Report the Enemy 43-09-23 The Story of A Japanese Soldier

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Report the Enemy 43-09-23: The Story of a Japanese Soldier"

Date Aired: November 1, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Overview

This episode presents a dramatized story from the World War II era, originally broadcast as part of a U.S. government propaganda series called "This is Our Enemy." The featured segment, “The Story of a Japanese Soldier,” adapted from Bradford Smith's novel The Arms Are Fair, uses dramatic dialogue to offer insight into Japanese soldier Tadeo’s personal conflict and moral disillusionment during the war in China. The show explores themes of honor, propaganda, the effects of war on the human soul, and the clash between personal ethics and militaristic duty.

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Key Discussion Points & Narrative Arc

1. Introduction: Framing the Enemy

[00:31 – 01:52]

• The episode is framed as a government broadcast, stating the purpose is to better understand "the character of the enemy" to help Americans comprehend the mindset and actions of Japan during WWII.
• The story is set behind enemy lines and follows Tadeo, a Japanese soldier, from departure to psychological and moral crisis.

2. Tadeo’s Draft and Intellectual Conflict

[01:52 – 04:40]

• Tadeo receives his call to report for military service, triggering a family conversation about honor, service, and the influence of Western ideas.
• Tadeo’s mother worries his university study of English has tainted his loyalty.
  • "Your study of English at the university has done you harm. It has weakened your faith and filled you with discontent.” (Tadeo's Mother, [02:29])
• Tadeo defends himself, quoting Shakespeare to question the justification of war:
  • "Now for our consciences, the arms are fair when the intent of bearing them is just... He knew that without a just cause, war is murder and soldiers are assassins.” (Tadeo, [03:29])
• He reflects on how politics has turned friend (Chinese classmate Fu) into enemy.

3. Journey to China: Dehumanization and Group Pressure

[04:40 – 07:18]

• Tadeo and fellow soldiers travel to China, sharing personal stories and anxieties.
• When Tadeo expresses empathy toward the Chinese, Captain Akiyama aggressively accuses him of disloyalty:
  • "You dare imply we are not divinely born?" (Captain Akiyama, [06:42])
• The military environment discourages questioning, pushing conformity and dehumanizing the enemy.

4. Arrival at the Front: Atrocities and Inner Conflict

[07:18 – 11:03]

• The soldiers’ train is sabotaged on arrival. Violence and hatred heighten.
• Tadeo is forced to participate in a mass execution of villagers, underlining the cruelty and moral breakdown:
  • "I shall never forget their eyes staring with fear as we ran towards them..." (Tadeo, [09:09])
• Looting and other war crimes are depicted, with Nakara acknowledging their actions have no excuse:
  • "Someday these things may happen to my wife and my children. And revenge. And the thought will be mine. But what could we do, Tadao? What can we do?" (Nakara, [11:16])

5. The Breaking Point: Defiance and a Glimmer of Redemption

[12:03 – 15:48]

• Tadeo is ordered to interrogate (and torture) Chinese prisoners for military intelligence.
• After witnessing further cruelty, Tadeo’s humanity reasserts itself:
  • In a climactic act, he turns on his superior, Captain Hojo, kills him, and helps prisoners escape, stating:
    • "New techniques, Captain Hojo, I will never take your orders again. No one will.” (Tadeo, [14:29])
  • He tells Nakara he will ensure the prisoners’ escape, planning to take his own life as penance:
    • "It does not matter what happens to me. I'm going to kill myself after I have seen them safe." (Tadeo, [15:10])
• Nakara chooses to help Tadeo, showing solidarity in defiance.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On war and conscience:
  • "Now for our consciences, the arms are fair when the intent of bearing them is just… He knew everything, this Shakespeare." (Tadeo, [03:29])
• On the nature of the enemy:
  • "The Chinese aren't much different from us, I guess. Neither better nor worse. Just people." (Tadeo, [05:51])
• On complicity and regret:
  • "We are a lost people, and we shall be hated through all the world like an unclean thing." (Tadeo, [11:32])
• On resistance to cruelty:
  • "New techniques, Captain Hojo, I will never take your orders again. No one will." (Tadeo, [14:29])

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Important Timestamps

• [01:52] – Tadeo receives his draft letter
• [03:29] – Tadeo discusses Shakespeare and war
• [05:51] – Tadeo expresses empathy for the Chinese
• [06:42] – Captain Akiyama reprimands Tadeo
• [09:09] – Aftermath of the mass execution
• [11:16] – Nakara and Tadeo lament their actions
• [14:29] – Tadeo kills Captain Hojo and rescues prisoners
• [15:10] – Tadeo vows self-sacrifice for his actions

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Tone and Style

The episode maintains a somber, reflective tone, combining the formal language of propaganda with intimate, conflicted dialogue. The characters’ interactions, interspersed with moments of brutal honesty, invite listeners to question the justifications for war, obedience to authority, and the capacity for individual redemption under dire circumstances.

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Summary Usefulness:
This summary provides an in-depth understanding of the episode’s narrative, characters, and underlying themes, offering a clear window into both period propaganda techniques and genuine questions of morality and humanity in wartime. It stands alone for listeners who have not heard the broadcast, capturing the full emotional charge and critical moments of "The Story of a Japanese Soldier."

Transcript

[Captain Akiyama]

What do you think makes the perfect snack?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hmm, it's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.

[Tadeo]

Could you be more specific?

[Narrator/Announcer]

When it's cravinient.

[Tadeo]

Okay.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter, available right down the street at a.m. p.m. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a second at a.m. p.m.

[Captain Akiyama]

I'm seeing a pattern here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, yeah, we're talking about what I.

[Captain Akiyama]

Crave, which is anything from AM PM.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What more could you want? Stop by AM PM where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravenience. AM PM Too much good stuff.

The United States government presents this is Our Enemy. Tonight, the United nations go forward with the determination to win this war and bring about a just and enduring peace. But we cannot win our war or make our peace unless we understand the character of the enemy we are fighting. That is why your government is bringing these programs to you. Later we shall hear behind the Enemy Lines a special weekly report by Matthew Gordon of the Office of War Information. And now, the story of a Japanese soldier adapted for radio from Bradford Smith's recently published novel the Arms Are Fair.

[Tadeo's Mother]

Taddeo, the mail carrier has brought a letter for you, my son.

[Tadeo]

Thank you, Mother.

[Tadeo's Mother]

Is it the letter we have been awaiting?

[Tadeo]

Yes. I must report to the army at once. I've been called to active duty.

[Tadeo's Mother]

It is a great honor, Taddeo, to serve the divine Emperor. Now I will get you some wine to drink.

[Tadeo]

Thank you, but I don't care for any. Now if you will excuse me, I'll go back to my book.

[Tadeo's Mother]

Another English book?

[Tadeo]

Yes, why not? We aren't at war with the English speaking nations yet.

[Tadeo's Mother]

I am ignorant and stupid. There are many things I do not understand. But I know that your study of English at the university has done you harm. It has weakened your faith and filled you with discontent. Your uncle says it has given you a Western soul.

[Tadeo]

He is mistaken. My soul is as Japanese as my face. Through books I've learned many things to admire in the Western world. But it is not my world. Japan is. And I must live in Japan and fight for it.

[Tadeo's Mother]

None will fight more bravely than you, my son.

[Tadeo]

I hope that you arrive. Mother, if you don't mind, now I'd just like to continue reading. Yes, here's something. Now for our consciences, the arms are fair when the intent of bearing them is just.

[Tadeo's Mother]

I do not remember that proverb.

[Tadeo]

It is not a proverb. Now for our consciences, the arms are fair when the Intent of bearing them is just. It is from a play by a great English writer whose name was Shakespeare. He knew that without a just cause, war is murder and soldiers are assassins. He knew everything, this Shakespeare. I remember how Fu and I would discuss this philosophy until the dawn came.

[Captain Akiyama]

Fu.

[Tadeo]

Surely you have not forgotten my Chinese friend at the university.

[Tadeo's Mother]

It is wrong to call him your friend now.

[Tadeo]

Yes, it is foolish, certainly. Fu has become my enemy. If I meet him in China, he will try to kill me. And I will try to kill him. Mother, I think I will have some wine. After all, wine puts thought to sleep. It is not good to think too much. Wrong.

[Nakara]

It seems as though we had been on the boat a long time. Does it not, Tadeo?

[Tadeo]

Yes, Nakara. Time passes slowly when one is homesick.

[Nakara]

Would you care to see this picture of my worthless? The children are rather ugly, but they are my own.

[Tadeo]

No, they are beautiful.

[Nakara]

My wife has taken them to live with my father while I am off fighting.

[Tadeo]

Tadeo, here comes Homer. I shall go somewhere else one day.

[Nakara]

Oh, don't go, Tadao. I do not like him much either.

[Tadeo]

But I have good news. We get to China tomorrow.

[Nakara]

How do you know, Homer?

[Tadeo]

I heard the Major tell Captain Hojo.

[Nakara]

I wonder what China will be like.

[Tadeo]

Full of women, they say. Chinese Women? There will be no women at the front. The front will be all right. Plenty of killing. I. I like killing. But women are good, too.

[Nakara]

I have never seen a Chinese.

[Tadeo]

The Chinese.

[Nakara]

I wonder what sort of people they are. Do you know, Tadao?

[Tadeo]

Well, The Chinese aren't much different from us, I guess. Neither better nor worse. Just people.

[Captain Akiyama]

You think that, do you? We're Captain Holy Akiyama. Tadeo. Stand up. So you know all about the Chinese, do you? Perhaps you are half Chinese yourself.

[Tadeo]

I do not understand you, Captain.

[Captain Akiyama]

You will deny, perhaps, that you have inserted the divine Emperor here on the open deck where anyone could hear you.

[Tadeo]

I was not conscious of this.

[Captain Akiyama]

Homa.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You.

[Tadeo]

Yes.

[Captain Akiyama]

Did this man say that we are no better than the Chinese?

[Tadeo]

Yes. Yes, that was it. No better. I only meant that when we meet the Chinese, we shall probably find they have thoughts and feelings much like ourselves.

[Captain Akiyama]

I should report you to the Major for your words. You know very well that we are the arms and legs of His Sacred Majesty. Yet you try to stir up dangerous feelings by saying that we are the same as the Chinese. You dare imply we are not divinely born?

[Tadeo]

I think, Captain, you will find me as ready to fight.

[Captain Akiyama]

I shall. Remember to see that you have a chance to prove these words. I Shall remember. Very well.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I am here.

[Nakara]

Tadeo.

[Captain Akiyama]

Are you hurt?

[Tadeo]

No. Only a scratch on the arm. Yourself?

[Nakara]

I'm all right, I think.

[Tadeo]

Was the train sabotage? This is our welcome to China.

[Nakara]

But the people who were to greet us as deliverers when the Major prepared.

[Tadeo]

The surprise for us. Perhaps they were too shy to wait and see how we would receive it. Or perhaps they are watching us now. Millions and millions of hours, screaming at us. All of them darting at us with hate.

[Captain Akiyama]

Akiyama. Tadeo. Step forward. You have said that you are anxious to prove yourself a brave and royal Japanese. Have you noticed?

[Tadeo]

Yes, Captain.

[Captain Akiyama]

Well, I am going to give you a chance, as I promised. The Chinese dogs in this village have refused to revere the names of the murderers who wrecked our troop train. Those who protect the guilty are guilty themselves. You know that, do you not?

[Tadeo]

Yes, sir. But is there any certainty that the train wreckers came from this place? There are other villages nearby. And there are perhaps gorillas.

[Captain Akiyama]

You will answer my questions with yes or no. The major has selected 20 villagers to be executed. You and a detail of 19 others are to carry out the execution. You understand? Yes.

[Tadeo]

They are to be shot.

[Captain Akiyama]

No, bayoneted. Their hands and feet will be tied and they will stand in a row facing you. When I give the signal, you are to charge them. And you are to charge with spirit. The rest of the village will be looking on. And you are to show them that your. Your heart is in your work.

[Tadeo]

Oh, if only they had been blindfolded, Nakarua. If only the captain had covered their eyes. I shall never forget their eyes staring with fear as we ran towards them. I shall never forget how the one I killed try to move his bound hands from behind his back as my bayonet. But I lie and I say I shall never forget those bound helpless men. In a month they will be blotted out by the other crimes I've seen and done.

[Nakara]

Ah, it is good to walk on Saurot street again instead of in mud. Do you think we shall stay long in paising, Tadeo?

[Tadeo]

How should I know? Our planes have not left much of it to stay in. Look about you.

[Nakara]

Here comes Homa. And some of the others in our squad shall return back. I have no wish to meet them.

[Tadeo]

They're too busy breaking into that house to notice us.

[Nakara]

One would think they had enough root by now.

