Japan’s first electric tramcars were 6 meters long and 2 meters wide. They featured one bogie powered by a GE traction motor, operating at 550 V with 25 hp. The body was built in Japan. You can see a preserved traction motor and bogie at The Railway Museum in Saitama Prefecture. As electric trains gained … Read more
The invasion plans for Japan used a two-pronged approach. US Navy planners favored a blockade and bombardment to weaken Japan. General Douglas MacArthur and army planners aimed for an early assault on Kyushu, leading to a major invasion of Honshu. Admiral Chester Nimitz supported this strategy for greater effectiveness. Military leaders anticipated fierce resistance from … Read more
The United States imposed an embargo on scrap-metal shipments to Japan and restricted access to the Panama Canal for Japanese ships. This significantly harmed Japan’s economy, as 74.1% of its scrap iron and 93% of its copper came from the U.S. in 1938 and 1939. Japan viewed the sanctions as a direct threat to its … Read more
A large, rusty metal sphere, about 5 feet wide, washed up on a beach in Japan, confusing locals and authorities. The sphere is likely made of iron and has raised handles, suggesting it was anchored. Meanwhile, thousands of dead sardines have also appeared along Japan’s northern coast, but the reasons for this remain unclear. In … Read more
During WWII, Japan had several POW camp groups. The main groups included Hakodate, Sendai, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. Each group contained a main camp and several branch camps. This system helped Japan manage and detain prisoners of war effectively. Historical insights reveal systematic abuse and cruelty. Reports of physical punishment and psychological torture … Read more
President George Bush took half a tablet of Halcion, a sleeping medication, in Japan to manage jet lag. Later, he suffered from acute gastroenteritis and vomited during a state dinner. To ease his symptoms, doctors prescribed Tigan, an anti-nausea drug. Critics questioned whether this medication choice was appropriate during an important diplomatic event. They also … Read more
Commodore Perry’s visit to Japan resulted in the Treaty of Kanagawa, signed on March 31, 1854. Japan agreed to protect American shipwrecked seamen and open the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to American ships. This treaty marked the start of diplomatic relations between Japan and the United States. The key results of Perry’s visit included … Read more
On August 7, 1942, Japan led its first major beach landing during World War II at Guadalcanal. This amphibious assault aimed to secure the island against U.S. Marines and Allied forces. The operation faced significant challenges and set the stage for future conflicts, including the crucial Battle of Iwo Jima. The significance of this landing … Read more
Japan’s mountains arise from tectonic uplift in an active subduction zone. The movement of tectonic plates causes significant geological changes. Erosion from rivers further shapes the natural landscape. These combined forces produce varied mountainous relief across the Japanese islands, impacting climate and earthquake activity. The presence of mountains in Japan also affects the climate. The … Read more
General MacArthur aimed to reshape Japan after World War II. His plan included making the emperor accountable to the Japanese people, demilitarizing Japan to prevent future wars, and creating a parliamentary system similar to Britain. This approach sought to reduce the influence of the aristocracy in governance. MacArthur’s administration implemented significant reforms in various sectors. … Read more