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

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Report the Enemy 43-09-23 The Story of A Japanese Soldier
• Release Date: August 2, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Report the Enemy 43-09-23: The Story of A Japanese Soldier," Harold's Old Time Radio transports listeners to the tumultuous era before television, where families gathered around the radio to immerse themselves in gripping tales from the Golden Age of Radio. This particular episode, adapted from Bradford Smith's novel "The Arms Are Fair," delves into the moral complexities faced by Japanese soldiers during wartime, highlighting themes of loyalty, identity, and humanity.

Setting the Stage

The episode opens with an official narrator emphasizing the United States government's commitment to understanding the enemy to achieve a just and enduring peace:

Narrator (00:01): "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."

This introduction sets a solemn tone, preparing listeners for a story that explores the depths of enemy characterization beyond mere antagonism.

Taddeo’s Conscription

The protagonist, Taddeo Akiyama, is introduced as a dedicated mail carrier who receives a letter notifying him of his call to active duty:

Mother (01:22): "Taddeo, the mail carrier has brought a letter for you, my son."

Taddeo (01:30): "Yes. I must report to the army at once. I've been called to active duty."

Familial Tensions

A heartfelt exchange between Taddeo and his mother reveals the generational and ideological conflicts regarding the war:

Mother (01:59): "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."

Taddeo (02:16): "He is mistaken. My soul is as Japanese as my face. Through books I have 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."

This dialogue underscores Taddeo's internal struggle between embracing Western knowledge and adhering to his cultural and nationalistic duties.

Boarding the Train: Introduction to Fellow Soldiers

As Taddeo boards a military train, he interacts with his fellow soldiers, Nakara and Captain Hojo. These interactions highlight differing perspectives on the enemy and the morality of their mission.

Early Signs of Doubt

Taddeo openly questions the dehumanization of the Chinese, reflecting his growing disillusionment:

Taddeo (05:21): "Well? The Chinese aren't much different from us, I guess. Neither better nor worse. Just people."

Captain Hojo (05:26): "You think that, do you, Captain?"

The captain reprimands Taddeo for his remarks, emphasizing the propaganda-fueled disdain for the enemy:

Captain Hojo (05:28): "Akiyama. Stand up. So you know all about the Chinese, do you? Perhaps you are half Chinese yourself."

Moral Conflict Intensifies

Throughout the journey, Taddeo grapples with the justifications of war and the humanity of his supposed enemies. His reflections reveal a deepening moral crisis:

Taddeo (02:59): "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."

Connection to Humanity

Taddeo's memories of his Chinese friend Fu, and his acknowledgment of their shared humanity, further complicate his perception of the war:

Taddeo (11:02): "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."

Station Arrival and Execution Order

Upon arriving in China, the tension escalates as Captain Hojo orders Taddeo and Nakara to execute villagers suspected of sabotage:

Captain Hojo (07:35): "You have said that you are anxious to prove yourself a brave and royal Japanese, have you not?"

Captain Hojo (08:09): "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?"

The Act of Execution

Taddeo participates in the brutal execution, describing the harrowing experience:

Taddeo (08:39): "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."

This moment marks a significant turning point in Taddeo's character arc, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of war.

Rebellion and Redemption

Haunted by his actions, Taddeo ultimately decides to defy Captain Hojo's orders to further atrocities:

Taddeo (13:53): "Stay away."

Taddeo (14:00): "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."

In this act of defiance, Taddeo seeks redemption by attempting to protect those he was once ordered to harm, symbolizing his rejection of blind loyalty and embracing of universal humanity.

Notable Quotes

• On Just War:

  Taddeo (02:59): "The arms are fair when the intent of bearing them is just. ... Without a just cause, war is murder and soldiers are assassins."

• On Western Influence:

  Mother (01:59): "Your study of English at the university has done you harm. It has weakened your faith and filled you with discontent."

• On Shared Humanity:

  Taddeo (05:21): "The Chinese aren't much different from us, I guess. Neither better nor worse. Just people."

• On Moral Conflict:

  Taddeo (11:02): "We are a lost people and we shall be hated through all the world like an unclean thing."

Themes and Insights

• Moral Ambiguity of War: The episode poignantly illustrates the blurred lines between right and wrong in wartime, challenging the notion of a clear-cut enemy.

• Cultural Identity vs. Western Influence: Taddeo's struggle embodies the conflict between traditional values and the influence of Western ideologies, highlighting the internal battles faced by individuals in a changing world.

• Humanity Amidst Conflict: Through Taddeo's evolving perspective, the narrative emphasizes the shared humanity that transcends national and cultural divides, advocating for empathy even in the darkest times.

Conclusion

"Report the Enemy 43-09-23: The Story of A Japanese Soldier" is a compelling exploration of the human condition during war. Through Taddeo's journey from obedient soldier to rebellious soul, the episode underscores the importance of introspection, moral integrity, and the recognition of common humanity amidst the chaos of conflict. Harold's Old Time Radio effectively brings to life Bradford Smith's narrative, offering listeners a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience.