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Robert Ward hosts Ogi Hirohito, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Geoeconomics; Ito Ayano, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ITO Strategy Company; and Tom Corben, Research Fellow at the United States Studies Centre. They discuss the increasing cooperation between Japan and the US in the defence industry.Together, they explore:  · How Takaichi and Trump might cooperate on US-Japan defence-industrial issues· The Takaichi government's new policies in relation to the defence industry· How the defence industry in Japan and the US views recent defence-industrial policy changes· Defence-industrial cooperation with third countries, through initiatives such as GCAP· How the US views defence-industrial cooperation with Japan and the effect of the upcoming US National Security Strategy on this Recommended materials from our guests:  · Alan Booth, The Roads to Sata,(London: Penguin, 2020), 336pp.· Tobias S Harris, The Iconoclast, (London: Hurst, 2023), 504pp.· Anno Hideki and Higuchi Shinji, Shin Gozilla, (Toho Co, 2016).We hope you enjoy the episode. Please follow, rate, and subscribe to Japan Memo on your preferred podcast platform. If you have any comments or questions, please contact us at japanchair@iiss.org.Date recorded: 4 November 2025Japan Memo is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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?

Danny Moses hosts Luke Gromen, founder of Forest for the Trees, on the On the Tape Podcast. In this episode, they discuss the SRF and SOFR rates, recent stresses in the repo markets, and the US Treasury's actions to alleviate funding issues. Luke explains the systemic risks in the financial system, the influence of hedge funds in the US Treasury market, and compares the current repo market scenario to 2019's market upheavals. The conversation shifts to the implications of AI on jobs and the economy, potential credit market disruptions, and the sustainability of the AI CapEx cycle. They delve into the geopolitical dynamics with China, the critical role of rare earths, and the delicate balance in the US-Japan economic relations. The episode concludes with a discussion on gold as a strategic asset, Bitcoin's potential, and the future of monetary policy amid fiscal dominance and inflation.--ABOUT THE SHOWFor decades, Danny has seen it all on Wall Street and has built his reputation on integrity, curiosity and skepticism that he will bring with him each week. Having traded through the Great Financial Crisis and being featured in "The Big Short" is only part of the experiences Danny wants to share with the listener. This weekly podcast cuts through market noise, offering entertaining and informative discussions with expert guests giving their views of the financial world and the human side of it. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, On The Tape provides something for all listeners.Follow Danny on X: @dmoses34The financial opinions expressed are for information purposes only. The opinions expressed by the hosts and participants are not an attempt to influence specific trading behavior, investments, or strategies. Past performance does not necessarily predict future outcomes. No specific results or profits are assured when relying on this content.Before making any investment or trade, evaluate its suitability for your circumstances and consider consulting your own financial or investment advisor. The financial products discussed in 'On The Tape' carry a high level of risk and may not be appropriate for many investors. If you have uncertainties, it's advisable to seek professional advice. Remember that trading involves a risk to your capital, so only invest money that you can afford to lose.Derivatives are not suitable for all investors and involve the risk of losing more than the amount originally deposited and any profit you might have made. This communication is not a recommendation or offer to buy, sell or retain any specific investment or service. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Strengthening the US-Japan Alliance and Rare Earth Supply Guest: Grant Newsham Grant Newsham analyzes the successful meeting between President Trump and Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister, Takayuki Sai. The two leaders agreed on rare earth supply cooperation, crucial for countering Chinese economic leverage and maintaining technological independence. Sai is focused on substantially increasing Japan's defense spending and addressing military recruitment shortfalls to strengthen regional capability. The United States values Japan's defensive posture as a critical bulwark against the People's Republic of China, making this alliance essential for Indo-Pacific stability. 1942 MIDWAY

Strengthening the US-Japan Alliance and Rare Earth Supply Guest: Grant Newsham Grant Newsham analyzes the successful meeting between President Trump and Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister. The two leaders agreed on rare earth supply cooperation, crucial for countering Chinese economic leverage and maintaining technological independence. Sai is focused on substantially increasing Japan's defense spending and addressing military recruitment shortfalls to strengthen regional capability. The United States values Japan's defensive posture as a critical bulwark against the People's Republic of China, making this alliance essential for Indo-Pacific stability.

Andrew, Ben, and Tom, live from Las Vegas, discuss the latest conference topics, Nvidia's new partnerships, and the US-Japan trade deal. Please forgive the poor audio quality this morning, as we're using our travel setup.Song: The Gambler - Kenny RogersFor information on how to join the Zoom calls live each morning at 8:30 EST, visit:https://www.narwhal.com/blog/daily-market-briefingsPlease see disclosures:https://www.narwhal.com/disclosure

Jamaica is bracing for the strongest storm on the planet this year. A key mineral framework deal has been agreed between the US and Japan. There may be hope for some federal workers who have missed their pay checks. Amazon is set to make massive job cuts today. Plus, the prison release date for Sean ‘Diddy' Combs has been announced.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this Tuesday edition of Sid & Friends in the Morning, Sid covers President Donald Trump's interactions with Japan's first female prime minister, his trade relations and negotiations across Asia, including meetings with China, Cambodia, and Thailand, and the ongoing trade war with Canada. Sid also details the US-Japan alliance, the future of TikTok in America, and the early voting turnout for the New York mayoral race. The mayoral election coverage highlights candidates' positions on NYPD staffing, crime policies, and community relations, with a particular focus on remarks involving former Governor Andrew Cuomo and candidate Zohran Mamdani. Then, those controversial comments made by Sid and Andrew Cuomo concerning Islamophobia and Mamdani on the morning show last week are also touched upon, alongside Mamdani's response addressing the city's Muslim community and recounting personal experiences of discrimination post-9/11. Alan Dershowitz, Bo Dietl, Jack Ciattarelli, Jeff Lax and Vincent Vallelong join the program on this Tuesday installment of Sid & Friends in the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump met with business leaders in Japan on Tuesday. Around 20 companies from Japan and the United States are exploring projects related to Tokyo's pledge to invest $490 billion in America. The president said the U.S.–Japan partnership is a cornerstone of mutual prosperity and Asian-Pacific security.Hurricane Melissa reached category 5 status on Monday, making it the strongest Atlantic storm so far this year. Melissa is currently bearing down on Jamaica. The island nation hasn't taken a direct hit from a hurricane in more than a decade.