[Tadeo]

Do you hear?

[Nakara]

Come away, Taddeo. There are only two of us. We can do nothing. Hey, you too.

[Tadeo]

Come in and share the fun.

[Nakara]

He is drunk. Don't listen.

[Tadeo]

Come away.

[Nakara]

Men forget themselves when they have drunk too much. And when they have not been your women for a long time. Let us go back and sleep. Forget what we have seen.

[Tadeo]

Tadao, how can I forget? Do you think there's any excuse for what we do in China?

[Nakara]

No, there is none. Someday these things may happen to my wife and my children. And revenge. And the thought will be mine. But what could we do, Tadao? What can we do?

[Tadeo]

I don't know. I had a Chinese friend once. He studied with me at the university in Tokyo. He told me that Japan had been conquered by her own army. That all the decent people were in chains. I always denied his words, but they were true. We are a lost people, and we shall be hated through all the world like an unclean thing.

[Nakara]

Here are our quarters. Let us go in. Sleep.

[Captain Akiyama]

Akiyama. Kadeo, is that you?

[Tadeo]

Yes, Captain.

[Captain Akiyama]

I have some work for you. Leave your companion and follow me.

[Tadeo]

Yes, Captain.

[Captain Akiyama]

In here. Those prisoners are to be examined. The interpreter here will ask them how many Chinese troops escaped from the city. And it is to be hoped that they will answer. You are ready, Interpreter?

[Tadeo]

I am ready, Captain Hojo.

[Captain Akiyama]

Good. Now, Tadeo. The Chinese are your brothers, are they not? You understand them. If they deny us the information we seek, you will know how to make them talk. Or if you do not know, I shall give you a demonstration. Bring the first man forward. Where, Interpreter? What does this one say?

[Nakara]

Yes, I called Iris. He says that he does not know.

[Captain Akiyama]

Tadeo. This cigarette. This time in his nostrils. Fool. You have let it go out. Here, take mine.

[Tadeo]

Yes, Captain.

[Captain Akiyama]

Ask him what he says now.

[Nakara]

The coward has fainted, Captain.

[Captain Akiyama]

Very well, Corporal. Just take him and the others that you have questioned away. Dispose of them. There is no need to waste bullets. You may get gasoline at the truck depot if you wish.

[Tadeo]

It shall be done.

[Captain Akiyama]

Cadeo. Stay here. We still have two prisoners. I wish to show you some techniques I have developed myself. Oh, Interpreter. You may go if you wish. I think you would enjoy watching the deaths outside.

[Tadeo]

Thank you, Captain Ojo.

[Captain Akiyama]

You are most thoughtful. Now, Tadeo, strip one of the prisoners. Well, what are you waiting for?

[Tadeo]

You have the bayonet, Captain? It would be more diverting to use a bayonet. I have an idea of my own.

[Captain Akiyama]

Oh, you improve. There. Here it is.

[Tadeo]

Thank you, Captain.

[Captain Akiyama]

Hozio, what are you doing? Stay away from me. Stay away.

[Tadeo]

Help. Corporal. Corporal. New techniques, Captain Hojo, I will never take your orders again. No one will. You prisoners, put your hands above your heads and walk before me. I will help you escape. But we must be careful. Out the door. Quickly. Daniel.

[Nakara]

Tadil. Tadil. What has happened? Where are you going?

[Tadeo]

Go away from your caravan. I killed Hojo Dio.

[Nakara]

You have killed him. Where are you taking these men?

[Tadeo]

Outside the city. If I can't do safety, I shall come with you.

[Captain Akiyama]

No, no.

[Tadeo]

It does not matter what happens to me. I'm going to kill myself after I have seen them safe. No, no.

[Nakara]

I'll help you. If anyone stops us, we shall say we are taking them to be executed. And at the captain's orders. Everybody is too drunk to be suspicious.

[Captain Akiyama]

Here.

[Nakara]

Out this door.

[Tadeo]

All right then. All right, you prisoners. We are going to run that way. We will stick together. I shall try to protect you with my gun.

[Captain Akiyama]

Ready?

[Tadeo]

Run. Look.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And Doug. Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug.

[Tadeo]

Limu. Is that guy with the binoculars watching us.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Cut the camera. They see us.

[Captain Akiyama]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings Ferry Unwritten by.

[Captain Akiyama]

Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates Excludes Massachusetts.