From The Pacific Century Podcast, Misha gets a new sound system just in time for John and him to welcome Taro Kono, Japan’s Defense Minister. Minister Kono, who also served as Japan’s Foreign Minister, talks about the ways in which the Japanese military has modernized over the past decade, and discusses the worsening threats from China and North Korea. Minister Kono also explains the role of Japan’s alliances with the US and other nations, including Australia and India, which are a crucial part of Tokyo’s defense strategy.

This episode, Nate continues his talk about the history of Japan's Self Defense Force, the JSDF.  Nate, who worked directly with the JSDF in Japan, addresses questions about how the JSDF has evolved over the past 60 years, what its stated purpose and objectives are today, and in what specific situations and to what extent and capacity the JSDF is allowed to participate in military and wartime situations. Part two of two from the Samurai Archives Japanese History Podcast.

In this episode, Nate talks about the history of Japan's self defense force, the JSDF.  Nate, who worked directly with the JSDF in Japan, addresses questions about how the JSDF has evolved over the past 60 years, what its stated purpose and objectives are today, and in what specific situations and to what extent and capacity the JSDF is allowed to participate in military and wartime situations. Part one of two from the Samurai Archives Japanese History Podcast.