Hurricane Melissa bears down on Jamaica and threatens to be the island's strongest recorded storm. Alberta government forces striking teachers back to work through notwithstanding clause. Lawyers say underfunded courts responsible for Ontario class action lawsuit stuck in the civil system for nearly 8 years. 14 people were killed in US military strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific. Prime Minister Mark Carney hoping for a relations reset in meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. US President Donald Trump praises new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, while reaffirming US-Japan trade agreement. Toronto Blue Jays look to even out the World Series tonight in Los Angeles, after a historic Game 3 at Dodgers Stadium.

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US President Trump and Japanese PM Takaichi signed an agreement on the US-Japan alliance and framework for securing the supply of critical minerals and rare earths.European bourses are mostly lower; ES/NQ are flat, whilst the RTY is marginally lower ahead of a slew of earnings.USD flat/lower, JPY boosted on US-Japan trade developments and mild haven allure; GBP lags a touch.Bonds are firmer given the risk tone; USTs await supply.XAU briefly dipped under USD 3.9k/oz with base metals also broadly in the red; crude complex lower with some focus on reports that OPEC+ is looking at another oil production hike.Looking ahead, US Richmond Fed (Oct), US CaseShiller Home Prices (Aug), US Consumer Confidence (Oct), Supply from the US.Earnings from Visa, Electronic Arts, PPG Industries, SoFi, PayPal.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

APAC stocks failed to sustain the momentum from the record highs on Wall St and were mostly subdued.US President Trump and Japanese PM Takaichi signed an agreement on the US-Japan alliance and framework for securing the supply of critical minerals and rare earths.European equity futures indicate a lower cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 future down 0.2% after the cash market closed with gains of 0.6% on Monday.DXY is net negative amid gains in the JPY with USD/JPY slipping below the 152 mark post-Trump and Takaichi meeting.Global fixed income markets are broadly firmer. Crude has struggled for direction following the prior day's choppy performance.Looking ahead, highlights include German GfK (Nov), Richmond Fed (Oct), CaseShiller Home Prices (Aug), Consumer Confidence (Oct), ECB SCE (Sept), RBNZ's Richardson, Supply from Italy, UK, Germany & US.Earnings from Visa, Electronic Arts, PPG Industries, UnitedHealth, SoFi, PayPal, UPS, DR Horton, VF Corp, HSBC, BNP Paribas, Novartis, Logitech, Iberdrola & ASM International.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

This week Derek Halpenny, Head of Research Global Markets EMEA & International Securities sits down to talk to Shan Husain in FI FX Sales about the outlook for rates and FX ahead of a busy week. In Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's speech in the Diet signals fiscal expansion. President Trump will be in Tokyo and then we also have the BoJ meeting on Thursday, following the FOMC meeting on Wednesday. The softer CPI print today leaves the Fed well placed to cut. Derek also discusses the implications for the pound after weaker than expected inflation data this week.  

Massive Money Hits Crypto: XRP's Big Move + $550 B Japan-US Investment In this episode we cover: • The formation of Evernorth, backed by Ripple & major Japanese investor SBI, building a $1+ billion XRP treasury and going public via SPAC. • What this means for the XRP ecosystem: institutional access, DeFi integrations, open-market buys, valuation implications. • The US–Japan investment deal: $550 billion pledged to U.S. industries (semiconductors, energy, shipbuilding) under a strategic framework—how it works, what's real, and what's still in negotiation. • How those two threads tie together: the evolution of crypto from fringe asset to institutional infrastructure, and the geopolitical shift in capital & tech flows. • Key takeaways for investors, crypto watchers and anyone tracking how money + power intersects in the 2020s. Don't miss this full breakdown of how crypto and geopolitics are becoming one. *** SUPPORT ON THE CHAIN GRAB A BADASS YETIS COFFEE – Fuel your crypto grind! ☕ Visit: otc.one/BadassYetisBrew MINT YOUR BADASS YETIS NFT – Own a piece of the legend! Visit: otc.one/mint OTC MERCH IS HERE! – Represent the community in style! Visit: onthechain.shop BUY US A COFFEE – Help keep the content flowing! Visit: otc.one/buy-us-a-coffee JOIN THE CHANNEL – Get exclusive perks & behind-the-scenes content! Visit: otc.one/join ********** ON THE CHAIN – CONNECT WITH US! Listen to the OTC Podcast – Never miss an update! Visit: otc.one/podcast Visit Our Website – The home of crypto insights! Visit: onthechain.io Follow OTC on Twitter – Stay updated in real time! Visit: otc.one/otc Join the OTC Community on Twitter – Be part of the discussion! Visit: twitter.com/i/communities/1599435678995062788 ********** FOLLOW THE OTC TEAM Follow Jeff on Twitter:

