often funny look at what it's like raising kids in Japan as an American parent. We dig into birth experiences, cultural differences from the U.S., unexpected parenting moments, and tips for families living in or visiting Japan. Curious about family life abroad or considering a trip to Japan with the munchkins? This episode is packed with helpful insight just for you!------ About the Krewe ------The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------Use the referral links below!Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan! ------ Links for Tobias Harris ------Loretta on InstagramKemushiChan YouTube Channel------ Past Language Learning Episodes ------Inside Japanese Language Schools ft. Langston Hill (S6E3)Japanese Self-Study Strategies ft. Walden Perry (S5E4)Learn the Kansai Dialect ft. Tyson of Nihongo Hongo (S4E14)Heisig Method ft. Dr. James Heisig (S4E5)Prepping for the JLPT ft. Loretta of KemushiCan (S3E16)Language Through Video Games ft. Matt of Game Gengo (S3E4)Pitch Accent (Part 2) ft. Dogen (S2E15)Pitch Accent (Part 1) ft. Dogen (S2E14)Language through Literature ft. Daniel Morales (S2E8)Immersion Learning ft. MattvsJapan (S1E10)Japanese Language Journeys ft. Saeko-Sensei (S1E4)------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------JSNO Event CalendarJoin JSNO Today!

In this ep we talk Sizzler to make a comeback, Coast Guard denies reports that Swastikas and nooses will be down graded to "potentially divisive" status, China buyin up America, Ghislaine Maxwell livin her best life in prison, man named JD Vance threatens to kill JD Vance, Megan Kelly say Epstein wasn't a pedo pedo, Kevin Spacey says he's broke, Eric Roberts sets record for being in the most movies, Tekashi 69 house robbed and mom held at gun point, China astronaut problem, AI teddy bear goes crazy, Fox News says f*ck grandma this year, no presents for her to save money, and much more! Email here: tokyoblackhour@gmail.com Check us out Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/TokyoBlackHour/   Check out the Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX_C1Txvh93PHEsnA-qOp6g?view_as=subscriber Follow us on Twitter @TokyoBlackPod Get your apparel at https://tkbpandashop.com/  You can also catch us Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify Check out the mix here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=outOhNt1vBA&t=1167s Need a logo for your business go here www.fiverr.com/eyeballa/buying 

FULL EPISODE! This time on the PURE TOKYOSCOPE Podcast, authors Matt Alt (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Patrick Macias (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mondo Tokyo: Dispatches from a Secret Japan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) recount their recent visits to the Godzilla Fest special event in Tokyo and the epic Tamashii Nation toy show in Akihabara. The forecast calls for kaiju, robots, and… Labubu?⁠⁠⁠Join the PURE TOKYOSCOPE Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You'll get access to full episodes, bonus content, our Discord server, and an archive of past episodes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Head over to Pure TokyoScope Patreon to subscribe today!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INFO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matt Alt on Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Macias on Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pure TokyoScope on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The podcast is produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jaPRESS LLC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠© and edited by Patrick MaciasTheme song by Marxy, v.o. by RInRin Doll

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Ignacio Davalos, Content Strategy Director at AIM B2B (a Custom Media company) and an experienced marketer who has led full-funnel B2B and B2C programs for brands like L'Oréal, Gengo, and Lionbridge.Ignacio breaks down how LinkedIn is actually used in Japan, who the real users are, what types of campaigns perform well, and why Western lead-generation playbooks often fail when applied to the Japanese market. He shares practical insights on localization, targeting, tool integrations, and campaign structure, backed by multiple real case studies.If you're a marketer, consultant, or B2B advertiser looking to run LinkedIn campaigns in Japan, this episode gives you a tactical, Japan-specific guide to what works and what doesn't.This episode is sponsored by Custom Media, Tokyo's leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008, helping global brands expand across Japan and APAC.They can help you with:Localized storytelling to build trust in Asian marketsStrategic performance marketing (including LinkedIn Ads)Account-based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEOHubSpot-certified CRM and marketing automationData-driven implementation with cultural expertiseLearn more about AIM B2B here: https://hi.switchy.io/h7TM 00:29 – Introduction 00:56 – Guest Introduction 03:03 – LinkedIn user numbers & growth 07:09 – User demographics in Japan 11:41 – Competitors to LinkedIn 14:10 – How Western companies use LinkedIn 15:50 – How Japan uses LinkedIn differently 18:34 – Japanese vs Western tool integrations 26:30 – French newspaper case study 28:50 – Strengths of LinkedIn as an ad platform 34:39 – Cybersecurity case study 37:29 – How to build a successful awareness-phase campaign 40:10 – Localization of messaging & targeting 48:23 – Japanese vs English ads 49:50 – Pitfall: MBA campaign with low results 51:16 – Common mistakes in follow-up and nurturingConnect with Ignacio Davalos on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/ignaciodavalos Link to GEO Strategy Online Webinar from AIM B2B: https://aim-b2b.com/lp/the-master-generative-engine-optimization-strategy/ Looking to take your business to the next level?Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your company from $100,000 to $10,000,000 with personalized coaching and advisory.

Q&A on the film Rental Family with actor Brendan Fraser. An American actor in Tokyo struggling to find purpose lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese "rental family" agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. He rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the beauty of human connection.

片山さつき財務相、１９日、東京都港区片山さつき財務相は２１日の閣議後記者会見で、急速な円安進行について「過度な変動や無秩序な動きには、日米財務相共同声明の考え方を踏まえ、必要に応じて適切な対応を取る」と述べ、為替介入も「当然考えられる」と投機的な動きをけん制した。 Japanese Minister of Finance Satsuki Katayama on Friday hinted that Tokyo may conduct a foreign exchange intervention following the recent depreciation of the yen.

東京・赤坂の女性刺傷事件で逮捕され、警視庁赤坂署に入る大津陽一郎容疑者、２２日未明、東京都港区東京都港区赤坂の雑居ビル地下１階で４０代女性が刺され重傷を負った事件で、警視庁捜査１課は２２日、殺人未遂容疑で、陸上自衛官大津陽一郎容疑者、練馬区土支田、を逮捕した。 Tokyo police arrested Saturday a 43-year-old Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force member belonging to Camp Asaka in Nerima Ward in the capital on suspicion of attempted murder in a case in which a woman was stabbed to suffer serious injuries, investigative sources said.

In this episode, historian Dr. Chris Smith discusses the Coventry Blitz, marking its 85th anniversary. He explores the myths surrounding the event, particularly the narrative that Churchill sacrificed Coventry to protect intelligence secrets. The conversation delves into the scale of the bombing, the city's industrial significance, the immediate aftermath, and the role of propaganda. Smith also highlights the reconstruction efforts and the lasting legacy of the Blitz in Coventry's identity, emphasizing themes of resilience and reconciliation. Note: I'm aware of the technical problems with the guest's video - unfortunately, there is no way to fix it, but the audio is fine. Also, there will not be a podcast next week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Links Chris Smith at Coventry University "The Last Cambridge Spy: John Cairncross, Bletchley Codebreaker and Soviet Double Agent" by Chris Smith Official Coventry Cathedral website: coventrycathedral.org.uk Hitler's Btlitz's on Britain (Article) Friends of Anglotopia Club Takeaways The Coventry Blitz is framed by both historical and modern narratives. Myths surrounding the Blitz, particularly about Churchill, persist despite being debunked. The bombing raid on Coventry was one of the largest of the war at that time. Coventry's industrial significance made it a strategic target during WWII. The aftermath of the bombing revealed a complex public reaction, not just unity. Propaganda played a crucial role in shaping public perception of the Blitz. The reconstruction of Coventry was influenced by pre-war modernization plans. The new cathedral symbolizes peace and reconciliation after the war. Coventry's identity is deeply tied to the events of the Blitz. Commemoration of the Blitz remains significant in Coventry's cultural memory. Soundbites Here are 10 interesting soundbites from the Coventry Blitz podcast: On the scale of the raid: "They dropped something in the region of 30,000 incendiary bombs, 500 tons of high explosives and 50 landmines. They even used some brand new types of explosive that they hadn't really been using to that point. It's a really, really massive raid by the standards of the war to that point." On the Churchill Ultra myth: "There's no evidence that Churchill made a decision to sacrifice Coventry. It's an absolute fantasy which basically has to rely upon either Churchill being the most evil man who has ever existed or the most incompetent man who has ever existed." On strategic bombing's true purpose: "One of the points of strategic bombing is terror, is to cause terror amongst the citizens... the British actually have a really nasty euphemism for this, which was to 'dehouse people' as a result of bombing. And that's how they basically described killing citizens and making other citizens homeless." On Coventry's industrial importance: "Coventry is hugely important industrially to Britain's war effort... by the time we get into the 20th century, bicycle manufacturing, the auto industry, the car industry becomes very important to Coventry, which makes it both wealthy and a ripe target." On the cathedral's symbolism: "They didn't knock it down. They built a new cathedral right next to it. So if any of your listeners ever visit Coventry, you can actually walk around the ruins of the old cathedral... It's a really powerful testament to resilience." On why the myth persists: "The myth of Churchill sacrificing Coventry persists because it plays into this very British, post-war self-image of stoic heroism and difficult choices. It makes for a better story than the truth, which is that sometimes intelligence fails and terrible things happen." On comparing bombing campaigns: "In Dresden, over 22,000 people are killed. The US conventional bombing of Tokyo kills over 100,000 people. So by those standards, what we're talking about in Coventry is relatively light, but by the context of what's happening in Britain, it's extremely serious." On "Keep Calm and Carry On": "These posters were wildly unpopular. They're really patronizing. They never really get used in the Second World War—they mostly just stay in a warehouse and are pulped for paper. But now they've taken on this massive life... You cannot go to London without seeing them, but you wouldn't have seen that in the Second World War at all." On Coventry's transformation: "Coventry becomes a symbol of reconciliation and peace after the war, forging connections with other bombed cities including Dresden. It's this remarkable transformation from devastation to representing hope and international cooperation." On the raid's duration: "The raid begins around seven o'clock in the evening, 10 past seven, and it lasts for a good 11 hours. The all-clear isn't actually announced until 6:16 the following morning. Eleven hours of continuous bombing—imagine living through that." Chapters 00:00 The Coventry Blitz: A Historical Overview 01:48 The Scale and Impact of the Raid 04:48 Destruction and Loss: Key Buildings in Coventry 06:29 Strategic Bombing: Aiming for Terror and Industry 07:20 Why Coventry? The Target's Significance 13:51 Civilian Response: How Coventry Endured the Blitz 15:04 The Myth of Foreknowledge: Churchill and Ultra Intelligence 23:29 Debunking the Sacrifice Myth: Historical Clarifications 27:20 Complex Narratives: Understanding WWII's Intricacies 28:04 The Aftermath of the Coventry Blitz 35:04 National Reactions and Morale 39:04 Reconstruction Plans for Coventry 41:13 Symbolism of the Cathedral Ruins 46:12 Lessons from the Blitz and Modern Warfare 49:07 The Enduring Legacy of the Blitz 50:08 Commemorating the Coventry Blitz 52:52 Exploring the Coventry Blitz and Its Myths 55:28 The Propaganda of War: Debunking 'Keep Calm and Carry On' 58:41 Books and Future Projects: Insights from Chris Smith 01:00:37 anglotopia-podcast-outro.mp4 Video Version

In episode 92 of the Japan Distilled podcast, your hosts Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman take a journey to the Izu Islands to explore Tokyo Shimazake, the latest WTO GI for Honkaku Shochu.

Ahoy mateys, we were fortunate to have set sail on Coheed & Cambrian's S.S. Neverender last week, their five day music festival cruise featuring our own Twitching Tongues and many more. We talk all about our experience at sea and the many bands we saw and spoke to.Features mini interviews with Foxing, The Callous Daoboys, Kaonashi, Softcult and Twitching Tongues. Thanks to Coheed, Blaze and Sixthman for having us.______________________Edited by Steven Grise (@iamoneonenineseven) • Title sequence by Nicholas Marzluf (@marzluf)HardLore: A Knotfest SeriesJoin the HARDLORE PATREON to watch every single weekly episode early and ad-free, alongside exclusive monthly episodes: https://patreon.com/hardlorepodJoin the HARDLORE DISCORD: https://discord.gg/jA9rppggefCool links:HardLore Official Website/HardLore Records store: https://hardlorepod.comTry AG1 at DrinkAG1.com/HARDLORE to receive a free flavor sampler kit + a vitamin d drops.Get 15% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code HARDLORE at MANSCAPED.com!_____________________FOLLOW HARDLORE:INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/hardlorepod/TWITTER | https://twitter.com/hardlorepodSPOTIFY | https://spoti.fi/3J1GIrpAPPLE | https://apple.co/3IKBss2FOLLOW COLIN:INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/colinyovng/FOLLOW BO:INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/bosxe/TWITTER | https://www.twitter.com/bosxe#HARDLORE #HARDCORE00:00:00 - Start 00:02:07 - Tokyo to Miami 00:11:27 - The Cruise Begins... 00:20:45 - Casino in the Sea 00:27:16 - First Twitching Tongues Set 00:31:18 - Softcult Interview 00:46:36 - Kaonashi Interview 00:52:58 - Seeing Coheed For the First Time 00:56:29 - Cozumel 01:03:25 - Twitchfits Set 01:09:36 - The Callous Daoboys Interview 01:21:20 - Pardon This Interruption... 01:26:13 - Foxing Interview 01:36:50 - Sean Martin Interview 01:41:38 - Mike Cesario Interview 01:47:29 - Patreon Q&A 01:47:37 - Twitching Tongues Clogged The Toilets 01:54:59 - Epstein Emails 01:58:06 - Seasick? 02:04:07 - How Cool Was Claudio? 02:06:42 - Perceived Sets Vs Reality of the set 02:07:17 - Straight Edge Laws In International Waters 02:09:35 - Would You recommend Going On A cruise? 02:12:29 - Spinkicking On The Cruise? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Coastal Idiots…Katherine and Shane go comment for comment as they compare their most unhinged DMs and replies. After hearing the critics' reviews in Shane's comments section, Katherine decides, in true LA fashion, it's time for Shane to blend in—with a mobile spray tan, obviously. Cut to the duo in their skivvies, getting painted like discount Oscar statues in the middle of a public driveway. Once they're sufficiently bronzed, nostalgia hits hard as the golden glow reminds them of 7/11 roller dogs. They reconvene in the studio with their hilarious pal and fellow hot-dog connoisseur, comedian Graham Kay, to share chaotic travel stories and debate the ultimate 7/11 death row meal. Things take a turn when Graham has a full-blown existential crisis over a massive mistake he made right before their big Tokyo trip. Oh—and there are listener voicemails, including a grown man swearing at a child's birthday party, and an uncomfortable number of bare toes making guest appearances. Eat. It. Up. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Coastal Idiots is a weekly comedy podcast where each week your host Shane and Katherine are joined by a friend or two where they do something very stupid and hilarious. Follow Katherine and Shane so they have a reason to keep going. The show is produced by the marvelous Keida Mascaro. Some of the art on the walls by the great Perry Shall. Music by Gymshorts and Alex Orange Drink. Your favorite idiots are now available wherever you listen to podcasts! Stream video on Spotify or Youtube, to drink in every detail of Katherine Blanford & Shane Torres' shenanigans and insane sketches. Listen to audio on all podcast platforms. Welcome to the ATC family! Let's get weird. Let's get Coastal. More Graham! IG: https://www.instagram.com/mrgrahamkay/ More Coastal Idiots! IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/coastalidiots/⁠⁠⁠ More Katherine! IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itskatherineblanford/⁠⁠⁠ More Shane! IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shanetorres/⁠⁠⁠ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Produced by Keida Mascaro ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/keidamascaro/⁠⁠⁠ The Cave Podcast Studio ⁠⁠⁠https://keidamascaro.com/the-cave⁠⁠⁠ Presented by: All Things Comedy ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@atc⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/allthingscomedy/⁠⁠ Theme Song by GYMSHORTS ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gymshortsmusic/⁠⁠⁠ Logo & Artwork by Perry Shall ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/perryshall/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 86 of The Mental Game features Dylan Beard — an American hurdler whose rise is one of track and field's most compelling breakout stories of the decade.A Baltimore native, Beard didn't even start track and field until his sophomore year of high school. He fell in love with hurdling almost instantly, climbing the ranks quickly enough to run collegiately, most notably at Howard University.After graduating, Beard committed to chasing the sport professionally. Unsponsored and self-funded, he pieced together training and travel while working the deli counter at Walmart. That grind tested both his belief and his endurance, but Beard has continually pushed through.Beard's life changed changed in early 2024, when he shocked the sport by winning the 60-meter hurdles at the prestigious Millrose Games in New York, edging an elite field and launching himself onto the global stage, including an impressive performance at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo this summer.On this episode of The Mental Game, Beard…Opens up about the moments he wanted to quit — and what ultimately kept him goingDescribes his pressure-packed reality of balancing Walmart shifts with elite competitionShares how his breakout performance changed his life and reshaped his mental approachAnd much more…The Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TuneIn⁠⁠⁠.

⭐Samuel Fuller's 10 Grittiest Films Ranked⭐

Liam McNulty, the man behind nomunication.jp and a standing member of the Tokyo Whisky and Spirits Competition (TWSC) managing committee, joins Frank to talk all things shochu. Our discussion covers how shochu is defined, how shochu is judged at TWSC, and what the future looks like for this remarkable spirit. We also touch on koji-based whiskies, shochu-based gins, and the blending of ideas from both the spirits and shochu world. We'd love to hear what you thought about the episode! Let us know at questions@sakeonair.com or send us a message on our Instagram, Facebook, or Substack! We'll be back very soon with plenty more Sake On Air. Until then, kampai! Sake On Air is made possible with the generous support of the Japan Sake & Shochu Makers Association and is broadcast from the Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center in Tokyo. Sake on Air was created by Potts K Productions and is produced by Export Japan. Our theme, “Younger Today Than Tomorrow” was composed by forSomethingNew for Sake On Air. 

Les journalistes et experts de RFI répondent également à vos questions sur les conséquences de l'affaire Epstein sur Donald Trump, la politique migratoire britannique et les tensions sino-japonaises. Guerre en Ukraine : les Rafale français entrent en jeu   Lors de sa visite à Paris, Volodymyr Zelensky a signé avec Emmanuel Macron une déclaration d'intention «historique» : l'Ukraine pourrait acquérir jusqu'à 100 Rafale ainsi que des systèmes de défense aérienne. En quoi la livraison de ces avions de chasse serait stratégique pour l'Ukraine ? Avec Franck Alexandre, journaliste spécialiste des questions de défense et de sécurité à RFI.     États-Unis : Donald Trump gêné par l'affaire Epstein   Les élus américains ont approuvé la publication de documents sensibles liés à l'affaire Epstein, quelques heures seulement après un revirement de Donald Trump qui refusait jusque-là ce vote à la Chambre des représentants. Comment expliquer la volte-face du président américain ?   Avec Pierre Gervais, professeur de Civilisation américaine à l'Université Sorbonne Nouvelle. Auteur du livre « Histoire des États-Unis de 1860 à nos jours » (éditions Hachette Education).      Royaume-Uni : pourquoi Londres durcit sa politique migratoire ?  Le gouvernement travailliste britannique a dévoilé un vaste plan anti-immigration qui réduit significativement la protection accordée aux réfugiés. En quoi consistent ces nouvelles mesures ? Pourquoi la question migratoire suscite-t-elle un tel débat au sein de la société anglaise ?    Avec Leslie Carretero, journaliste à Infomigrants.       Japon/Chine : faut-il craindre une escalade ?   En affirmant que Tokyo n'exclurait pas une intervention militaire à Taiwan en cas d'attaque de l'île, la Première ministre japonaise, Sanae Takaichi, a déclenché la colère de Pékin. Quel est l'intérêt du Japon à défendre Taïwan ? Jusqu'où peuvent aller les tensions entre les deux pays ?   Avec Stéphane Corcuff, maître de conférences à Science Po Lyon. 

Ce jeudi 20 novembre, Jean-Yves Colin, spécialiste de l'Asie du Nord à l'Asia Centre, était l'invité de Caroline Loyer dans Le monde qui bouge - L'Interview, de l'émission Good Morning Business, présentée par Laure Closier. Ils sont revenus sur la dégradation des relations diplomatiques et économiques entre Tokyo et Pékin. Retrouvez l'émission du lundi au vendredi et réécoutez la en podcast.

Hey there, and a very happy Thursday to you! This is your Disney News for Thursday, November 20th, 2025. I hope you're ready to dive into some magical updates! - Disneyland Tokyo is transforming into a winter wonderland with holiday events. Enjoy dazzling light displays, parades, and limited-time holiday treats. A must-see if you're in Tokyo! - Disney World in Orlando introduces new attractions in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, including a droid-building workshop and a new Cantina experience with out-of-this-world entertainment. - Disney's sustainability efforts are in full swing, with plant-based options like veggie burgers and Mickey waffles available across all parks globally, promoting a healthier and sustainable lifestyle. - Disney+ has a new original series, "The Magic of Disney Animation," offering a behind-the-scenes look at the art and science behind animated classics—perfect for those curious about Disney's storytelling magic. That's all for today! Thank you for tuning in, and I hope you have a magical day. Remember to check in tomorrow for more Disney updates. See you tomorrow!

A conversation with Jeremy Zucker – singer / songwriter whose incredibly prolific and beautifully crafted bedroom (or garage home studio) music has touched millions around the world, chatting about his personal life, in particular his childhood in New Jersey inspiring his music journey. The conversation took place online with Zucker in California and me at the InterFM studio Hanzomon, Tokyo in November 2025 just prior to Zucker's Asia tour.

Review các phim ra rạp từ ngày 14/11/25TRUY TÌM LONG DIÊN HƯƠNG – T16Đạo diễn: Dương Minh ChiếnDiễn viên: Quang Tuấn, Ma Ran Đô, Nguyên Thảo, Hoàng Tóc Dài, NSND Thanh Nam Thể loại: HàiBáu vật làng biển Long Diên Hương bị đánh cắp, mở ra cuộc hành trình truy tìm đầy kịch tính. Không chỉ có võ thuật mãn nhãn, bộ phim còn mang đến tiếng cười, sự gắn kết và những giá trị nhân văn của con người làng chài.TRỐN CHẠY TỬ THẦN – T18Đạo diễn: Edgar WrightDiễn viên: Glen Powell, William H. Macy, Lee Pace,Thể loại: Khoa Học Viễn Tưởng, Phiêu LưuTrong bối cảnh xã hội tương lai gần, Trốn Chạy Tử Thần là chương trình truyền hình ăn khách nhất, một cuộc thi sinh tồn khốc liệt nơi các thí sinh, được gọi là “Runners”, phải trốn chạy suốt 30 ngày khỏi sự truy đuổi của các sát thủ chuyên nghiệp. KHÔNG BÔNG TUYẾT NÀO TRONG SẠCH – T16Đạo diễn: Christine KODiễn viên: Jung Ryeo-won, Lee Jung-eun, Jang Jin-hee,...Thể loại: Bí ẩn, Tâm LýAi rồi cũng nói dối… Một rạng sáng sau đêm bão tuyết, Do Kyung (Jung Ryeo-won) hốt hoảng lái xe đưa chị gái mình đến bệnh viện trong tình trạng đẫm máu. Ngay sau đó, nữ cảnh sát Hyun Joo (Lee Jung-eun) có mặt tại hiện trường và nhanh chóng cảm nhận được rằng sau những lời khai rối ren của Do-kyung là một sự thật đang bị che giấu. SƯ THẦY GẶP SƯ LẦY – T16Diễn viên: Pae Arak Amornsupasiri, Foei Patara Eksangkul, Thể loại: Hài, Tình cảmChuyến đi Nhật tưởng chừng đơn giản của nhà sư nghiêm khắc Luang Phi Pae bỗng rẽ sang hướng khó tin: vị hôn phu của em gái ông lại chính là một nhà sư Nhật Bản với quá khứ bí ẩn. Từ đó, những tình huống oái oăm, dở khóc dở cười nối tiếp nhau, tạo nên hành trình vừa hài hước vừa cảm động.NÚI TẾ VONG – T16Đạo diễn: Chia-Ying TsaiDiễn viên: Tào Hựu Ninh - Lưu Dĩ Hào - Viên Lễ LâmThể loại: Kinh DịỞ Đài Loan có một câu nói truyền miệng nổi tiếng về khu rừng dưới Núi Ngọc Sơn, rằng: “Nếu chẳng may lạc trong rừng mà thấy bóng người mặc áo mưa màu vàng thì tuyệt đối đừng đi theo.” Gia Minh (Lưu Dĩ Hào đóng), Ngọc Hân (Viên Lễ Lâm đóng) và An Vĩ (Tào Hựu Ninh đóng) là những người bạn thân trong câu lạc bộ leo núi ở trường đại học. Trong một chuyến leo núi, thay vì đi theo lộ trình ban đầu thì cả 3 lại liều lĩnh bước vào khu vực cấm đã được cảnh báo trong rừng và bị lạc đường. OÁN HỒN TRONG VALI – T16Thể loại: Thriller/Criminal/Horror Korea Soo-ah được tìm thấy lạnh lẽo trong chiếc vali…Cái cái chết bất thường tưởng là sự kết thúc nhưng lại là khởi đầu cho một cơn ác mộng kinh hoàng hơn. Linh hồn phẫn uất của cô bị mắc kẹt trong chiếc vali trở về hòng đòi lại công bằng từ hai kẻ thủ ác. G-DRAGON IN CINEMA [Übermensch] – T13Đạo diễn: JINHO BYUNDiễn viên: G-DRAGON, TAEYANG, DAESUNG, and CL,….Thể loại: Phim tài liệuG-DRAGON trở lại sau 8 năm với world tour [Übermensch], mở màn tại Goyang, Hàn Quốc. Phim tái hiện sân khấu đỉnh cao của G-DRAGON với loạt hit từ “Crooked”, “Who You?”, “HEARTBREAKER” đến các ca khúc trở lại bùng nổ như “PO￦ER” và “HOME SWEET HOME”.CHÚ THUẬT HỒI CHIẾN 0 (TÁI KHỞI CHIẾU) – T13Đạo diễn: Sunghoo ParkDiễn viên: Hanazawa Kana, Nakamura Yuichi, Uchiyama Koki,…Thể loại: Hoạt Hình, Thần thoạiChú Thuật Hồi Chiến 0 là phần anime điện ảnh chuyển thể từ tập tiền truyện [Chú Thuật Hồi Chiến (0) - Trường chuyên Chú Thuật Tokyo]. Khác với phần anime dài tập quen thuộc với Itadori cùng nhóm bạn, phần tiền truyện này sẽ xoay quanh một nhân vật chính khác - chàng thiếu niên bị nguyền rủa Okkotsu Yuta. Khi lời nguyền ếm lên cậu trở thành mối nguy cho xã hội, Yuta đã bị bắt giữ và buộc phải nhập học tại ngôi trường đào tạo Chú Thuật sư. -------------------------------------------#8saigon #truytimlongdienhuong #tronchaytuthan #suthaygapsulay #reviewphimrap

Deze talkshow wordt mede mogelijk gemaakt door Philips Evnia. Alle meningen in deze video zijn onze eigen. Philips Evniaheeft inhoudelijk geen inspraak op de content en zien de video net als jullie hier voor het eerst op de site.Een nieuwe editie van Gamekings Daily die dit keer voor een deel uit Tokyo komt. Daar genieten de drie heren, na hun trip door Zuid-Korea, van een welverdiende vakantie. Desondanks maakt Koos speciaal voor jou tijd om bij JJ aan te schuiven en met hem het laatste nieuws uit de wereld van videogames door te nemen. Want er gebeurde genoeg. En vakantie of geen vakantie, Koos houdt het nieuws altijd in de gaten. De twee praten in deze aflevering onder andere over de nominaties voor The Game Awards 2025. Dit onderwerp en meer krijg je te zien en te horen in de Gamekings Daily van donderdag 20 november 2025.De andere onderwerpen betreffen Xbox dat bij monde van Sarah Bond zweert dat ze toch echt met een nieuwe console gaan komen, de launch van F126 die een update gaat worden en niet een volledige game en Battlefield 6 dat vanaf 25 november een week lang gratis te spelen is.Monitoren zijn booming, logisch dus dat steeds meer producenten ons weten te vinden en hun gear aan onze community wil tonen. En dat kan. Hoe meer keuze, des te beter. Dit keer is het de beurt aan Philips Evnia, de op gamers gerichte sublijn van Philips-monitoren. De monitoren van Evnia onderscheiden zich van de concurrentie door een hoge kwaliteit tegen een scherpe prijs, de ingebouwde speakers (bij sommige modellen) en het gebruik van Ambiglow. Ambiglow is een RGB-LED-systeem dat achter de monitor kleuren synchroniseert met het beeld op het scherm. Bij Cyberpunk 2077 word je kamer dus mooi blauw en paars. Wil je meer weten over de monitoren van Philips Evnia, hier vind je een link naar een pagina waar je alle modellen en de aanbiedingen van Black Friday netjes op een rij aantreft.      Nominaties The Game Awards 2025 lijken dit jaar legitScoor tijdens Black Friday fijne kortingen op Philips Evnia monitoren

Michele Bacci"I volti di Cristo"Immagini della santità tra Oriente e OccidenteCarocci Editorewww.carocci.itùSiamo soliti immaginare Gesù di Nazareth con lunghi capelli chiari e barba corta, ma i Vangeli non forniscono alcuna descrizione del suo aspetto e le prime raffigurazioni cristiane sono molto diverse tra loro; san Paolo, addirittura, condanna i capelli lunghi negli uomini come qualcosa di sconveniente. È quindi sorprendente che a partire dal IX secolo l'iconografia del Cristo dai lunghi capelli sia diventata la più diffusa e autorevole. Il volume ricostruisce il lungo percorso che ha portato alla definizione della fisionomia convenzionale di Gesù fra la tarda antichità e la fine del Medioevo e la mette in relazione con le idee antiche e bibliche di bellezza, spiritualità e missione divina, analizzando testi e rappresentazioni che hanno alimentato la convinzione dell'esistenza di ritratti autentici del Salvatore. L'autore propone anche confronti con altre religioni, mostrando come in molte culture si siano sviluppate immagini sacre simili. Un'opera affascinante per chiunque voglia capire come e perché il volto di Gesù sia cambiato nel tempo, riflettendo credenze, speranze e visioni diverse.Michele BacciÈ professore ordinario di Storia dell'arte medievale all'Università di Friburgo (Svizzera) e membro dell'Academia Europaea. Formatosi alla Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, ha insegnato in diverse università, tra cui Siena, Tokyo, Gerusalemme, Zurigo e Brno, e dirige importanti progetti di ricerca. I suoi studi si concentrano sul ruolo di immagini, oggetti e luoghi nell'esperienza religiosa e sulle interazioni artistiche nel Mediterraneo medievale. Tra le sue ultime pubblicazioni: Lo spazio dell'anima (Laterza, 2005), San Nicola il Grande Taumaturgo (Laterza, 2009) e The Mystic Cave (Viella, 2017).Diventa un supporter di questo podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/il-posto-delle-parole--1487855/support.IL POSTO DELLE PAROLEascoltare fa pensarehttps://ilpostodelleparole.it/

デフリンピック東京大会の男子ハンマー投げで優勝した遠山莉生。 Japanese athletes swept the podium in the men's hammer throw at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics on Thursday, led by Riki Toyama, 21, who claimed the gold medal with a throw of 60.19 meters, his personal best.

東京都中央区の勝ちどき地区や江東区の豊洲地区に建つ高層ビルとタワーマンション群、８月２０日、東京都港区から撮影不動産経済研究所は２０日、東京２３区で１０月に発売された新築マンションの平均価格が前年同月比１８．３％増の１億５３１３万円だったと発表した。 The average unit price of new condominiums put up for sale in Tokyo's densely populated 23 special wards in October topped 150 million yen due to strong sales of high-priced properties, a think tank said Thursday.

Russian missile and drone strikes in western Ukraine have killed at least twenty-five people and injured more than seventy in the city of Ternopil. Two apartment blocks were hit, leaving upper floors destroyed, buildings on fire and rescuers searching through rubble for survivors. Also: Britain reports that a Russian ship operating on the edge of the UK's territorial waters has directed lasers at air force pilots sent to monitor its activities; a major global study links ultra-processed foods to higher risks of cancer, diabetes and heart disease; we look ahead to the men's FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as the Caribbean island of Curacao becomes the smallest nation ever to qualify; relations between China and Japan deteriorate further after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggests Tokyo could respond militarily if China attacks Taiwan; the global chief of Hyundai says the White House personally apologised after a major immigration raid at one of its factories in the US state of Georgia; and scientists trace the evolutionary origins of kissing.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

We often confuse happiness with the absence of sadness, or a meaningful life with a productive one. The result might be a life that runs smoothly, but feels strangely flat — as if something essential is missing from the story. What if a truly good life isn't just happy and meaningful, but also interesting?Our guest today is Shige Oishi, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Chicago and author of Life in Three Dimensions (2025). Oishi pioneered the idea of psychological richness — the notion that a good life requires a diverse set of interesting, even disorienting experiences. As an expert in social ecology and well-being, his work spans more than 200 scientific articles and has been featured in outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.Over the course of our conversation, professor Oishi traces his own journey from an undergraduate in booming-economy Tokyo — surrounded by overworked, unhappy adults — to a career in psychology in the United States, where seeing professors live differently opened his eyes to alternative ways of being. We explore how cultures like Japan, the United States, Finland, and Denmark differ in what they chase and expect from life; why small, everyday joys and high-quality relationships matter more than grand achievements; and how “success” and “ambition” can quietly shape our sense of happiness.We then dive into psychological richness as a third dimension of the good life alongside happiness and meaning — one defined by variety, newness, and memorable stories, often colored by both positive and negative emotions. We discuss the risks of chasing only stability and efficiency; the importance of spontaneity; and the surprisingly simple ways we can cultivate psychological richness by staying curious and saying “yes” more often.In this episode, you'll hear about: 3:00 - Oishi's path to studying the psychology of wellbeing 8:45 - Rising competitiveness in American culture and how it is affecting lifelong happiness 13:30 - Why Finland and Denmark are regularly rated the happiest countries 15:55 - Whether there is a “correct” way to find meaning and happiness19:15 - What it means to be “psychologically rich” 28:00 - Balancing positive and negative emotions in a happy, meaningful, and psychologically rich life41:30 - Developing psychological richness 45:45 - How psychological richness can help address physician burnoutIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our show, available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you know of a doctor, patient, or anyone working in health care who would love to explore meaning in medicine with us on the show, feel free to leave a suggestion in the comments or send an email to info@thedoctorsart.com.Copyright The Doctor's Art Podcast 2025

What if the key to becoming a champion isn't about chasing wins—but knowing when to pause, prioritize the inner work, and trust that the rest will follow?On today's episode, filmed in front of a live audience at California Surf Club, we sit down with Caroline Marks — the 2023 World Surf League Women's Champion and 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist. By 23, Caroline has already reached the pinnacle of her sport, becoming one of the most dominant surfers of her generation. But what makes her story remarkable isn't just the medals—it's the emotional and psychological work behind them.In this conversation, Caroline opens up about rebuilding after the heartbreak of Tokyo, the self-doubt that almost sidelined her, and how therapy, family, and faith in herself helped her rediscover her love for surfing. Dr. Mike and Caroline unpack what it means to train not just the body, but the mind—to develop emotional awareness, to redefine success, and to keep the joy alive in high-stakes environments.You'll learn:How to rebuild confidence and purpose after a major setbackWhy emotional awareness is the foundation for high performanceThe key to balancing ambition with inner peaceHow to strengthen trust—in yourself and in othersWhat it means to find motivation after reaching the topWhy mastering your emotions is a major competitive advantageThis is a powerful look into the mindset of a young champion who's rewriting what it means to win...inside and out. Tune in to hear how Caroline Marks is defining mastery on her own terms.________________________________________Links & ResourcesSubscribe to our Youtube Channel for more conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and wellbeing: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMasteryLocation: Thanks to California Surf Club, 239 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA.Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine: findingmastery.com/morningmindset!Follow on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and XSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

W. David Marx is a writer and cultural historian based in Tokyo, Japan, known for his book Status and Culture, among others. His newest book, Blank Space, is out today. We chat with him from New York City about barbecued monkfish, the San Vicente Bungalows ice cream sundae, alterna-pop music, how he dressed at nineteen, selvedge denim, the evolving Olivia Nuzzi scandal and orchestrated writer drama, Hawk Tuah, if Japan is still enamoured by Western American culture, American fast food flavor, Korean musician Psy, whats next after video takes over media, unstucking culture, recession pop part deux, and the Vice magazine "22 rule." instagram.com/wdavidmarx twitter.com/donetodeath twitter.com/themjeans howlonggone.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Palaver by National Book Award finalist Bryan Washington is a moving story about mother and son, identity, home and humanity. Bryan joins us to talk about Tokyo, writing in 3rd person, navigating intimacy, utilizing space on the page, honesty, memory and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Palaver by Bryan Washington Lot by Bryan Washington Memorial by Bryan Washington Family Meal by Bryan Washington No Time to Spare: Thinking about What Matters by Ursula K. Le Guin Steering the Craft: A Twenty-First-Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story by Ursula K. Le Guin Koolaids by Rabih Alameddine The True True Story of Raja the Gullible by Rabih Alameddine A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majumdar The Antidote by Karen Russell North Sun: Or, the Voyage of the Whaleship Esther by Ethan Rutherford Featured Books (TBR Top Off): Middle Spoon by Alejandro Varela The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong  

Olympic Gold Medallist Rhys McClenaghan joined Eoin Sheahan to dive into his journey to the Paris Olympics as well as his devastating loss in Tokyo. We'll also hear from his parents and his coach who gave us their account of the biggest moments in his career. Inner Drive on Off The Ball is brought to you by Allianz | #Stopthedrop

Olympic Gold Medallist Rhys McClenaghan joined Eoin Sheahan to dive into his journey to the Paris Olympics as well as his devastating loss in Tokyo. We'll also hear from his parents and his coach who gave us their account of the biggest moments in his career. Inner Drive on Off The Ball is brought to you by Allianz | #Stopthedrop

To quote the poet, Robert Frost, “ Two roads diverged in a wood and I— I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.”I'm back once again with another musical artist who has took the road less traveled. Meet Demsky, a Canadian beat maker based in Tokyo yet traversed the globe and soundscapes in life. I'm fired up to promote his latest album, “Jugaad” as well as he being the co founder of a one day festival held at a Tokyo public bathhouse called @sentosensations , celebrating the culture of independent artists at a Japanese public bathhouse. We sit down together at the @nakamegurotaproom to listen to his story while I do a breakdown review of his album track by track. If you're interested in Demsky's music , check out https://linktr.ee/Demsky?utm_source=linktree_profile_share and his IG: @demksymusicFor info of Sento Sensation events including the album release party on Nov.22nd check out their IG page here: @sentosensationsFor more info on the Nakameguro Taproom and other Baird Beer taprooms, please visit:  http://Bairdbeer.com/To donate and buy drinks for the guests  of my podcast:https://ko-fi.com/madeinjapanpodcastIG & FB:  @madeinjapanpodcastEmail:  japanmademepodcast@gmail.com

durée : 00:12:16 - Les Enjeux internationaux - par : Guillaume Erner - Hier, Tokyo a appelé ses ressortissants en Chine à la prudence, alors que les tensions s'accroissent autour de Taïwan. La Première ministre japonaise, Sanae Takaichi, a évoqué une possible intervention militaire en cas d'attaque de l'île, au nom de la “légitime défense collective”. - réalisation : Félicie Faugère - invités : Guibourg Delamotte Professeure de science politique à l'Inalco, chercheuse à l'Ifrae et chercheuse associée au RCAST de l'Université de Tokyo

In this episode of China Decode, hosts Alice Han and James Kynge break down how China is quietly building the “Android of AI” while the U.S. is pouring billions into the ultra-premium iPhone equivalent. As American firms chase ever-bigger, pricier models, Chinese competitors are going lean, open-source, and dirt-cheap — and U.S. startups are already switching to them. They unpack why Chinese models are suddenly dominating Hugging Face, how an AI price war could spark a market correction, and whether U.S. export controls are backfiring. Plus, a diplomatic firestorm between China and Japan is raising tough questions about the future balance of power in East Asia. With Tokyo taking an unusually hard line on Taiwan — and Beijing responding with fury — Alice and James examine what's driving the escalation, what it means for U.S. strategy, and how historical grievances still shape the region's security map. Finally, China's coffee wars are heating up — and Starbucks is blinking. After losing ground to aggressive local rivals like Luckin and Cotti, Starbucks is selling off majority control of its China business. They explore why Western brands keep struggling in China's hyper-competitive consumer market — and whether Starbucks can claw back relevance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

*Are we finally reaching Peak eVTOL? Jason and Alex on Joby's big Abu Dhabi moves and Archer's purchase of LA's Hawthorne Airport.On a PACKED Monday TWiST, Jason is BACK from MENA and Tokyo. Hear tales from his whirlwind trips launching new Founder University satellite programs… and find out why construction and fintech are BOOMING across the Middle East.PLUS Ramp raised $300M… here's why Alex calls the round “pretty baller.” We question why AI companies are growing SO MUCH FOUNDER than their SaaS counterparts. We're digging into the Problem with Dropbox.AND we're saying goodbye to KitKat, the beloved SF bodega cat who was reportedly run over by a Waymo. Here's why Jason's not too broken up about it (but he's JUST JOKING!)

Hello again Pacific War Week by Week listeners, it is I your dutiful host Craig Watson with more goodies from my exclusive patreon podcast series. This is actually going to be a two parter specifically looking at the failure and responsibility of Emperor Hirohito during the 15 year war Japan unleashed in 1931. Again a big thanks to all of you for listening all these years, you are all awesome.   Hello everyone, a big thanks to all of you who joined the patreon and voted for this to be the next episode, you all are awesome.    Now I realize very well when I jumped into my former patreon episode on Ishiwara Kanji, I fell into a rabbit hole and it became a rather long series. I wanted to get this one done in a single episode but its also kind of a behemoth subject, so I will do this in two parts: this episode will be on Hirohito's failure and responsibility in regards to the China War from 1931-1941. The next one will cover Hirohito's failure and responsibility in the world war from 1941-1945.   I am not going to cover the entire life of Hirohito, no what I want is to specifically cover his actions from 1931-1945. Nw I want you to understand the purpose of this episode is to destroy a narrative, a narrative that carried on from 1945-1989. That narrative has always been that Emperor Hirohito was nothing more than a hostage during the war years of 1931-1945. This narrative was largely built by himself and the United States as a means of keeping the peace after 1945. However upon his death in 1989 many meeting notes and diaries from those who worked close to him began emerging and much work was done by historians like Herbert P Bix and Francis Pike. The narrative had it that Hirohito was powerless to stop things, did not know or was being misled by those around him, but this is far from the truth. Hirohito was very active in matters that led to the horrors of the 15 year war and he had his own reasons for why or when he acted and when he did not.   For this episode to be able to contain it into a single one, I am going to focus on Hirohito's involvement in the undeclared war with China, that's 1931-1941. For those of you who don't know, China and Japan were very much at war in 1931-1937 and certainly 1937 onwards, but it was undeclared for various reasons. If you guys really like this one, let me know and I can hit Hirohito 1941-1945 which is honestly a different beast of its own.   For those of you who don't know, Hirohito was born on April 29th of 1901, the grandson of Emperor Meiji. Hirohito entered the world right at the dawn of a new era of imperial rivalry in Asia and the Pacific. According to custom, Japanese royals were raised apart from their parents, at the age of 3 he was placed in the care of the Kwamura family who vowed to raise him to be unselfish, persevering in the face of difficulties, respectful of the views of others and immune to fear. In 1908 he entered elementary education at the age of 7 and would be taught first be General Nogi Maresuke who notoriously did not pamper the prince. Nogi rigorously had Hirohito train in physical education and specifically implanted virtues and traits he thought appropriate for the future sovereign: frugality, diligence, patience, manliness, and the ability to exercise self-control under difficult conditions. Hirohito learnt what hard work was from Nogi and that education could overcome all shortcomings. Emperor Meiji made sure his grandson received military training.   When Emperor Meiji died in 1912, Hirohito's father, Yoshihito took the throne as emperor Taisho. Taisho for a lack of better words, suffered from cerebral meningitis at an early age and this led to cognitive deficiency's and in reality the Genro would really be running the show so to say. When Taisho took the throne it was understood immediately, Hirohito needed to be prepared quickly to take the throne. After Meiji's funeral General Nogi politely told the family he could no longer be a teacher and committed seppuku with his wife. He wrote a suicide letter explained he wanted to expiate his disgrace during the russo japanese war for all the casualties that occurred at Port Arthur, hardcore as fuck. Hirohito would view Nogi nearly as much of an iconic hero as his grandfather Meiji, the most important figure in his life.   Hirohito's next teacher was the absolute legendary Fleet Admiral Togo Heihachiro who would instill national defense policy into him. Hirohito would be taught Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahans theories as all the great minds were taught at the time. Now I know it sucks but I cant delve deep into all this. What I want you to envision is a growing Man, instilled with the belief above all else, the Kokutai was most important. The Kokutai was the national essence of Japan. It was all aspects of Japanese polity, derived from history, tradition and customs all focused around the cult of the Emperor. The government run by politicians was secondary, at any given time the kokutai was the belief the Emperor could come in and directly rule.   If you are confused, dont worry, I am too haha. Its confusing. The Meiji constitution was extremely ambiguous. It dictated a form of constitutional monarchy with the kokutai sovereign emperor and the “seitai” that being the actual government. Basically on paper the government runs things, but the feeling of the Japanese people was that the wishes of the emperor should be followed. Thus the kokutai was like an extra-judicial structure built into the constitution without real legal framework, its a nightmare I know.    Let me make an example, most of you are American I imagine. Your congress and senate actually run the country, wink wink lets forget about lobbyists from raytheon. The president does not have actual executive powers to override any and all things, but what if all Americans simply felt he did. Thus everyone acted in accordance to his wishes as they assumed them to be, thats my best way of explaining Japan under Hirohito.    Emperor Taisho dies in 1926, and Hirohito takes the throne ushering in the Showa Era. He inherited a financial crisis and a military that was increasingly seizing control of governmental policies. Hirohito sought to restore the image of a strong charismatic leader on par with his grandfather Meiji, which was sorely lacking in his father Taishos reign. He was pressured immediately by the Navy that the national sphere of defense needed to be expanded upon, they felt threatened by the west, specifically by the US and Britain who had enacted the Washington Naval Treaty. Hirohito agreed a large navy was necessary for Japan's future, he was a proponent of the decisive naval battle doctrine, remember his teacher was Togo.    From the very beginning Hirohito intensely followed all military decisions. In 1928 the Japanese covertly assassinated the warlord of Manchuria, Zhang Zuolin. The current prime minister Tanaka Giichi had performed a thorough investigation of the incident and presented his report to Hirohito on December 24th of 1928. He told Hirohito he intended to court martial the criminals, purge the army and re-establish discipline. However the rest of Tanaka's cabinet wished to allow the army to deal with the matter and quiet the entire thing down. Hirohito responded by stating he had lost confidence in Tanaka and admonished his report. Hirohito allowed the army to cover up the incident, he sought to have it hushed up as well. Thus Hirohito had indulged the army in its insubordination and the kwantung army officers now felt they could take matters into their own hands.   Also in 1928 the Tanaka cabinet failed to endorse the international protocol banning chemical and biological warfare. The next year the privy council, pressured by the military, failed to ratify the full geneva convention of prisoners of war. Hirohito in response began doing something Emperor Meiji never had done, he began to scold officials to force them to retire from positions. Tanaka Giichi was bullied out. Hirohito then stated his endorsement of Hamaguchi Osachi as Tanaka's successors.   Just a few months after Hamaguchi cabinet formed, Hirohito overrode the advice of his naval chief of staff and vice chief of staff, Admiral Kato and Vice Admiral Suetsugu. The Americans and British were hinting they might form a naval alliance against Japan if she did not abide by the Washington Conference mandates on naval tonnage. Kato and Suetsugu refused to accept the terms, but prime minister Hamaguchi stood firm against them. The navy leaders were outraged and accused Hamaguchi of signing the treaty without the support of the Navy General Staff thereby infringing upon the “emperor's right of supreme command”. Two months after signing the treaty, Hamaguchi was assassinated and upon learning of this Hirohito's first concern apparently was “that constitutional politics not be interrupted”. The military felt greatly emboldened, and thus began the age of the military feeling “its right of supreme command”. Generals and Admirals fought back against arms reduction talks, discipline within the officer corps loosened, things spiraled out of control. Alongside this came the increasing cult of the emperor, that they were all doing this in his name.   When rumors emerged of the emerging Mukden Incident in 1931, Hirohito  demanded the army be reigned in. Attempts were made, but on September 18th of 1931, Kwantung army officer detonated an explosion at Liut'iaokou north of Mukden as a false flag operation. The next day the imperial palace were given a report and Hirohito was advised by chief aide de camp Nara Takeji “this incident would not spread and if the Emperor was to convene an imperial conference to take control of the situation, the virtue of his majesty might be soiled if the decisions of such a conference should prove impossible to implement”. This will be a key theme in Hirohito's decision making, protect the kokutai from any threats.   As the Mukden incident was getting worse, the Kwantung officers began to demand reinforcement be sent from the Korea army. The current Wakatsuki cabinet met on the issue and decided the Mukden incident had to remain an incident, they needed to avoid a declaration of war. The official orders were for no reinforcements of the Korea army to mobilize, however the field commander took it upon his own authority and mobilized them. The army chief of staff Kanaya reported to Hirohito the Korea army was marching into Manchuria against orders. At 31 years of age Hirohito now had an excellent opportunity to back the current cabinet, to control the military and stop the incident from getting worse. At this time the military was greatly divided on the issue, politically still weak compared to what they would become in a few years, if Hirohito wanted to rule as a constitutional monarch instead of an autocratic monarch, well this was his chance. Hirohito said to Kanaya at 4:20pm on September 22nd “although this time it couldn't be helped, [the army] had to be more careful in the future”. Thus Hirohito accepted the situation as fait accompli, he was not seriously opposed to seeing his army expand his empire. If it involved a brief usurpation of his authority so bit, as long as the operation was successful. Within two weeks of the incident, most of Japan had rallied being the kwantung army's cause. Hirohito knew it was a false flag, all of what they had done. Hirohito planned the lightests punishments for those responsible. Hirohito then officially sanctioned the aerial strike against Chinchou, the first air attack since ww1.   A message had gone out to the young officers in the Japanese military that the emperors main concern was success; obedience to central command was secondary. After the Mukden incident Prime Minister Wakatsuki resigned in december after failing to control the army and failing to contain the financial depression. The new Priminister Inukai took to action requesting permission from Hirohito to dispatch battalions to Tientsin and a brigade to Manchuria to help the Kwantung army take Chinchou. Hirohito responded by advising caution when attacking Chinchou and to keep a close eye on international public perception. Nevertheless Chinchou was taken and Hirohito issued an imperial rescript praising the insubordinate Kwantung army for fighting a courageous self defense against Chinese bandits. In a few more years Hirohito would grant awards and promotions to 3000 military and civil officials involved in the Manchurian war. When incidents broke out in Shanghai in 1932 involved the IJN, Tokyo high command organized a full fledged Shanghai expeditionary force under General Shirakawa with 2 full divisions. But within Shanghai were western powers, like Britain and America, whom Hirohito knew full well could place economic sanctions upon Japan if things got out of hand. Hirohito went out of his way to demand Shirakawa settle the Shanghai matter quickly and return to Japan.   And thus here is a major problem with Hirohito during the war years. On one end with Manchuria he let pretty much everything slide, but with Shanghai he suddenly cracks the whip. Hirohito had a real tendency of choosing when he wanted to act and this influenced the military heavily. On May 15th of 1932, young naval officers assassinated prime minister Inukai at his office. In the political chaos, Hirohito and his advisors agreed to abandon the experiment in party cabinets that had been the custom since the Taisho era. Now Hirohito endorsed a fully bureaucratic system of policy making, cabinet parties would no longer depend on the two main conservative parties existing in the diet. When the diet looked to the genro as to who should be the next prime minister, Hirohito wrote up “his wishes regarding the choice of the next prime minister”. Loyal officials backed Hirohito's wishes, the cult of the emperor grew in power. To the military it looked like Hirohito was blaming the party based cabinets rather than insubordinate officers for the erosion of his own authority as commander in chief. The young military officers who already were distrustful of the politicians were now being emboldened further.    After Manchuria was seized and Manchukuo was ushered in many in the Japanese military saw a crisis emerge, that required a “showa restoration' to solve. There were two emerging political factions within the military, the Kodoha and Toseiha factions. Both aimed to create military dictatorships under the emperor. The Kodoha saw the USSR as the number one threat to Japan and advocated an invasion of them, aka the Hokushin-ron doctrine, but the Toseiha faction prioritized a national defense state built on the idea they must build Japans industrial capabilities to face multiple enemies in the future. What separated the two, was the Kodoha sought to use a violent coup d'etat to do so, the Toseiha were unwilling to go so far. The Kodoha faction was made up of junior and youthful officers who greatly distrusted the capitalists and industrialists of Japan, like the Zaibatsu and believed they were undermining the Emperor. The Toseiha faction were willing to work with the Zaibatsu to make Japan stronger. Hirohito's brother Prince Chichibu sympathized with the Kodoha faction and repeatedly counseled his brother that he should implement direct imperial rule even if it meant suspending the constitution, aka a show restoration. Hirohito believed his brother who was active in the IJA at the time was being radicalized. Chichibu might I add was in the 3rd infantry regiment under the leadership of Colonel Tomoyuki Yamashita.   This time period has been deemed the government by assassination period. Military leaders in both the IJA and IJN and from both the Kodoha and Toseiha began performing violence against politicians and senior officers to get things done.    A enormous event took place in 1936 known as the february 26 incident. Kodoha faction officers of the IJA attempted a coup d'etat to usher in a showa restoration. They assassinated several leading officials, such as two former prime ministers and occupied the government center of Tokyo. They failed to assassinate the current prime minister Keisuke Okada or take control over the Imperial palace. These men believed Japan was straying from the Kokutai and that the capitalist/industrialists were exploiting the people of the nation by deceiving the emperor and usurping his power. The only solution to them was to purge such people and place Hirohito as an absolute leader over a military dictatorship.    Now the insurrectionists failed horribly, within just a few hours they failed to kill the current prime minister, and failed to seize the Sakashita Gate to the imperial palace, thus allowing the palace to continue communicating with the outside, and they never thought about what the IJN might do about all of this. The IJN sent marines immediately to suppress them. The insurrectionists had planned to have the army minister General Kwashima who was a Kodoha backer, report their intentions to Hirohito who they presumed would declare a showa restoration. They falsely assumed the emperor was a puppet being taken hostage by his advisers and devoid of his own will.   At 5:40am on February the 26th Hirohito was awakened and informed of the assassinations and coup attempt. From the moment he learnt of this, he was outraged and demanded the coup be suppressed and something I would love to highlight is he also immediately demanded his brother Prince Chichibu be brought over to him. Why would this be important? Hirohito believed the insurrectionists might enlist his brother to force him to abdicate. Hirohito put on his army uniform and ordered the military to “end it immediately and turn this misfortune into a blessing”. Hirohito then met with Kwashima who presented him with the insurrectionists demands to “clarify the kokutai, stabilize national life and fulfill national defense, aka showa restoration”. Hirohito scolded Kwashima and ordered him to suppress the mutiny. On the morning of the 27th Hirohito declared administrative martial law on the basis of Article 8 of the Imperial Constitution, pertaining to emergency imperial ordinances. Formally he was invoking his sovereign power to handle a crisis. Hirohito displayed an incredible amount of energy to crush the mutiny as noted by those around him at the time. Every few hours he demanded reports to be given to him by top officials and at one point he was so angry he threatened to lead the Imperial Guard division himself to go out and quell it. Hirohito met with Chichibu and its alleged he told his brother to end any relationships he had with the Kodoha members. By february 29th, Hirohito had firmly crushed the mutiny, most of the ringleaders were arrested. In april they were court martialed secretly without even given a chance to defend themselves in court and 17 were executed by firing squad in July. As a result of it all, the Kodoha faction dissolved and the Toseiha faction reigned supreme.    