The photo of the beheading of an Australian commando in WWII that has caused controversy was taken at the request of the Japanese officer who was conducting the execution. The practice of taking pictures of executions and war crimes was not uncommon, but it raises ethical questions about the act of preserving these moments in history.
The Japanese conduct in the Pacific during World War II was fueled in part by their fanaticism and a never-say-die attitude. This attitude, combined with anger and a desire for revenge, led to atrocities committed in the heat of the moment during the war.
In this podcast episode, a firsthand account of the psychological effects of being in a war zone is shared. The speaker recounts his experience with casualties amongst civilians and what it was like for his fellow soldiers.
The Japanese government and companies plan to develop infrastructure around the South Manchurian Railway, starting with hotels, which will eventually lead to homes, schools and more. This tiny area has the potential for expansion and could make Japan just as powerful as they envision themselves.
The Japanese Red Army planned to attack the French embassy in the Hague to free their captured boss. They were provided with guns and grenades by a Lebanese contact of the Popular Front, highlighting the lack of a "we don't negotiate with terrorists" policy in the 60s and 70s.
In this clip, the speakers joke about the Holocaust and how they would have stopped it if they were around back then. They also discuss open mics in concentration camps.