NEWS: EU, US, Japan, and Taiwan send aid for earthquake victims | Oct. 13, 2025Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.net Follow us: Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital Check out our Podcasts: Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer Stitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcherTune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein#TheManilaTimes#KeepUpWithTheTimes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION GAZA PLAN.. 1950 RAMALLAH 10-6-25 FIRST HOUR 9-915 The Trump Peace Plan and the Problematic Role of the Palestinian Authority Guest: Peter Berkowitz Peter Berkowitz examines the Trump peace plan, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of 50 remaining hostages (living and dead) within 72 hours, and the disarming of Hamas. Hamas disarmament is a crucial Israeli war aim. The central challenge is the future role of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which Berkowitz argues is corrupt, incompetent, weak, and lacks democratic legitimacy, having not held elections since 2005. International recognition of a Palestinian state is viewed as counterproductive, as it rewards proponents of armed struggle. The plan anticipates a pathway toward a Palestinian state only after substantial and comprehensive PA reform, including ceasing terror incitement and abandoning the goal of Israel's destruction. Given the security challenges and the history of Palestinian rejection of a state coexisting with Israel, the realistic possibility of a two-state solution is seen as many years in the future. 915-930 The Trump Peace Plan and the Problematic Role of the Palestinian Authority Guest: Peter Berkowitz Peter Berkowitz examines the Trump peace plan, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of 50 remaining hostages (living and dead) within 72 hours, and the disarming of Hamas. Hamas disarmament is a crucial Israeli war aim. The central challenge is the future role of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which Berkowitz argues is corrupt, incompetent, weak, and lacks democratic legitimacy, having not held elections since 2005. International recognition of a Palestinian state is viewed as counterproductive, as it rewards proponents of armed struggle. The plan anticipates a pathway toward a Palestinian state only after substantial and comprehensive PA reform, including ceasing terror incitement and abandoning the goal of Israel's destruction. Given the security challenges and the history of Palestinian rejection of a state coexisting with Israel, the realistic possibility of a two-state solution is seen as many years in the future. 930-945 Houthi Attacks, Sanctions, and the Implications of a Gaza Ceasefire Guest: Bridget Toumey Bridget Toumey reports that the Houthis, who are well-organized and disciplined, attacked a Dutch ship in the Gulf of Aden and continued launching at least one missile and one drone at Israel, a slower pace than the nearly daily attacks seen in September. The Houthis also sanctioned 13 US oil and energy companies and their CEOs, citing the war in Gaza and US support for Israel. This announcement mirrored US sanctions and may be a precursor to resuming attacks against US-connected vessels. Israel's counter-Houthi air strikes have hit targets but have failed to deter the group, which also exploits connections with other terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). If the Gaza conflict ends, the Houthis might need a new casus belli to justify attacks, but they are willing to invent excuses if Iran wishes to continue stirring chaos. 945-1000 Life, Economy, and Chinese Threat Perception in Taipei, Taiwan Guest: Anne Stevenson-Yang Anne Stevenson-Yang reports from Taipei, Taiwan, a vibrant economy and republic vital to the global economy due to TSMC, the microchip maker. Taiwan is characterized by a wonderful public culture where honesty and personal safety are prevalent. Despite its high-tech focus, the economy suffers from problems common elsewhere, including increasing income inequality, unaffordability, high housing prices, and stagnant wages. Regarding geopolitical tensions, the average Taiwanese person is largely immune to the constant threat from China, having heard talk of belligerence for the last 30 years. However, there is apprehension related to China's grim economic winter and growing concern that the US protective umbrella may be receding, leading to more interest in investing in Taiwan's own defense. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Iran's Strategy, Setbacks for Hezbollah, and the Chinese Economic Lifeline Guest: Jonathan Sayah Jonathan Sayah discusses US efforts to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) with $230 million, intending to empower the national identity over sectarian militias like Hezbollah. Iran consistently seeks to arm its proxies, but Hezbollah is currently on its back foot, having lost leadership, money, and the Syria corridor due to Israeli attacks and the new regime in Syria. A peace deal in Gaza would significantly weaken Iran, as stability does not favor the Islamic Republic, which thrives by exploiting regional instability. The morale of the Islamic Republic has crumbled due to external defeats and internal incompetence (failing infrastructure, high inflation). Furthermore, Iran relies heavily on China to purchase oil, utilizing a money-laundering network to evade US sanctions, securing an economic lifeline for the regime in return for natural resources and infrastructure projects. 1015-1030 Iran's Strategy, Setbacks for Hezbollah, and the Chinese Economic Lifeline Guest: Jonathan Sayah Jonathan Sayah discusses US efforts to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) with $230 million, intending to empower the national identity over sectarian militias like Hezbollah. Iran consistently seeks to arm its proxies, but Hezbollah is currently on its back foot, having lost leadership, money, and the Syria corridor due to Israeli attacks and the new regime in Syria. A peace deal in Gaza would significantly weaken Iran, as stability does not favor the Islamic Republic, which thrives by exploiting regional instability. The morale of the Islamic Republic has crumbled due to external defeats and internal incompetence (failing infrastructure, high inflation). Furthermore, Iran relies heavily on China to purchase oil, utilizing a money-laundering network to evade US sanctions, securing an economic lifeline for the regime in return for natural resources and infrastructure projects. 