On the morning of July 8th of 1937 came the Marco Polo Bridge incident, a nearly identical false flag operation to what occurred at Mukden in 1931. Hirohito's reaction was first to consider the possible threat of the USSR. He wondered if the communists would seize the opportunity to attack Manchukuo. This is what he said to Prime Minister Konoe and army minister Sugiyama “What will you do if the Soviets attack us from the rear?” he asked the prince. Kan'in answered, “I believe the army will rise to the occasion.” The emperor repeated his question: “That's no more than army dogma. What will you actually do in the unlikely event that Soviet [forces] attack?” The prince said only, “We will have no choice.” His Majesty seemed very dissatisfied.    Hirohito demanded to know what contingency plans existed. After this he approved the decision of the Konoe cabinet to move troops into Northern China and fixed his seal to the orders of dispatch. The emperor had tacitly agreed to it all from the start. With each action taken for the following months, Hirohito would explicitly sanction them after the fact. In his mind he kept thinking about a fight with the USSR, he believed he had no choice in the China matter. All of his top ranking officials like Sugiyama would tell him “even if war with China came… it could be finished up within two or three months”. Hirohito was not convinced, he went to Konoe, to imperial conferences, to other military officials to get their views. None convinced him but as Hirohito put it  “they agreed with each other on the time factor, and that made a big difference; so all right, we'll go ahead.”     Two weeks into the conflict, the kwangtung army and Korean army were reinforced by 3 divisions from Japan and on July 25th were reaching Beijing. What did the man who was not responsible in such decision making say? On July 27 Hirohito sanctioned an imperial order directing the commander of the China Garrison Force to “chastise the Chinese army in the Peking-Tientsin area and bring stability to the main strategic places in that region.” Hirohito wanted a killing blow to end the war, and thus he escalated the incident. Historian Fujiwara Akira noted “it was the [Konoe] government itself that had resolved on war, dispatched an army, and expanded the conflict,” and Hirohito had fully supported it”   Chiang Kai-shek abandoned northern China pulling into the Interior and unleashed a campaign in Shanghai to draw the Japanese into a battle showcased in front of western audiences. Chiang Kai-shek tossed the creme of his military all into Shanghai to make it as long and explosive as possible to try and win support from other great powers. On August 18 Hirohito summoned his army and navy chiefs for a pointed recommendation. The war, he told them, “is gradually spreading; our situation in Shanghai is critical; Tsingtao is also at risk. If under these circumstances we try to deploy troops everywhere, the war will merely drag on and on. Wouldn't it be better to concentrate a large force at the most critical point and deliver one overwhelming blow? Based on our attitude of fairness, Do you, have in hand plans for such action? In other words, do we have any way worked out to force the Chinese to reflect on their actions?”   The chiefs of staff returned 3 days later with an aerial campaign to break China's will to fight and strategic cities needed to be seized. Hirohito gave his sanction and on August 31st gave the order “for the Dispatch of the North China Area Army. [D]estroy the enemy's will to fight and wipe out resistance in the central part of Hepei Province,” Over the course of weeks Hirohito sanctioned 6 troop mobilizations to the Shanghai area where the fighting had bogged down. Then he sanctioned 3 divisions from Taiwan to Shanghai, but for units in northern Manchuria to stand guard firmly in case the USSR attacked. The entire time this was happening both China and Japan referred to it as an incident and not a real war lest either of them lose the backing of their great power allies. Japan needed oil, iron and rubber from America, China was likewise received materials from the USSR/America/Britain and even Germany.    By november the war was not going well and Hirohito had the Imperial Headquarters established within his palace as a means to exercise his constitutional role as supreme commander, the army and navy would act in concert. For a few hours in the morning a few days every week, the chiefs of staff, army and navy ministers and chiefs of operations would meet with Hirohito. At these imperial conferences Hirohito presided over and approved decisions impacting the war. This was Hirohito's device for legally transforming the will of the emperor into the will of the state. Hirohito not only involved himself, sometimes on a daily basis he would shape strategy and decide the planning, timing and so on of military campaigns. He even intervened in ongoing field operations. He monitored and occasionally issued orders through commanders to subordinate units. Now I can't go through the entire 1937-1945 war and showcase all the things he did but I will highlight things I think we're important.    On November 9th, the Shanghai battle was finally falling apart for the Chinese as they began a withdrawal to the Nanking area some 180 miles away. The Japanese forces chased them and for the first time were really coming into direct contact with Chinese civilians, when it came to Shanghai most had evacuated the areas. The Japanese burned, plundered and raped villages and towns as they marched towards Nanking. On december 1st, Hirohito's imperial HQ ordered the 10th army and Shanghai expeditionary force to close in on Nanking from different directions, a pincer maneuver. Prince Asaka took command of the Shanghai expeditionary force and General Matsui commanded the Central China Area Army consisted of the Shanghai force and 10th army. Asaka led the forces to assault the walled city of Nanking with a population estimated to be 4-5 hundred thousand and it would fall on December 13th. Was there an order to “rape Nanking”, no. The Imperial HQ did not order the total extermination of the Chinese in Nanking, they had ordered an encirclement campaign. However, the standing orders at this time were to take no prisoners. Once Nanking fell, the Japanese began to execute en massage military prisoners and unarmed troops who surrendered willingly. There was a orgy of rape, arson, pillage and murder. The horror was seen in Nanking and the 6 adjacent villages over the course of 3 months far exceeding any atrocities seen during the battle for Shanghai or even the march to Nanking. General Nakajima's 16th division on its first day in Nanking was estimated to have murdered 30,000 POWs. Estimate range insanely, but perhaps 200,000 POW's and civilians were butchered over the course of 6 weeks.   Prince Asaka the 54 year old grand uncle to Hirohito and other members of the Imperial Family commanded the attack on Nanking and supervised the horrors. 49 year old General Prince Higashikuni chief of the army air force alongside Prince Kan'in knew of the atrocities occurring. Army minister Sugiyama knew, many middle echelon officers of the Imperial HQ knew. Hirohito was at the top of the chain of command, there is no way he was not informed. Hirohito followed the war extensively, reading daily reports, questioned his aides. It was under his orders that his army “chastise China”, but did he show any concern for the breakdown of his army's discipline? There is no documented evidence he ordered an investigation, all we are met with as historians is a bizarre period of silence. Hirohito goes from supervising the war with OCD precision, to silence, then back to normal precision. Did Hirohito show anything publicly to show angry, displeasure or remorse, at the time he energetically began spurring his generals and admirals on their great victories and the national project to induce “Chinese self-reflection”.    On November 24th Hirohito gave an after the fact sanction to the decision of General Matsui to attack and occupy Nanking. Hirohito was informed the city was going to be bombarded by aircraft and artillery and he sanctioned that as well. That was basically him removing any restrictions on the army's conduct. On December 14th the day after Nankings fall, he made an imperial message to his chiefs of staff expressing his pleasure at the news of the city's capture and occupation. Hirohito granted General Matsui an imperial rescript for his great military accomplishments in 1938 and gave the order of the golden early to Prince Asaka in 1940. Perhaps Hirohito privately agonized over what happened, but publicly did nothing about the conduct of his armed forces, especially in regards to the treatment of POW's.   Emperor Hirohito was presented with several opportunities to cause cease-fires or peace settlements during the war years. One of the best possible moments to end it all came during the attack on Naking when Chiang Kai-sheks military were in disarray. Chiang Kai-shek had hoped to end the fighting by enticing the other great powers to intervene. At the 9 power treaty conference in Brussel in november of 1937, Britain and the US proposed boycotting Japan. However the conference ended without any sanctions being enacted upon Japan. The Konoe government and Imperial HQ immediately expanded the combat zone. Chiang Kai-shek in desperation accepted a previous offer by Germany to mediate. Oscar Trautmann, the German ambassador to China attempted to negotiate with Japan, but it failed. China was offered harsh terms; to formally recognize Manchukuo, cooperate with it and Japan to fight communism, permit the indefinite stationg of Japanese forces and pay war reparations.    On January 9th of 1938, Imperial HQ formed a policy for handling the China incident which was reported to Hirohito. Konoe asked Hirohito to convene an imperial conference for it, but not to speak out at it  “For we just want to formally decide the matter in your majesty's presence.” Konoe and Hirohito were concerned with anti expansionists within the army general staff and wanted to prevent German interference in Japanese affairs. On January 11th, the policy was showcased and adopted, there would be no peace until Chiang kai-shek's regime was dissolved and a more compliant regime followed. Hirohito presided over the conference in full army dress uniform and gave his approval. He sat there for 27 minutes without uttering a word, appearing to be neutral in the matter, though in fact he was firmly backing a stronger military policy towards China.    The Konoe cabinet inaugurated a second phase to the China incident, greatly escalating the war. By this point in time Japanese had seen combat casualties at 62,007 killed, 160,000 wounded. In 1939 it would be 30,081 killed, 55,970 wounded, then 15,827 killed and 72,653 wounded in 1940. Major cities were under Japanese control ranging from the north east and south. Chiang Kai-shek fled to Chongqing, the war was deadlocked without any prospect of victory in sight.    On July 11 of 1938, the commander of the 19th division fought a border clash with the USSR known to us in the west as the battle of Lake Khasan. It was a costly defeat for Japan and in the diary of Harada Kumao he noted Hirohito scolded Army minister Itagaki “Hereafter not a single soldier is to be moved without my permission.” When it looked like the USSR would not press for a counter attack across the border, Hirohito gave the order for offensives in China to recommence, again an example of him deciding when to lay down the hammer. Konoe resigned in disgrace in 1939 having failed to bring the China war to an end and being outed by his colleagues who sought an alliance with Germany, which he did not agree with. His successor was Hiranuma a man Hirohito considered a outright fascist. Hiranuma only received the job because he promised Hirohito he would not make enemies of Britain or the US by entering in a hasty alliance with Nazi Germany. However his enter prime ministership would be engulfed by the alliance question.   In May of 1939 there was another border clash with the USSR, the battle of Khalkhin Gol. This one was much larger in scale, involving armored warfare, aircraft and though it seems it was not used, the Japanese brought biological warfare weapons as well. The Japanese had nearly 20,000 casualties, it was an unbelievable defeat that shocked everyone. Hirohito refrained from punishing anyone because they technically followed orders based on a document “outline for dealing with disputes along the manchurian soviet border” that Hirohito had sanctioned shortly before the conflict arose.   In July of 1939, the US told Hiranuma's government they intended not to renew the US-Japan treaty of commerce and navigation. Until this point Roosevelt had been very lenient towards Japan, but now it looked to him war would break out in europe and he wanted Japan to know they could expect serious economic sanctions if they escalated things. Hirohito complained to his chief aide de camp Hata Shunroku on August 5th “It could be a great blow to scrap metal and oil”. Then suddenly as Japan was engaging in a truce with the USSR to stop the border conflict, Germany shocked the world and signed a nonaggression pact with them. This completely contravened the 1936 Japan-German anti-comintern pact. Hiranuma resigned in disgrace on august 28th.    Hirohito was livid and scolded many of his top officials and forced the appointment of General Abe to prime minister and demanded of him “to cooperate with the US and Britain and preserve internal order”. Then Germany invaded Poland and began a new European War. Abe's cabinet collapsed from the unbelievable amount of international actions by January 14th 1940. Hirohito appointed Admiral Yonai as prime minister  and General Tojo to vice army minister. As we have seen Hirohito played a active role appointing high level personnel and imposed conditions upon their appointments.    Hirohito dictated what Yonai was to do, who he was to appoint to certain positions so on and so forth. When a large part of the military were calling for an alliance with Germany, Hirohito resisted, arguing Japan should focus on the China war and not ally itself to Germany unless it was to counter the USSR. Three months passed by and Germany began invading western europe. Norway fell, Denmark fell, Luxembourg, Belgium, the netherlands and then France, it was simply stunning. While Japan had been locked in a deadlock against China, Germany was crushing multiple nations with ease, and this had a large effect on asia. Britain, France and the Netherlands could not hope to protect their holdings in asia. But Hirohito kept pressuring Yonai not to begin any talks of an alliance, and the military leaders forced Yonai's cabinet to collapse.    So Hirohito stood by while Hiranuma, Abe and Yonai met each crisis and collapses. He watched as the China war went nowhere and the military was gradually pushing for the Nanshin-ron doctrine to open a southern war up with the west. Not once did he make a public effort on his lonesome to end the war in China. Japan's demands of China were unchanged, relations with the west were getting worse each day. The China war was undeclared, hell it was from the Japanese viewpoint “chastising China”. Japan was no respecting any rules of war in China, atrocities were performed regularly and for that Hirohito shared responsibility. For he alone was free to act in this area, he needed to act, but he did not. He could have intervened and insisted on respecting the rules of war, especially in regards to POW's and the results could have been dramatically different. Hirohito bore direct responsibility for the use of poison gas upon Chinese and Mongolian combatants and non combatants even before the undeclared war of 1937.    Then on July 28th of 1937 Hirohito made his first directive authorizing the use of chemical weapons which was transmitted by the chief of the army general staff prince Kan'in. It stated that in mopping up the Beijing-Tientsin area, “[Y]ou may use tear gas at suitable times.” Then on September 11th of 1937 he transmitted again through Kan'in the authorization to deploy special chemical warfare units in Shanghai. Gas weapons were one weapon the imperial HQ, aka Hirohito held effective control over throughout the China war. Front line units were never free to employ it at their own discretion, it required explicit authorization from the imperial HQ. During the Wuhan offensive of August to October 1938, imperial HQ authorized the use of poison gas 375 separate times. Hirohito authorized on May 15th of 1939 the carrying out of field studies of chemical warfare along the Manchukuo-soviet border.  In 1940 Hirohito sanctioned the first experimental use of bacteriological weapons in China, though there is no documented evidence of this, given the nature of how he micro managed everything it goes without saying he would have treated it the same as the poison gas. He was a man of science, a person who questioned everything and refused to put his seal on orders without first examining them. Imperial HQ directives went to unit 731 and as a rule Hirohito overlooked them. There again is no documents directly linking him to it, but Hirohito should be held responsibility for strategic bombing campaigns performing on cities like Chongqing. Alongside such horror Hirohito sanctioned annihilation campaigns in China. Such military campaigns were on the scale of what occurred at Nanking. Take for example the Hebei offensive which saw the infamous “three alls policy, burn all, kill all, steal all”.    Before Pearl Harbor and the ushering in of the war against the west, look at the scene that had unfolded. China and Japan were not officially at war until December of 1941. Not to say it would have been easy by any means, but look at the countless opportunities the man, emperor, so called god if you will, held in his hands to stop it all or at the very least stop escalating it. Why did he not do so? To protect the Kokutai. Above all else, the role and survival of the emperor's divinity over the people of Japan was always at the forefront of his mind. He did what he thought was always necessary to thwart threats internal and external. He allowed his military to do horrible things, because they did so in his name, and likewise they were a threat to him. I know its abrupt to end it like this, but for those of you who perhaps say to yourself “well he really was powerless to stop it, they would have killed him or something”, who chose suddenly to intervene in 1945 and made the decision to surrender?

