Hardcore HistoryMarch 5, 2000

Show 62 Supernova In The East I

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Audio URL: https://podcastmentions.local/hardcorehistory/2000-03-05_show-62-supernova-in-the-east-i.mp3

Book mentions

15 book mentions in this episode.

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Books Mentioned

No Surrender, My Thirty Year War

“When Onoto got back to Japan in 1974, a ghost-written book of his remembrances was created. It's called No Surrender, My Thirty Year War, and in it he describes the Japan he was raised in.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: cultural attitudes towards duty

For: Historians and readers interested in military culture

Key quote: “He says, quote, at that time, if a soldier who had been taken prisoner later managed to return to Japan, he was subject to a court-martial and a possible death penalty.”

The host discusses the extreme cultural expectations surrounding duty and sacrifice in Japan during World War II, using Hiru Onoda's experiences as a case study. The mention of 'No Surrender, My Thirty Year War' serves to illustrate the intense indoctrination and societal pressures that shaped Onoda's actions and beliefs.

ASIN: N/A

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Japan and the Shackles of the Past

R. Taggart Murphy

“R. Taggart Murphy discusses the paradox of samurai ethics becoming more rigid and militaristic during the peaceful Tokugawa period, despite the lack of actual combat experience.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: samurai ethics in bureaucracy

For: Historians and students of Japanese culture

Key quote: “As the actual experience of battle receded into the mists of history, the ethos of the samurai became paradoxically ever more rigid and militaristic, with stress on absolute loyalty to the superior, preparedness to carry out any order even at the risk of death, and a disdain for softness and physical comfort.”

The host discusses how the samurai's warrior ethics were adapted to bureaucratic roles during peacetime, highlighting the paradox of applying battlefield standards to non-combat situations. R. Taggart Murphy's book provides insight into this transformation and the implications of maintaining rigid ethical standards in a different context.

ASIN: B08Y8H9Y79

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Implacable Foes

Waldo Henrichs and Mark Gallicchio

“In the book Implacable Foes, historians Waldo Henrichs and Mark Gallicchio compare the morale of the Japanese military to that of the German army during the Second World War.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Japanese military morale

For: Historians and military enthusiasts

Key quote: “In contrast, they write, no organized unit of the Imperial Japanese army surrendered during the entire Pacific War until they were ordered to do so by the Emperor after Japan had formally agreed to capitulate.”

The host discusses the contrasting morale of the Imperial Japanese Army and the German Army during World War II, referencing the book 'Implacable Foes' for a detailed comparison. The authors highlight the unique cultural and ideological factors that contributed to the Japanese soldiers' reluctance to surrender, emphasizing the role of Bushido in shaping military ethos.

ASIN: B0C2F61L4Q

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The Pacific War

Sabura Ayanaga

“Sabura Ayanaga wrote a book called the Pacific War, which tries to figure out whether the Japanese public could have avoided the terrible dissent into war.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Japanese wartime mentality

For: Historians and those interested in military psychology

Key quote: “They are automaton. They're robots.”

The host mentions 'The Pacific War' to illustrate the intense cultural and societal pressures that shaped Japanese soldiers' motivations during World War II. This book provides insights into the unique elements of the Pacific War that differentiate it from other theaters of conflict.

ASIN: N/A

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Hirohito

Herbert P. Bix

“Historian Herbert P. Bix writes about the Taisho emperor Yoshahito in his book Hirohito, discussing his inability to continue Meiji's legacy.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Japanese imperial history

For: Historians and students of Japanese history

Key quote: “Bix continues, quote, thus, without any institutional change having occurred, the accession in 1912 of Hirohito's father became an important turning point in the conduct of state affairs.”

The host discusses the significance of the Taisho emperor, Yoshihito, and his impact on Japanese governance during a tumultuous period. They reference Herbert P. Bix's book 'Hirohito' to highlight the challenges faced by Yoshihito and the resulting power vacuum in the Japanese political system.

ASIN: 4062105918

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The Manchurian Crisis in Japanese Society 1931 to 1933

Sandra Wilson

“Historian Sandra Wilson in her book discusses the idea of Manchuria as a vital lifeline for Japan, linking it to the narrative justifying Japan's claim to the region despite China's sovereignty.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Japanese propaganda and Manchuria

For: Historians and students of Japanese history

Key quote: “The principle that Japan was dependent upon access to the resources of Manchuria for survival as a nation was part of an attempt to create a narrative, justifying Japan's claim to the region, and was closely linked with the assertion that Manchuria rightfully belonged to the Japanese, despite China's technical sovereignty over it.”

The host references Sandra Wilson's book to illustrate how the Japanese state used propaganda to justify its claims over Manchuria. Wilson argues that the narrative of Japan's dependence on Manchuria was a strategic move to legitimize military actions and territorial claims during a time of rising tensions.

ASIN: N/A

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A Modern History of Japan

James L. McLean

“Historian James L. McLean in a modern history of Japan describes the events surrounding the Manchurian Incident, detailing the actions of Captain Kawamoto and the Japanese military.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Japanese aggression in China

For: Historians and students of modern Asian history

Key quote: “Here's the way historian james l mclean in a modern history of japan describes it quote captain cowamoto sui mori laid the 42 yellow packages of bl lasting powder with care.”