1030-1045 Taiwanese Resilience and Japan's New Conservative Leader Guest: Scott Harold Scott Harold discusses Taiwan's resilience, rooted in its democratic rule of law and high societal trust, which China attempts to undermine. Taiwanese self-identity is deepening, particularly among younger generations. However, concerns exist in Taipei that the US administration's "Fortress America" focus is inducing doubt about Washington's commitment to Taiwan's defense, a doubt China exploits. Harold also covers the historic rise of Takaichi Sanae as the LDP head in Japan, positioning her to become the first female Prime Minister. Takaichi is a conservative acolyte of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo who emphasized increased defense spending to enhance the US-Japan alliance. Her selection was seen as an effort to bring conservative votes back to the LDP, responding to growing political frustration and capitalizing on sentiment against an influx of foreigners. 1045-1100 Taiwanese Resilience and Japan's New Conservative Leader Guest: Scott Harold Scott Harold discusses Taiwan's resilience, rooted in its democratic rule of law and high societal trust, which China attempts to undermine. Taiwanese self-identity is deepening, particularly among younger generations. However, concerns exist in Taipei that the US administration's "Fortress America" focus is inducing doubt about Washington's commitment to Taiwan's defense, a doubt China exploits. Harold also covers the historic rise of Takaichi Sanae as the LDP head in Japan, positioning her to become the first female Prime Minister. Takaichi is a conservative acolyte of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo who emphasized increased defense spending to enhance the US-Japan alliance. Her selection was seen as an effort to bring conservative votes back to the LDP, responding to growing political frustration and capitalizing on sentiment against an influx of foreigners. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Europe Responds to Russian Harassment Without US Lead Guest: Mary Kissel Mary Kissel analyzes the European emergency summit in Copenhagen, convened due to alarming mysterious drone activity over European airports, likely instigated by Russia. This harassment, which includes potential risks like hitting a passenger jet, aims to create confusion and test the resolve of the continent. The outcome, focusing on a "drone wall," suggests that the EU is starting to take more responsibility for its own defense, a long-term goal of US presidents. Kissel notes that the US absence from the prominent conversation does not signal the end of NATO. She also highlights that politicians like Starmer and Meloni are moving toward stronger defense measures, realizing that their voting bases are unhappy with current economic and security outcomes 1115-1130 Syria's Search for Stability: Security Deals, the Golan Heights, and the Gaza Impact Guests: Ahmad Sharawi, Bill Roggio Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio discuss Syrian President al-Sharaa's focus on stability and his pursuit of a security agreement with Israel. Negotiating away the Golan Heights is considered a non-starter for al-Sharaa's survival, as his father, Hafez Assad, is often seen as the man who lost the territory, and al-Sharaa would be domestically labeled a traitor by all segments of the Syrian population, including hardliners. A full peace agreement is out of the question, but a limited security agreement might be possible, allowing Israel to maintain its presence in the Golan Heights while potentially withdrawing from areas entered after the fall of the Assad regime. The end of the war in Gaza is expected to expedite negotiations between Syria and Israel toward a security deal, as it affects the optics of al-Sharaa making such a move in the Arab world. Al-Sharaa's main priority is removing Israeli presence and stopping Israeli air strikes inside southern Syria 1130-1145 Russia's Multi-Front War: European Drones, Space Threats, and Tomahawk Missiles Guests: John Hardie, Bill Roggio John Hardie discusses Russia's expanding conflict, which includes drones over European airports like Munich and Berlin, viewed by Denmark as Russian "gray zone" activity aimed at testing Western response. NATO has been slow to adopt cost-effective counter-drone measures, unlike Ukraine's use of mobile fire groups. Russia is also engaging in anti-satellite activity, with Russian satellites reportedly stalking UK military satellites in low Earth orbit. Russia continues to target Ukrainian energy infrastructure with massive barrages as winter approaches. The US is reportedly considering supplying longer-range Tomahawk missiles to allies for transfer to Ukraine. These missiles could strike deep into Russian military-industrial sites, which, coupled with economic pressure, might convince Putin to pause the war. 1145-1200 Russia's Multi-Front War: European Drones, Space Threats, and Tomahawk Missiles Guests: John Hardie, Bill Roggio J FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Gaza Ceasefire Talks: Hostages, Disarmament, and Hamas's Reach into Europe Guest: Joe Truzman Joe Truzman details the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, which center on the release of the remaining 48 hostages (living and deceased) within 72 hours, potentially in exchange for a significant number of Palestinian prisoners, including convicted terrorists. The central obstacle to peace is Hamas's refusal to disarm, viewing it as tantamount to surrendering their identity. Fighting has lessened, with Israel toning down air strikes, possibly to show goodwill to President Trump. Truzman emphasizes that if Hamas retains its arms, another conflict is inevitable. He also notes the rise in reported Hamas plots in Europe, something uncommon historically, indicating the organization may be branching out its operations and feeling emboldened, as seen in the recent deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester. 1215-1230 Gaza Ceasefire Talks: Hostages, Disarmament, and Hamas's Reach into Europe Guest: Joe Truzman . 1230-1245 Maduro Regime Threatens US Embassy; Lula's Concern over US Pressure Guests: Alejandro Piña Esclusá, Ernesto Araújo Alejandro Piña Esclusá reports that Nicolás Maduro's chief negotiator, Jorge Rodríguez, falsely claimed a third party plans to assault the US embassy in Caracas, but Esclusá warns that Maduro himself ordered the operation. The regime is allegedly interested in the embassy because they believe opposition leader María Corina Machado is hidden there. The regime, which stole the election, is now persecuting and imprisoning more opposition members than ever to infuse terror into the population. Ernesto Araújo views an attack on the embassy—an action against the "only thing that's sacred in international relations"—as very serious, suggesting Maduro is desperate for a bargaining chip with the US. Brazil's Lula da Silva is reportedly worried about the seriousness of the US attitude toward Maduro and may be softening his stance with Trump, fearing what information might emerge regarding the Foro de São Paulo organization if the Maduro regime falls. 1245-100AM Maduro Regime Threatens US Embassy; Lula's Concern over US Pressure Guests: Alejandro Piña Esclusá, Ernesto Araújo

Taiwanese Resilience and Japan's New Conservative Leader Guest: Scott Harold Scott Harold discusses Taiwan's resilience, rooted in its democratic rule of law and high societal trust, which China attempts to undermine. Taiwanese self-identity is deepening, particularly among younger generations. However, concerns exist in Taipei that the US administration's "Fortress America" focus is inducing doubt about Washington's commitment to Taiwan's defense, a doubt China exploits. Harold also covers the historic rise of Takaichi Sanae as the LDP head in Japan, positioning her to become the first female Prime Minister. Takaichi is a conservative acolyte of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo who emphasized increased defense spending to enhance the US-Japan alliance. Her selection was seen as an effort to bring conservative votes back to the LDP, responding to growing political frustration and capitalizing on sentiment against an influx of foreigners.  1935 TAIWAN UNDER JAPAN

Taiwanese Resilience and Japan's New Conservative Leader Guest: Scott Harold Scott Harold discusses Taiwan's resilience, rooted in its democratic rule of law and high societal trust, which China attempts to undermine. Taiwanese self-identity is deepening, particularly among younger generations. However, concerns exist in Taipei that the US administration's "Fortress America" focus is inducing doubt about Washington's commitment to Taiwan's defense, a doubt China exploits. Harold also covers the historic rise of Takaichi Sanae as the LDP head in Japan, positioning her to become the first female Prime Minister. Takaichi is a conservative acolyte of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo who emphasized increased defense spending to enhance the US-Japan alliance. Her selection was seen as an effort to bring conservative votes back to the LDP, responding to growing political frustration and capitalizing on sentiment against an influx of foreigners.

PREVIEW: Historic Election of Takaichi Sanae as LDP Leader and Presumed Next Prime Minister of JapanGuest: Scott Harold John Batchelor's conversation with Scott Harold focuses on the newly elected head of the LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) in Japan, Takaichi Sanae, who is presumed to be the next prime minister. Ms. Takaichi's political background is that of a conservative LDP member and an acolyte of the late Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. Her victory was attributed to two main factors. First, she was the most conservative candidate at a time when the LDP was worried about losing conservative votes to another party that sought to emulate parts of the MAGA ideology. The party viewed her as the best candidate to retrieve those votes. Second, while her competitor was the younger, more liberal son of a former prime minister, LDP voters and legislative members were ultimately "more comfortable voting for an older conservative woman." Additionally, a major scandal involving derogatory remarks posted by her competitor's supporters helped drive down his support late in the race. This is a historic election as Ms. Takaichi will be the first female Japanese prime minister. She has described herself as an emulator of Margaret Thatcher and emphasizes boosting the Japanese economy with substantial spending, including on defense, to enhance the US-Japan alliance.

A review of the week's major US international tax-related news. In this edition:  US Congress fails to pass CR to fund federal government – Trump Administration to release first IRS Priority Guidance Plan soon – Eighth Circuit vacates Tax Court TP decision in Medtronics – USTR initiates public review of USMCA – US Customs and Border Protection releases updated guidance on US-Japan trade agreement – President Trump signs EO on trade and security agreements – OECD releases report on revised BEPS Action 5 transparency framework.

For review:1. Israeli PM Netanyahu to visit White House on 29 Sep, after scheduled address to US General Assembly.2. Three IDF Divisions Operating inside Gaza City. The military said that the 162nd and 98th divisions were expanding their operations in Gaza City, and in the coming days, a third division, the 36th, would join.In addition to the Gaza City offensive, the IDF said the 99th Division was conducting defensive operations in Israel's buffer zone in northern Gaza, while the Gaza Division was operating in the Strip's south.3. Spain appears to have cancelled a €697 million ($823 million) contract for the acquisition of the High Mobility Rocket Launcher System (SILAM), developed from Israeli firm Elbit Systems' Precise and Universal Rocket Launcher (PLUS) design.4. Japan is deploying eight aircraft, including four F-15 fighter jets, to bases in the United States, Canada and Europe in an unprecedented mission to support NATO.5. China urged Tokyo and Washington on Tuesday to withdraw the US-developed Typhon missile system, after it was unveiled in Japan for the first time during joint military exercises. Beijing's foreign ministry on Tuesday called on the United States and Japan to “promptly withdraw” the missile system.6. A U.S. and U.K. warship transited the Taiwan Strait last week drawing protests from Beijing, USNI News has learned.U.S. guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG-76) and anti-submarine frigate HMS Richmond (F239) sailed through the strait on Sept. 12, a Pentagon official confirmed to USNI News on Tuesday.7. Thomas Global Systems has finished delivery of its M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 Immersive Tactical Trainer (M1A2 ITT) to the Australian Army, marking it as the world's “only full-crew simulator” for the platform.8. Congressional Republican leaders today put forward a stopgap funding bill to keep money flowing to the federal government through Nov. 21.Lawmakers face a ticking clock to get the bill through the House and Senate to avert a government shutdown, before federal funding expires on Oct. 1.  