Pick up enough chicks and you can move up to heavier things, like chickens.This week we have internet reviews for Pizza One in Vancouver, Womb dance club in Tokyo, a fancy shingle cutter, a biker gang romance novel, and the Sequoia 9 movie theater in Kansas. For the segment we deep dive into Brach's turkey dinner candy corn on It Came From the Internet! It's that easy, folks.Want more party? Check it out at https://www.reviewpartydotcom.com/ !

Actor and writer Mari Yamamoto (Pachinko, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, Rental Family) joins Doree and Elise to discuss her new film, Rental Family, and how it opens the conversation about the loneliness crisis in the digital age. Plus, they get into Mari and Elise's time together in Tokyo, her deep commitment to the parasol as a sun shade, and why she went from being a reporter to being an actor multihyphenate. To leave a voicemail or text for a future episode, reach Doree & Elise at 781-591-0390. You can also email the podcast at forever35podcast@gmail.com.Visit forever35podcast.com for links to everything they mention on the show or visit shopmyshelf.us/forever35.Follow the podcast on Instagram (@Forever35Podcast) and sign up for the newsletter at the free tier on Patreon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Iran confirms the seizure of a petrochemical tanker in the Gulf — a major show of force by the Islamic Republic in one of the world's most sensitive waterways. A new report suggests the U.S. may press ahead on Gaza reconstruction even if Hamas keeps its weapons, as stabilization talks stall. China sends Coast Guard ships through Japan-administered islands, escalating an already sharp dispute with Tokyo. And in today's Back of the Brief — fresh developments in the energy corruption scandal rocking Kyiv, alongside new steps President Zelenskyy says he's taking to clean house. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Beam: Visit https://shopbeam.com/MIKEand use code MIKE to get our exclusive discount of up to 50% off. TriTails Premium Beef: Feed your legacy. Visit https://trybeef.com/pdb  American Financing: Call American Financing today to find out how customers are saving an avg of $800/mo. NMLS 182334, https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org - APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1881 for details about credit costs and terms. Visit https://www.AmericanFinancing.net/PDB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last time we spoke about the Soviet-Japanese Border Conflict. The border between Soviet Manchuria and Japanese-occupied territories emerges not as a single line but as a mosaic of contested spaces, marks, and memories. A sequence of incidents, skirmishes along the Chaun and Tumen rivers, reconnaissance sorties, and the complex diplomacy of Moscow, Tokyo, and peripheral actors to trace how risk escalated from routine patrols to calibrated leverage. On the ground, terrain functioned as both obstacle and argument: ridges like Changkufeng Hill shaping sightlines, river valleys shaping decisions, and markers weathered by snow, wind, and drift. In command tents, officers translated terrain into doctrine: contingency plans, supply routes, and the precarious calculus of restraint versus escalation. Both nations sought to establish firmer defensive barriers against the other. Inevitably they were destined to clash, but how large that clash would become, nobody knew.   #176 The Changkufeng Incident Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. In the last episode we broke down a general history of the Soviet-Japanese Border Conflict and how it escalated significantly by 1938. Colonel Inada Masazum serving as chief of the 2nd Operations Section within the Operations Bureau in March of 1938 would play a significant role in this story. When the Japanese command's attention was drawn to the area of Changkufeng, consideration was given to the ownership and importance of the disputed high ground. Inada and his operations section turned to an appraisal of the geography. The officers had been impressed by the strategic importance of the Tumen, which served to cut off the hill country from North Korea. In the Changkufeng area, the river was a muddy 600 to 800 meters wide and three to five meters deep. Japanese engineers had described rowing across the stream as "rather difficult."  Russian roads on the left bank were very good, according to Japanese intelligence. Heavy vehicles moved easily; the Maanshan section comprised the Russians' main line of communications in the rear. To haul up troops and materiel, the Russians were obliged to use trucks and ships, for there were no railways apart from a four-kilometer line between the harbor and town of Novokievsk. Near Changkufeng, hardly any roadways were suitable for vehicular traffic. On the right, or Korean, bank of the Tumen, there were only three roads suitable for vehicular traffic, but even these routes became impassable after a day or two of rain. In the sector between Hill 52 to the south and Shachaofeng to the north, the most pronounced eminences were Chiangchunfeng and the humps of Changkufeng. Rocky peaks were characteristically shaped like inverted T's, which meant many dead angles against the crests. The gentle slopes would allow tanks to move but would restrict their speed, as would the ponds and marshes. In general, the terrain was treeless and afforded little cover against aircraft. Against ground observation or fire, corn fields and tall miscanthus grass could provide some shielding. Between Chiangchunfeng and the Tumen, which would have to serve as the main route of Japanese supply, the terrain was particularly sandy and hilly. This rendered foot movement difficult but would reduce the effectiveness of enemy bombs and shells. The high ground east of Khasan afforded bases for fire support directed against the Changkufeng region. Plains characterized the rest of the area on the Soviet side, but occasional streams and swamps could interfere with movement of tanks and trucks. The only towns or villages were Novokievsk, Posyet, Yangomudy, and Khansi. At Kozando there were a dozen houses; at Paksikori, a few. The right bank was farmed mainly by Koreans, whose scattered cottages might have some value for billeting but offered none for cover. On the left bank, the largest hamlets were Fangchuanting, with a population of 480 dwelling in 73 huts, and Yangkuanping, where there were 39 cottages. Shachaofeng was uninhabited. Japanese occupation of Changkufeng would enable observation of the plain stretching east from Posyet Bay, although intelligence made no mention of Soviet naval bases, submarine pens, or airstrips in the immediate area of Posyet, either in existence or being built in 1938. As Inada knew, the Japanese Navy judged that Posyet Bay might have another use, as a site for Japanese landing operations in the event of war. In Russian hands, the high ground would endanger the Korean railway. This line, which started from Najin in northeastern Korea, linked up with the vital system in Manchuria at the town of Tumen and provided a short cut, if not a lifeline, between Japan and the Kwantung Army and Manchuria from across the Sea of Japan. Even from relatively low Changkufeng, six or seven miles of track were exposed to Soviet observation between Hongui and Shikai stations. The port of Najin, with its fortress zone, lay 11 miles southwest; Unggi lay even nearer. It was not the danger of Japanese shelling of Vladivostok, at an incredible range of 80 miles that was at stake but the more realistic hypothesis of Russian shelling of the rail line, and Russian screening of the Soviet side of the border. Hills and questions were thought to have two sides. It was the consensus of Japanese that Changkufeng Hill's potential value to the Russians far outweighed its possible benefits to them, or at least that the Japanese had more to lose if the Russians took the high ground by the Tumen. Inada nurtured few illusions concerning the intrinsic value of the heights. Despite the fact that the high command always had good reasons for quiescence in the north, Inada believed that the latest border difficulty could not be overlooked. By mid-July 1938 Inada's thoughts crystallized. The Japanese would conduct a limited reconnaissance in force known as iryoku teisatsu in the strategic sense. Whereas, at the tactical schoolbook level, this might mean the dispatch of small forces into enemy territory to seek local combat intelligence, at the Imperial General Headquarters level the concept was far more sweeping. There would also be useful evidence of mobilization and other buildup procedures. The affair at Changkufeng was merely a welcome coincidence, something started by the Russians but liable to Japanese exploration. Inada had no intention of seizing territory, of becoming involved in a war of attrition at a remote and minor spot, or of provoking hostilities against the USSR. The Russians would comprehend the nature of the problem, too. If they were interested in interfering seriously with the Japanese, there were numberless better locations to cause trouble along the Manchurian front; those were the places to watch. The cramped Changkufeng sector, described as "narrow like a cat's brow," could too readily be pinched off from Hunchun to render it of strategic value to either side. The bog land to the north interfered with the use of armored forces, while artillery sited on the heights along the Tumen in Korea could as easily control the area as batteries emplaced east of the lake. It was Inada's professional opinion that the Russians could commit three or four infantry divisions there at most, with no mechanized corps—no heavy tanks, in particular. No decisive battle could be waged, although, once the Russians became involved, they might have to cling to the hill out of a sense of honor. The military action would be meaningless even if the Japanese let the Russians have the heights. For their part, the Japanese would ostensibly be fighting to secure the boundary and to hold Changkufeng peak, beyond which they would not move a step onto Soviet soil. There would be no pursuit operations. Troop commitment would be limited to about one division without tank support. Japanese Air Force intervention would be forbidden. Matters would be directed entirely by Imperial General Headquarters working through the Korea Army chain of command and carried out by the local forces. Calm, clear, and dispassionate overall estimates and instructions would be based on materials available only in Tokyo. The command would not allow the Kwantung Army to touch the affair. Inada foresaw that the Japanese government might also seek a settlement through diplomacy. Although border demarcation was desirable and should be sought, the command would not insist on it, nor would it demand permanent occupation of Changkufeng summit. As soon as reconnaissance objectives had been achieved, the local forces would be withdrawn. As Inada described it "In the process, we would have taught the Russians some respect and given them a lesson concerning their repeated, high-handed provocations and intrusions. If a show of force sufficed to facilitate the negotiations and cause the Russians to back down, so much the better; the affair would be over and my point proved." The instrument for carrying out Inada's strategic design appeared to be ideal, the 19th Division, strenuously trained and high-spirited. It could be expected to perform very well if unleashed within defined limits. Colonel Suetaka was just the commander to direct local operations. Since he had been pleading to fight in China, an operation at Changkufeng might prove to be an excellent "safety valve." His staff was full of experienced, fierce warriors eager for battle. Until recently, the Korea Army commanding general had wisely kept the aggressive division away from Changkufeng Hill, but now Imperial general headquarters had its own overriding ideas and needs. How could the Japanese ensure that any military action would remain limited if the Russians chose to respond with vigor? Naturally, one infantry division, without armor or air support, could not withstand all of the Soviet forces in the maritime province. Inada answered that the mission to be assigned the 19th Division was merely the recapture of Changkufeng crest. If the Japanese side had to break off the operation, evacuation would be effected voluntarily and resolutely on Imperial general headquarters responsibility, without considerations of "face." At worst, the Japanese might lose one division, but the affair would be terminated at the Tumen River without fail. "Even so, we ought to be able to prove our theory as well as demonstrate our true strength to the Russians." In case the Soviets opted for more than limited war, the Japanese were still not so overextended in China that they could not alter their strategic disposition of troops. Although the Kwantung Army's six divisions were outnumbered four to one and the Japanese were not desirous of a war at that moment, the first-class forces in Manchuria could make an excellent showing. In addition, the high command possessed armor, heavy artillery, fighters, and bombers, held in check in Manchuria and Korea, as well as reserves in the homeland. There was also the 104th Division, under tight Imperial general headquarters control, in strategic reserve in southern Manchuria. Inada recalled "How would the Russians react? That was the answer I sought. Victory in China depended on it." By mid-July, the high command, at Inada's urging, had worked out a plan titled, "Imperial General headqaurters Essentials for Dealing with the Changkufeng Incident." Tada's telegram of 14 July to Koiso described succinctly the just-decided policy: the central authorities concurred with the Korea Army's opinion regarding the Changkufeng affair, then in embryo. Considering that Changkufeng Hill posed a direct threat to the frontier of Korea, Imperial General headqaurters would immediately urge the foreign ministry to lodge a stern protest. Next day, Tojo sent a telegram stating the Japanese policy of employing diplomacy; whether the Russians should be evicted by force required cautious deliberation in case the USSR did not withdraw voluntarily. On the basis of the guidance received from Imperial General headqaurters, the Korea Army drew up its own plan, "Essentials for Local Direction of the Changkufeng Incident," on 15 July. Intelligence officer Tsuchiya Sakae was sent promptly to the front from Seoul. At the same time, military authorities allowed the press to release news that Soviet troops were constructing positions inside Manchurian territory in an "obvious provocation." The government of Manchukuo was demanding an immediate withdrawal. Even then, those Japanese most closely connected with the handling of the Changkufeng Incident were not in agreement that everybody at command level was as ardent a proponent of reconnaissance in force as Inada claimed to be. Some thought that most, if not all, of his subordinates, youthful and vigorous, were in favor of the notion; others denied the existence of such an idea. Inada remained clear-cut in his own assertions. Everything done by the local Soviet forces, he insisted, must have been effected with the permission of Moscow; it was customary for the USSR not to abandon what it had once started. The Japanese Army never really thought that the Soviet Union would withdraw just as the result of diplomatic approaches. Therefore, from the outset, preparations were made to deal the Russians one decisive blow. Inada had recommended his plan, with its clear restrictions, to his colleagues and superiors; the scheme, he says, was approved 14 July "all the way up the chain of command, through the Army general staff and the ministry of war, with unexpected ease." The only real opposition, Inada recalled, came from the navy, whose staff advised the army operations staff, in all sincerity, to give up the idea of strategic reconnaissance. Inada adhered to his opinion stubbornly. He never forgot the grave look on the face of Captain Kusaka, the UN operations section chief, as the latter gave in reluctantly. The navy view was that the Changkufeng affair typified the army's aggressive policies as opposed to relative passivity on the part of the navy. Like Kusaka, Japanese Navy interviewees shared the fear that Changkufeng might prove to be the most dangerous military confrontation ever to occur between the USSR and Japan. In view of navy objections, one wonders where Inada could have drawn support for his concept of reconnaissance in force. If one accepts the comments contained in a letter from a navy ministry captain, Takagi Sokichi, to Baron Harada Kumao at the beginning of August, in the army and in a portion of the navy there existed "shallow-minded fellows who are apt to take a firm stand in the blind belief that the USSR would not really rise against us, neglecting the fact that the Russians had foreseen our weak points." Takagi also had violent things to say about "white-livered" Gaimusho elements that were playing up to the