The host references 'A Modern History of Japan' to provide a detailed historical account of Japanese actions leading up to the Manchurian Incident. This book is used to illustrate the complexities of Japan's military and political maneuvers during a time of rising nationalism in China.

ASIN: 1022885960

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The Manchurian Incident

Andrew Gordon

“Historian Andrew Gordon says that in Japan, this is generally considered to be the start of what they call the 15-year war, which is essentially the Second World War.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Japanese military actions

For: Historians and students of military history

Key quote: “This event, by the way, is known by a couple of different names. Most famously, it's called the Manchurian Incident.”

The host discusses the complexities of the Manchurian Incident and its implications for Japanese military policy. They reference Andrew Gordon's book to highlight the historical significance of this event as a precursor to the Second World War.

ASIN: N/A

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Japan of modern history

James L. McLean

“McLean in his book, Japan of modern history, says it's these kinds of coups, along with the stuff the challenges posed by Manchuria that dooms everything.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Japanese political assassinations

For: Historians and students of Japanese history

Key quote: “McLean in his book, Japan of modern history, says it's these kinds of coups, along with the stuff the challenges posed by Manchuria that dooms everything.”

The host discusses the violent political climate in Japan during the early 1930s, highlighting the extreme actions taken by factions seeking to restore imperial power. They reference James L. McLean's book to illustrate how these events marked a significant turning point in Japan's domestic and foreign relations.

ASIN: 0393041565

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Stalingrad on the Yangtzee

Peter Harmson

“The author discusses the strategic implications of Chiang Kai Shek's military decisions during the conflict in Shanghai, referencing his book to illustrate the situation.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Chinese military strategy

For: Historians and military strategy enthusiasts

Key quote: “it could be, and this is a book title that I used for this by author, Peter Harmson, Stalingrad on the Yangtzee.”

The host mentions 'Stalingrad on the Yangtzee' to illustrate the tactical and strategic complexities faced by the Chinese military during their conflict with Japan. This reference highlights the challenges of urban warfare and the broader implications of military strategy in a global context.

ASIN: N/A

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The Battle for China

Edward J. Dreia and Hans Vandevin

“The book is mentioned in the context of explaining the geographical distances involved in the conflict, with each chapter written by a different expert.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: strategic military analysis

For: Historians and military strategists

Key quote: “In the book, The Battle for China, which each chapter is written by a different expert, historians Edward J. Dreia and Hans Vandevin, try to put it in U.S. terms.”

The host references 'The Battle for China' to illustrate the vast distances and logistical challenges faced by Japanese forces during their campaign in China. The book, written by multiple historians, provides a detailed examination of the strategic implications of geography in warfare, particularly in the context of the Sino-Japanese conflict.

ASIN: N/A

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Shanghai, 1937

Peter Harmson

“The author recalls accounts from his book to illustrate the chaos and human suffering during the conflict in Shanghai.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Shanghai during warfare

For: Historians and readers interested in wartime civilian experiences

Key quote: “For the foreigners of Shanghai, visitors and residents alike, the war was a rather violent diversion, but nothing truly dangerous, or so they thought.”

The host discusses the chaotic and tragic circumstances faced by civilians in Shanghai during wartime, referencing Peter Harmson's book to illustrate the human cost of conflict. Harmson's account highlights the stark contrast between the experiences of foreigners and locals amidst the violence.

ASIN: N/A

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Harry Potter

“The speaker reflects on their initial skepticism towards the Harry Potter books and their eventual enjoyment of the series, particularly mentioning 'The Order of the Phoenix'.”

Sentiment: Highly Recommended

Trigger: Fantasy literature preferences

For: Fantasy enthusiasts and parents reading to children

Key quote: “I just remember one day waking up to the realization at 4.45 in the morning that for six straight hours, I've been saying just one more page while I read.”

The host initially dismissed the Harry Potter series due to his preference for more complex fantasy literature. However, he later found himself engrossed in the books, appreciating their evolution in complexity and depth over time.

ASIN: B0F14PDX2Z

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The Order of the Phoenix

“The speaker describes their experience of reading this specific Harry Potter book for an extended period, highlighting its engaging nature.”

Sentiment: Highly Recommended

Trigger: Harry Potter series

For: Fantasy enthusiasts and parents reading to their children.

Key quote: “I just remember one day waking up to the realization at 4.45 in the morning that for six straight hours, I've been saying just one more page while I read.”

The host initially dismissed the Harry Potter books but later found himself engrossed in 'The Order of the Phoenix' after realizing its depth and complexity. He highlights how the series evolves to cater to an older audience, making it a compelling read for both children and adults.

ASIN: N/A

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The Lord of the Rings

“The speaker mentions this classic fantasy series in the context of discussing their preferences for deep fantasy literature.”

Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: audiobooks and reading

For: fans of fantasy literature and audiobooks

Key quote: “you could go all, you know, wood elfish and go, you know, get the Lord of the Rings, too.”

The host briefly mentions 'The Lord of the Rings' while discussing the variety of audiobooks available on Audible. This reference serves to highlight the range of fantasy literature that listeners can enjoy alongside popular series like Harry Potter.

ASIN: B0099SNQYG

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