For review:1. Arab and Muslim leaders called for a review of ties with Israel after emergency talks in Doha on Monday following last week's IDF strike on Hamas members in the Qatari capital.The Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation joint session brought together nearly 60 countries.2. On Monday, US Secretary of State Rubio met with Israeli PM Netanyahu one-on-one for about an hour and a half before an expanded meeting with aides. He also met Monday with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and President Isaac Herzog.Secretary Rubio will visit Qatar on Tuesday, the WP reported, citing two American sources.3. Axios Report: IDF Gaza City Ground Campaign Begins.Airstrikes in Gaza City intensified on Monday evening local time before Palestinian media began reporting that IDF tanks had entered the city.4. Sweden to Increase Defense Spending to 2.8% GDP in 2026.5. Poland's state-run defense group PGZ has chosen UK's BAE Systems as its technology partner for the planned boost in domestic 15mm ammunition production.6. Poland Receives 3d Batch of M1 Tanks. Poland has received 38 new M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks from the US. The shipment included 14 M88A2 Hercules tactical recovery vehicles.7. China's 3d Aircraft Carrier Spotted in East China Sea. People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) carrier Fujian (018), which has not yet been commissioned, sailed southwest in the East China Sea around 124 miles northwest of Uotsuri Island, according to Japan's Joint Staff Office (JSO).8. Australia will spend 12 billion AUD towards a new defense precinct that will include naval shipyards and AUKUS-related programs in the west of the country.Defence Minister Richard Marles said the Henderson Defence Precinct will be critical to Australia's shipbuilding and sustainment industry, as well as sustainment and maintenance of Australian and allied submarines.Australia is due to receive three Virginia-class submarines from the United States under AUKUS Pillar 1, before eventually transitioning to five SSN-AUKUS submarines from the early 2040s.9. US Army revealed Monday that the mid-range missile system (Typhon MRC) is participating in the US-Japan annual bilateral exercise Resolute Dragon. The exercise has more than 19,000 U.S. and Japanese troops focusing on maritime defense and littoral protection operations. 

US equity futures are firmer. Asia ended mostly higher, and European markets opened firmer. Focus is on the US August nonfarm payrolls report, expected to show another sub-100K print with unemployment rising to its highest since mid-2023; Softer labor market signals earlier in the week and dovish-leaning remarks from Fed Chair Powell have led markets to fully price in a September rate cut with another by year-end; President Trump signed an executive order implementing the US-Japan trade agreement, formally setting a 15% tariff that extends to autos and avoids tariff stacking. Japan pledged more rice imports and an annual agricultural purchase commitment alongside its $550B investment package.Companies Mentioned: Cadence Design Systems, Hexagon, Broadcom, OpenAI, Starbucks

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) discuss Matt's New Yorker article about going behind the scenes of Japan's most popular manga magazine Shōnen Jump! Also a look at Anime NYC and rants about the state of US-Japan postal relations! ⁠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

A review of the week's major US international tax-related news. In this edition:  US Congress returns to FY 26 funding deadline, possible tax legislation – Federal Circuit rules against Trump Administration's tariff policy – President Trump issues Executive Order on US-Japan trade agreement.

European bourses and US equity futures are modestly firmer ahead of US data.USD awaits a data deluge, Antipodeans lag and JPY digests potential US/Japan auto tariff reduction.EGBs and Gilts bounce while USTs remain flat into data; Spanish auction was well received, whilst some short-lived pressure was seen on the French outing.Oil pulls back as traders brace ahead of this weekend's OPEC meeting; some upside in the complex seen after Russian Deputy PM Novak said OPEC-8 are not discussing production increase now.Looking ahead, US ISM Services PMI (Aug), ADP National Employment (Aug), Challenger Layoffs (Aug), Jobless Claims, Atlanta Fed GDP, Canadian Trade Balance (Jul), BoE DMP, Senate Banking Committee to hold hearing for US President Trump's Fed nominee Stephen Miran, Speakers including Fed's Williams & RBA's Hauser.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

• Intro• Xbox ROG Ally Details • Gamescom ONL Reveals• The BACKLOG• PS5 Price Hike in US• Japan's National Library Won't Preserve Game Key Cards• MGS Delta Secret Level Developed by Platinum Games• Kojima Has Plans for Death Stranding 3, But Won't Make It Right Now• Developers Still Don't Have Switch 2 Dev Kits• Black Ops 7 Single Player to End With a Multiplayer Battle• Sony Makes PS Store Refunds Easier• PlayStation Boss Doesn't Want Studios to Play It Safe• Former Sony Boss on Why the Vita Failed• TWEET OF THE WEEK• Q&AOriginally streamed on August 26, 2025

Go to http://shadyrays.com and use code FUNNY for 35% off polarized sunglasses. Go to http://auraframes.com and use promo code KINDAFUNNY for $35 off their best-selling Carver Mat frame. Thank you for the support! Run of Show - 00:00:00 - Start00:03:57 - Housekeeping Monday, Kinda Funny goes head to head with Giant Bomb in a sponsored Pizza Bandit let's play but... with a twist! Today after, KFGD, you'll get: If you're a Kinda Funny Member: The Roper Report   - 00:08:45 - Geoff Keighley Confirms 7 Games Set for ONL00:34:27 - Ad  00:34:27 - Ad00:36:35 - Pokemon Legends: Z-A preview round up00:44:59 - Wuchang: Fallen Feathers receives criticism after new ‘censorship' patch prevents killing historical figures00:50:13 - Director of scrapped The Last of Us Online says his new US/Japan studio is making a cinematic multiplayer title00:54:53 - Wee News!01:08:03 - SuperChats & You‘re Wrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Montgomery, a retired US Navy rear admiral who is now the senior director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the executive director of the Cyber Solarium 2.0 project, joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss how to improve defense cooperation with Taiwan to prepare for the kind of embargo and blockade scenarios Beijing has been practicing; whether the Trump administration will continue its support for Taipei given Washington last week blocked Taiwanese President Lai Ching Te from transiting the United States to visit Paraguay; how to address gaps and seams in the US-Japan alliance; worries across Asia in the wake of the Trump administration's rhetoric toward Europe; what to expect from the upcoming National Security Strategy and Force Posture Review; the impact of personnel cuts on US cybersecurity; and look at recent congressional budget moves and their impact on naval power.