army. Although Takagi's remarks, expressed in confidence, were sharp, cautious injunctions were being delivered by the high command to the new Korea Army commander, General Nakamura Kotaro, who was about to leave for Seoul to replace Koiso. Nakamura's attitude was crucial for the course and outcome of the Changkufeng Incident. More of a desk soldier than a warrior, he characteristic ally displayed a wariness that was reinforced by the guidance provided him. This personal quality assumes even greater significance if one believes that the Russians may have initiated the Changkufeng Incident by exploiting the special opportunities afforded them by the routine replacement of the Korea Army commander, the temporary absence from Moscow of Ambassador Shigemitsu Mamoru, and the geographical as well as subjective gap between the Kwantung and Korea armies that was exposed during the Lyushkov affair. At 10:00 on 15 July Nakamura was designated army commander by the Emperor at the palace. Soon afterward, he was briefed by Imperial General headquarters officers. Hashimoto, the operations bureau chief, recalled that when he saw Nakamura off on 17 July, Hashimoto stressed prudence, limitation of any military action, and diplomatic solution of the problem. The new commanding general, Inada asserted, promised full cooperation. There was no mention, at this level, of Inada's concept of reconnaissance in force. When Nakamura reached Seoul, he found an Imperial order from Tokyo dated 16 July awaiting him. This important document stipulated that he could concentrate units under his command in Korea near the border against the trespassing Soviet forces in the Changkufeng area. Resort to force, however, was dependent upon further orders. This message was followed by a wire from Kan'in, the Army general staff chief. The Imperial order, it was explained, had been designed to support diplomatic negotiations. Simultaneous approval was granted for concentrating forces to respond swiftly in case the situation deteriorated. As for implementation of the Imperial order, discretion should be exercised in line with the opinion expressed earlier by Korea Army Headquarters. Negotiations were to be conducted in Moscow and Harbin, the location of a Soviet consulate in Manchukuo. Meanwhile, the command was dispatching two officers for purposes of liaison: Lt. Colonel Arisue Yadoru in Operations and Major Kotani Etsuo a specialist in Soviet intelligence. Inada advised Arisue that, apart from liaison flights inside the frontiers, particular care should be exercised with regard to actions that might lead to air combat. Nevertheless, although Inada stated that the Imperial order called for "a sort of military demonstration," he admitted that it meant preparatory action for an attack. The Korea Army senior staff officer, Iwasaki, recalled hearing nothing about secret intentions. Nakamura briefed his staff about the need for restraint, especially during this key period of the Wuhan operation. Koiso had disposed of speculation that he had issued an order to concentrate the 19th Division before Nakamura arrived, although he and Nakamura did have the opportunity to confer in Seoul before he departed for Japan. The Imperial order of 16 July, in response to Koiso's inquiry received in Tokyo on 14 July, had arrived in Seoul addressed to Nakamura; thereupon, the Korea Army chief of staff, Kitano, had the message conveyed to the division. By 21 July Koiso was back in Tokyo where, the day afterward, he advised the war minister, Itagaki, "to act prudently with respect to the Changkufeng problem." Why did the high command dispatch two field-grade liaison officers to Korea from the outset of the Changkufeng Incident? The Korea Army lacked operations staff. Its commander had been allotted prime responsibility, within the chain of command, for defense of northeastern Korea. At the beginning, the highest-ranking staff officer at the front was a major. Since there were no fundamental differences of opinion between the command and the forces in Korea, it was proper to send experts from Tokyo to assist. Imperial General headqaurters would observe the situation carefully, devise measures on the basis of the overall view, and issue orders which the Korea Army would implement through ordinary channels. It had not been the type of incident which required the army commander to go to the front to direct. This was the Korea Army's first test, and political as well as diplomatic problems were involved that the army in the field should not or could not handle. If Tokyo had left decisions to the division and its regiments, the latter would have been held to account, which was not proper. Imperial General headquarters had to assume responsibility and reassure local commanders of its full support. Imaoka Yutaka explained that operational guidance by Imperial General headquarters and line operations conducted by the 19th Division formed the core of the affair; the Korea Army, placed between, was "shadowy." Koiso had not been enthusiastic; this set the mood among the staff. Nakamura, who arrived with a thorough comprehension of AGS thinking, was basically passive. The Korea Army staff, in general, included no "wild boars."    There was an urgent need to monitor developments. Not only was the Korea Army unfamiliar with handling this type of incident, but many hitches occurred. There had been no practice in emergency transmission of coded wires between the Korea Army and Tokyo. Now telegram after telegram had to be sent; most were deciphered incorrectly and many were not decoded at all. Another problem centered on the lack of knowledge in Tokyo about the situation on the spot, which only visual observation could rectify. As a result, the two Army general staff experts, Arisue and Kotani, arrived in Korea on 16 July. Kotani recalled that he was to collect intelligence and assist the local authorities. One of the first duties that he and Arisue performed was to disseminate the principle that use of force required a prior Imperial order. Also on 16 July, Japanese newspapers reported that the USSR was still concentrating troops, that the Manchukuoan government was watching intently, "decisive punitive measures" were being contemplated by the Japanese-Manchukuoan authorities, and there were signs of a worsening of the crisis. Despite good reasons for this gloomy appraisal, the Japanese press had not yet given the incident page-one treatment. More alarming news was being disseminated abroad. Domei, the official Japanese news agency, reported that the situation would probably become worse unless Soviet troops were withdrawn. The position of the Japanese government impressed foreign correspondents as unusually firm. Informants characterized the Changkufeng Incident as the most serious affair since the clash on the Amur River in 1937. Irked by the Korea Army's timidity and eager for first-hand information, the Kwantung Army dispatched two observers to the front: from Intelligence, Ogoshi Kenji, and from Operations, Tsuji Masanobu. If you listen to my pacific war week by week podcast or echoes of war, you know I highlight Tsuji Masanobu as one of the most evil Japanese officers of WW2. No other way to describe this guy, he was a shithead. In his memoirs, Tsuji asserted that he and Ogoshi climbed Changkufeng Hill, discerned Soviet soldiers digging across the peak in Manchurian territory, and concluded that "probably even Tokyo could not overlook such a clear-cut case of invasion." Although his account aligned with the general thrust, Ogoshi contended that Tsuji could not have accompanied him. According to sources with the 19th Division, when Koiso learned that Tsuji and Ogoshi were disparaging the Korea Army's ability to defend Changkufeng, he ordered "those spies" ousted. Ogoshi replied that the army staff was not angry, but Koiso did become furious and ordered Ogoshi "arrested for trespassing." Ogoshi surmised that Koiso's concern was that emotional outsiders such as Tsuji could provoke trouble, perhaps even war, if they visited Changkufeng. This view was widely shared. Inada stated that he made a practice of keeping away to maintain the degree of detachment and impartiality required of high command authorities. One sidelight to the "fraternal" visit to the Changkufeng area by observers from Hsinking was provided by Lt. Colonel Katakura Tadashi, chief of the Kwantung Army's 4th Section, which handled Manchukuo affairs, primarily political direction. When Katakura visited the Operations Section, Tsuji and Ogoshi told him that an intrusion had been confirmed and that the Kwantung Army staff was studying ways to evict the Soviets. Katakura consulted Maj. General Ishiwara Kanji, acting chief of staff, who was already in possession of the draft of an operations order calling for offensive preparations by the Kwantung Army against the Russians at Changkufeng. Katakura asked for reconsideration of the order. This was not a matter to be handled solely by the operations staff. Borders and international affairs were involved; hence the 4th Section, along with the Manchukuoan government, the Gaimusho, and other agencies, were concerned. Field observers were expressing exaggerated personal opinions based on having seen Soviet sentries on a hilltop. If the matter fell within the Korea Army's defensive prerogative, that army ought to handle it. Apparently the Kwantung Army commander and Ishiwara agreed with Katakura, for the draft order was not approved. The so-called private message dispatched by a Kwantung Army staff officer just before Koiso's departure may have been provoked by this rejection of direct participation by forces under Kwantung Army command. Staff officers in Tokyo believed that Hsinking could not see the forest for the trees. In the high command's view, the Kwantung Army's deliberate escalation of a negligible frontier incident undoubtedly stemmed from a failure to grasp the strategic requirements of national defense—pursuit of the campaign in China, the nurturance of Manchukuo, and the buildup of operational readiness for the ultimate solution of the Soviet problem. The high command felt obliged to remind the Kwantung Army that, in dealing with the Changkufeng Incident, the central authorities pressed for a Russian pullback through diplomacy. Consequently, the Korea Army had been instructed to be ready to concentrate troops near Changkufeng as a "background." Meanwhile, it remained the Imperial will that utmost prudence be exercised. The Kwantung Army commander accordingly issued cautious instructions to subordinate units, especially those on the eastern border. The high command's injunctions did not end the discontent and recrimination at the lower levels of Kwantung Army Headquarters, nor did they quiet the concern felt in Tokyo. A former war minister told Baron Harada repeatedly in late July that the Kwantung Army was "no good," while the superintendent of police added that the Kwantung Army was embarrassing Foreign Minister Ugaki. Nevertheless, the Kwantung Army did exert self-restraint. For its part, the Korea Army naïvely sought to achieve entente with an antagonist who considered the case nonnegotiable. First, the government of Manchukuo was asked to lodge a formal protest with the USSR. The commissioner for foreign affairs at Harbin phoned V. V. Kuznetzov, the acting consul, on the night of 14 July and saw him on the 18th. Basing its contentions on maps, the Haensing regime demanded Soviet withdrawal from Changkufeng. The Japanese government was lodging similar protests within the framework of Japanese-Manchukuoan joint defense agreements. On the spot, the situation inflamed. During the afternoon of 15 July, a Japanese military police patrol from Korea reconnoitered at the foot of Hill 52, southeast of Changkufeng. The party came under Soviet gunfire and was driven back, abandoning the body of Corp. Matsushima Shakuni. Japanese sources claimed that a Russian ambush had been set inside Manchuria. The Russian side insisted that it was the Soviet frontier that had been violated by thirty meters. Kuzma Grebennik, the colonel commanding the 59th BGU, which covered the Posyet sector, asserted that Matsushima's effects included a notebook containing reconnaissance results and a camera with film of Soviet-claimed terrain, particularly Changkufeng Hill. According to Maj. Gilfan Batarshin, a subordinate of Grebennik, two Russian border guards from Podgornaya opened fire when the Japanese fled after being challenged. Japanese protests to the USSR about the death of Matsushima and the taking of his body were added to the negotiations concerning the disputed border and the alleged trespassing. Charge Nishi Haruhiko lodged a vigorous complaint in Moscow on 15 July but was answered by a counterprotest. Ambassador Shigemitsu underwent an identical experience during a conversation with Foreign Commissar Maxim Litvinov on 20 July. Shigemitsu retorted that the murder tended to exacerbate the negotiations. In his memoirs, he stated that the killing of Matsushima provoked the local Japanese border garrison unit. The shooting occurred as the Soviet military buildup continued, according to Japanese sources. Mechanized units were reported moving in the direction of Kyonghun from Barabash and Posyet Bay. Biplanes were reconnoitering the Hunchun Valley, within Manchurian territory, from the afternoon of 16 July. To the local Japanese authorities, it seemed that the Russians were adopting a challenging attitude. Although the Japanese-Manchukuoan side remained willing to negotiate—that is, to take no forceful actions if the Russians would withdraw, the latter appeared not to share such an intention. The Soviets were not only misinterpreting the Hunchun treaty to their advantage but were encroaching beyond what they claimed to be the line; they "lacked sincerity." Decisive use of force might have been imperative to secure the Manchurian border, which was Japan's legal responsibility. As far north as Tungning on the eastern Manchurian frontier, two Soviet ground divisions and considerable numbers of tanks and aircraft were reported massed in full view. At Changkufeng, Russian soldiers fortified the crest. Mountain guns were now seen with muzzles pointed toward Manchuria, and Japanese intelligence estimated that Soviet troop strength near Changkufeng had grown to 120 or 130 by the evening of 18 July. As Sawamoto Rikichiro, an Imperial aide, noted in his diary, "It would seem that settlement of the affair had become increasingly difficult." Korea Army staff officer Tsuchiya sent two emissaries bearing the notice to the Soviet border. The pair, "blazing with patriotic ardor,"set out on 18 July, carrying a message in one hand and a white flag in the other. From Kyonghun came the report the next day that there had been an urgent, well-attended Soviet staff meeting at BGU Headquarters in Novokievsk all night, and that the Russian side had been discomfited by the Japanese request, which had been transmitted to higher authorities. Still, the emissaries did not return, while a stream of reports indicated a Soviet buildup along a dozen frontier sectors. Russian authorities had reportedly forced the natives to evacuate an area twenty miles behind their borders. From Japanese observation posts, Soviet convoys of men, guns, and horses could be sighted moving toward Novokievsk after being unloaded from transports originating at Vladivostok. Japanese Army Intelligence reported that on 18 July a regimental-size force had arrived at Novokievsk; artillery displacements forward were particularly visible by night east of Khasan. A confidential Gaimusho message indicated that Soviet truck movements between Posyet, Novokievsk, and the front had increased since the 20th. Russian intrusions, kidnappings, and sniping incidents were reported along the Manchurian borders, from Manchouli on the west to Suifenho on the east, between 18 and 25 July. Aircraft on daytime reconnaissance were detected as far as three miles inside Manchurian territory in the Hunchun area. Although the Japanese asserted that their forbearance was being tested, Izvestiya charged "Japanese militarists" with manufacturing an affair at Ussuri as well as at Changkufeng. The Japanese themselves received reports from the Changkufeng front that by 20 July the Soviets had 250 soldiers, armed with field pieces, trench mortars, howitzers, and light and heavy machine guns, on the southern slopes. The Russians were putting up tents capable of holding 40 men each; officers could be observed for the first time. On the evening of the 20th, the Soviets lobbed illuminating shells toward Manchurian territory. 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. Inada Masazum, studying maps and mud, saw Changkufeng Hill as a prize with peril, a test of nerve rather than a conquest. Tokyo's orders pulsed through Seoul and Harbin: guard, probe, and deter, but avoid full-scale war. Across the border, Soviet units pressed closer, lights and tents flickering on the hillside. The sea within sight whispered of strategy, diplomacy, and a warning: a single misstep could redraw Asia. And so the standoff waited, patient as winter.