In this 47th edition of The World According to Irina Tsukerman, the bi-weekly geopolitical series on The KAJ Masterclass LIVE, renowned analyst Irina Tsukerman dissects the most consequential global shifts of the past two weeks. From Prime Minister Modi's strategic visits to London and the Maldives, and Macron's bid to recognize “Palestine” at the UNGA, to mounting tensions in Southeast Asia and the evolving ceasefire dynamics in Syria, Irina delivers sharp, insider-level insights into the flashpoints redefining international power. With exclusive analysis on the US-Japan security pact, Musk's Starlink pullback during Ukraine's offensive, and Trump's global posturing—from Scotland to the Thai-Cambodia front—Irina connects the dots between headlines and hard power. A must-watch for anyone closely following real-time geopolitical realignments and long-term global stakes.About the guestIrina Tsukerman is a human rights and national security lawyer, geopolitical analyst, editor of The Washington Outsider, and president of Scarab Rising, Inc., a media and security and strategic advisory. Her writings and commentary have appeared in diverse US and international media and have been translated into over a dozen languages.Connect with Irina here:https://www.thewashingtonoutsider.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/irina-tsukerman-4b04595/In The World According to Irina Tsukerman, we embark on a fortnightly journey into the heart of global politics. Join us as we explore the complex geopolitical landscape, delve into pressing international issues, and gain invaluable insights from Irina's expert perspective. Together, we'll empower you with the knowledge needed to navigate the intricate world of global politics. Tune in, subscribe, and embark on this enlightening journey with us.Catch up on earlier episodes in the playlist here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt7IEKOM1t1tKItNEVaStzsqSChTCGmp6Watch all our global politics content here:https://khudaniaajay.substack.com/https://rumble.com/c/kajmasterclasshttps://www.youtube.com/@kajmasterclassPolitics...................

This is an excerpt from my podcast This Week in Geopolitics. I record new episodes every Monday so give me a follow if you would like to see more!

In today's episode we talk about, the brief skirmish between Thailand and Cambodia and its significance to the new nature of warfare. Then we dive into the unequal treaty/ trade deal Trump brokered with the EU. After that we go over the US-Japan trade deal and the makings of the Trump Pacific Partnership. All that and more!

Lee Hardman, Senior Currency Analyst, sits down with Simon Mayes, Head of Corporate Sales for the UK, Ireland, and Switzerland (FX), to explore the outlook for the Japanese yen following Japan's Upper House election and the recent US-Japan trade agreement. With a potential policy shift on the horizon, could a hawkish Bank of Japan stance in the coming week give the JPY a boost?

US equity futures are mixed after Wednesday's rally pushed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to fresh record closes. Asia ended higher, with Japan leading gains and tech supporting sentiment in Korea and Taiwan, while European markets opened firmer. The market focus remained on trade policy developments, with momentum building toward new tariff deals. Trump confirmed a US-Japan agreement featuring a 15% tariff, below the earlier signaled 25% rate. Reports also indicated that the US and EU are close to finalizing a similar 15% deal with mutual tariff waivers. South Korea was said to offer a Japan-style agreement, though Yonhap reported high-level talks were suddenly postponed. Australia signaled intent to lift beef import restrictions to gain tariff relief. Meanwhile, Trump stated the new global tariff baseline may be set between 15% and 50%.Companies Mentioned: Comcast, Goldman Sachs, Broadcom, Amazon

Global Market Rally and US-Japan Trade Deal Insights In this episode of Dividend Cafe, Brian Szytel reports from The Bahnsen Group's New York City office on a broad-based market rally occurring on July 23rd. Key highlights include the positive impact of finalized trade deals between the US and Japan, and the US and EU. US markets experienced a nearly 1% increase, while Japan's Nikkei saw a 3.5% rise. Fixed income prices dipped slightly as yields rose. The Atlanta Fed's business inflation expectations decreased marginally, while existing home sales in the US fell 2.7% for June. The US-Japan trade deal, featuring a 15% tariff rate and a substantial investment from Japan, is seen as a significant achievement. The episode concludes with insights on ongoing market valuations and upcoming economic indicators. 00:00 Introduction and Market Overview 00:20 Global Market Rally 00:27 US-Japan Trade Deal 01:19 Economic Calendar Highlights 02:48 US-Japan Market Discount Analysis 04:03 Conclusion and Upcoming Events Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 US/Japan Deal3:00 Heat Wave, Corn Sweat5:37 Wheat Sucks7:52 Coca-Cola Update8:53 US/China Update11:12 Meme Stocks / M2

Tobias Harris of the Observing Japan substack https://observingjapan.substack.com/ joins to discuss the latest Japanese election, how we got here, and what happens next. How Abe's assassination led to the LDP's three years of struggles What the latest results in the upper house election tell us about domestic Japanese politics What's the deal with big winners like Kōmeitō and the Democratic Party for the People (DPFP) How domestic dynamics tie into US-Japan and China-Japan relations Outtro Music: The Communist Party's 2025 Gender song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V59qOPTe62g&ab_channel=%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E5%85%B1%E7%94%A3%E5%85%9A Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, a look at the US-Japan trade deal and the market reaction, especially forceful in Japan. Elsewhere, we rundown the first really impactful earnings reports for this quarter as Google-parent Alphabet, Tesla and IBM are set to report earnings after the close today. IBM has a "new" angle that could see considerable focus. Also, a look at FX, incoming event risks and much more. Hosting the pod is Saxo Global Head of Macro Strategy John J. Hardy.   Read daily in-depth market updates from the Saxo Market Call and the Saxo Strategy Team here. Please reach out to us at marketcall@saxobank.com for feedback and questions. Click here to open an account with Saxo.

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The proposed US-Japan trade deal means US buyers of Japanese goods (including autos) face a 15% tax. Steel is still taxed at 50%. Of course, deals are not the same as implementation, as the UK steel industry can testify. There are media reports that Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba will resign in August. Investors are unlikely to expect significant policy change given the lack of a majority in either house of the Diet.

World Court decides what countries are legally obliged to do to fight climate change, and what the consequences for inaction could be. What Canadians should be paying attention to in the new US-Japan trade deal. Canada's premiers shift their attention to issues including health care and bail reform at First Ministers' meeting in Hunstville, Ontario. CBC News has learned a 68 million-dollar immigration project was unexpectedly shut down last year, after reaching 2 thirds completion. Turkey hosts Ukraine peace talks. The families of 2 men killed by Nunavik police are demanding a meeting with Quebec's premier. A Vancouver hearing taking place today to determine if man accused of killing 11 people at festival, is mentally fit to stand trial.

Hour 2 dives hard into Hunter Biden's ongoing saga, with Kevin O'Leary's blunt “beat him with a stick” comment capturing the public outrage over the Biden family's drug issues. The conversation shifts to the fight over parental rights in Saint Charles County's library system, where new book challenge policies still lean heavily toward protecting controversial content, underscoring the need for more conservative trustees. Property tax burdens and calls for reform from Florida's Ron DeSantis highlight the nationwide frustration with government overreach and relentless taxation even after mortgages are paid off. Market updates spotlight Boeing's union negotiations, the Missouri Supreme Court blocking new marijuana taxes, and a massive US-Japan trade deal signaling economic shifts. Finally, a sobering Morgan Stanley study predicts a sharp rise in single, childfree women by 2030, sounding alarms on America's demographic future and fueling conservative calls for family and freedom incentives.

The Marc Cox Morning Show hits hard all day: Hour 1 kicks off with Kim's savage takedown of Brittney Griner's media circus and local corruption as Marc demands transparency on a busted school superintendent scandal. Hour 2 unloads on Hunter Biden's drug-fueled hypocrisy with Kevin O'Leary, exposes weak parental rights in Saint Charles libraries, and highlights crushing tax burdens while big economic moves like the US-Japan trade deal flash on the radar. Hour 3 scorches climate alarmism, breaks down California's business flight to red states, and warns how Democrat sanctuary policies enable violent crime—putting American safety at risk. Hour 4 celebrates St. Louis's historic hotel milestone but cuts through late night TV's collapse, Trump's major Japan trade win, and slams the “Dignity Bill” amnesty push backed by GOP hopeful Andy Barr—showing 77% of Americans stand firmly against illegal immigration giveaways. Trump's tough, no-nonsense border security remains the GOP winning issue.

Tobias Harris of the Observing Japan substack https://observingjapan.substack.com/ joins to discuss the latest Japanese election, how we got here, and what happens next. How Abe's assassination led to the LDP's three years of struggles What the latest results in the upper house election tell us about domestic Japanese politics What's the deal with big winners like Kōmeitō and the Democratic Party for the People (DPFP) How domestic dynamics tie into US-Japan and China-Japan relations Outtro Music: The Communist Party's 2025 Gender song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V59qOPTe62g&ab_channel=%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E5%85%B1%E7%94%A3%E5%85%9A Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick joined Bloomberg's Annmarie Hordern to talk about the trade deal reached with Japan and said it could be a model for the EU. He also shared larger countries will have a hard time getting a tariff rate lower than the 15% that Japan secured.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It could be another record breaking day on Wall Street.

The markets reach new records.

Why has Japan fallen out of Trump's good graces? Will Japan close a deal with the US before tariffs take effect? And how will the upcoming Japanese election impact relations? To find out, ChinaTalk interviewed Professor Tomohiko Taniguchi, a longtime observer of US-Japan relations and former advisor to the late Shinzo Abe. We discuss… Why 1970s trade competition is still impacting US-Japan relations today, and how Japan could create “Wow factor” when dealing with Donald Trump, How Shinzo Abe used golf, dinner parties, and history lessons to cultivate a close personal friendship with Trump, The roots of Japanese resolve in dealing with PRC aggression, The emergence of Russian disinformation surrounding the Japanese election, The political economy of the Japanese Self-Defence Force, and how Abe managed the controversy surrounding his reinterpretation of Article 9. Co-hosting today is Charles Litchfield of the Atlantic Council. Thanks to the US-Japan Foundation for sponsoring this episode. Outro music: Shinji Tanimura - Left Alone (YouTube Link) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices