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

Summary

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

Harold's Old Time Radio presents a gripping adaptation of Bradford Smith's novel The Arms Are Fair, transporting listeners back to the tumultuous era of World War II through the eyes of a Japanese soldier. This episode delves deep into the internal conflicts, moral dilemmas, and harrowing experiences faced by Tadeo, a Japanese soldier torn between his duty and his conscience.

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1. Introduction to Tadeo and His Family

The story opens with Tadeo, a dedicated mail carrier, receiving a letter that summons him to active duty. His mother expresses pride and concern, highlighting the societal expectation of unwavering loyalty.

• Mother: “It is a great honor, Tadeo, to serve the divine Emperor. Now I will get you some wine to drink.” ([02:38])

Despite his mother's wishes, Tadeo remains introspective, choosing to engage with English literature—a choice that has already caused friction within his family.

• Tadeo: “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.” ([03:15])

This moment establishes Tadeo's internal conflict between embracing Western ideals and adhering to his Japanese heritage.

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2. Tadeo's Internal Struggle and Philosophical Reflections

Tadeo’s contemplation reveals his deep-seated doubts about the righteousness of war. He references Shakespeare to articulate his belief that war is just only when fought for a just cause.

• Tadeo: “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.” ([03:55])

This philosophical stance underscores Tadeo's emerging disenchantment with the war, setting the stage for his later actions.

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3. Introduction of Nakara and the Comrades

Nakara, Tadeo’s comrade, is introduced, revealing a glimpse into the camaraderie and personal lives of soldiers amidst the chaos of war.

• Nakara: “Would you care to see this picture of my worthless family? The children are rather ugly, but they are my own.” ([05:18])

Tadeo's kind response contrasts with Nakara’s cynical remarks, highlighting their differing perspectives on duty and humanity.

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4. Arrival of Captain Hojo and Rising Tensions

The dynamic shifts with the arrival of Captain Hojo, whose authoritarian demeanor begins to unsettle the group.

• Captain Hojo: “Full of women, they say. Chinese women?” ([06:00])

Captain Hojo's aggressive interrogation style becomes evident as he challenges Tadeo's neutral stance towards the Chinese, hinting at underlying tensions and prejudices.

• Captain Hojo: “You dare imply we are not divinely [superior].” ([06:56])

This confrontation marks the beginning of escalating tensions, forcing Tadeo to navigate between his beliefs and the captain's expectations.

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5. The Execution Order and Moral Dilemma

Captain Hojo issues a chilling directive to execute villagers suspected of sabotaging their troop train. This order thrusts Tadeo into a profound moral crisis.

• Captain Hojo: “The major has selected 20 villagers to be executed. You and a detail of 19 others are to carry out the execution. You understand?” ([08:33])

Tadeo reluctantly complies, but the act leaves an indelible mark on his conscience.

• Tadeo: “I shall never forget their eyes staring with fear as we ran towards them.” ([09:38])

This moment serves as a pivotal point, showcasing the brutal realities of war and its impact on individual soldiers.

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6. Developing Friendship and Shared Trauma

Amidst the horrors, Tadeo and Nakara share moments reflecting their shared trauma and the psychological toll of their actions.

• Nakara: “Let us go back and sleep. Forget what we have seen, Tadao.” ([11:31])

• Tadeo: “How can I forget? Do you think there's any excuse for what we do in China?” ([11:41])

Their conversations reveal the deep emotional scars left by their duties, emphasizing the human cost of conflict.

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7. The Breaking Point and Rebellion

Tadeo reaches his breaking point when he is tasked with interrogating prisoners. Witnessing the prisoners' fear and helplessness fuels his resolve to rebel against the oppressive orders.

• Captain Hojo: “If they deny us the information we seek, you will know how to make them talk.” ([12:41])

Faced with the brutal reality of his captain's expectations, Tadeo decides to take a stand.

• Tadeo: “No, no. I'll help you. If anyone stops us, we shall say we are taking them to be executed.” ([15:25])

In a decisive moment, Tadeo confronts Captain Hojo, leading to a confrontation that symbolizes his rejection of militaristic brutality.

• Tadeo: “I will never take your orders again. No one will.” ([15:07])

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8. Climax and the Path to Redemption

The climax unfolds as Tadeo and Nakara attempt to rescue the prisoners, confronting the Captain's tyranny head-on.

• Tadeo: “We are going to run that way. We will stick together. I shall try to protect you with my gun ready. Run.” ([15:56])

This act of defiance signifies Tadeo’s quest for redemption and his desire to preserve his humanity amidst the dehumanizing forces of war.

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Notable Quotes

1. Tadeo on War and Conscience

   • “For our consciences, the arms are fair when the intent of bearing them is just.” ([03:55])

2. Nakara on Personal Sacrifice

   • “Someday these things may happen to my wife and my children in revenge. And the fault will be mine.” ([11:45])

3. Captain Hojo's Authoritarian Command

   • “You will answer my questions with yes or no.” ([08:56])

4. Tadeo's Defiance

   • “I will never take your orders again. No one will.” ([15:07])

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Themes and Insights

• Moral Ambiguity of War: The episode poignantly explores the blurred lines between right and wrong in wartime, emphasizing the internal struggles soldiers face when ordered to commit atrocities.

• Cultural Identity vs. Personal Beliefs: Tadeo’s affinity for Western philosophy juxtaposed with his Japanese identity highlights the tension between cultural indoctrination and individual moral compass.

• The Dehumanizing Effect of Authority: Captain Hojo embodies the corrupting influence of unchecked authority, demonstrating how power can distort ethics and humanity.

• Friendship Amidst Chaos: The bond between Tadeo and Nakara serves as a beacon of hope and humanity, illustrating how shared experiences can forge deep connections even in the darkest times.

• Search for Redemption: Tadeo's eventual rebellion signifies a yearning for redemption and the reclaiming of his moral integrity, offering a nuanced portrayal of resistance against systemic evil.

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Conclusion

"Report the Enemy 43-09-23 The Story of A Japanese Soldier" masterfully weaves a narrative that delves into the psychological and moral complexities faced by soldiers during wartime. Through Tadeo's journey, the episode challenges listeners to reflect on the nature of duty, the impact of authority, and the enduring strength of the human conscience. This adaptation not only honors the Golden Age of Radio storytelling but also provides a profound commentary on the timeless themes of war and humanity.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

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.

[Mother]

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

[Taddeo]

Thank you, Mother.

[Mother]

Is it the letter we have been awaiting?

[Taddeo]

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

[Mother]

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

[Taddeo]

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

[Mother]

Another English book?

[Taddeo]

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

[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.

[Taddeo]

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.

[Mother]

None will fight more bravely than you, my son.

[Taddeo]

I hope that you are right, 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.

[Mother]

I do not remember that proverb.

[Taddeo]

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

[Mother]

It is wrong to call him your friend now.

[Taddeo]

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.

[Nakara]

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

[Taddeo]

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

[Nakara]

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

[Taddeo]

No, they are beautiful.

[Nakara]

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

[Taddeo]

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

[Nakara]

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

[Captain Hojo]

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

[Nakara]

How do you know, Homer?

[Captain Hojo]

I heard the Major tell Captain Hojo.

[Nakara]

I wonder what China will be like.

[Captain Hojo]

Full of women, they say. Chinese women?

[Taddeo]

There will be no women at the front.

[Captain Hojo]

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.

[Captain Hojo]

The Chinese.

[Nakara]

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

[Taddeo]

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

[Captain Hojo]

You think that, do you?

[Nakara]

Captain Homo.

[Captain Hojo]

Akiyama. Tadeo, stand up. So you know all about the Chinese, do you? Perhaps. You are half Chinese yourself.

[Taddeo]

I do not understand you, Captain.

[Captain Hojo]

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

[Taddeo]

I was not conscious of this response.

[Captain Hojo]

Homa, You.

[Taddeo]

Yes?

[Captain Hojo]

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

[Nakara]

Yes.

[Captain Hojo]

Yes, that was it. No better.

[Taddeo]

I only meant that when we meet the Chinese, we shall probably find they have thoughts and feelings much like ourselves.

[Captain Hojo]

I should report you to the mage of 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.

[Taddeo]

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

[Captain Hojo]

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

[Nakara]

I am here. Tadeo. Are you hurt?

[Captain Hojo]

No.

[Taddeo]

Only a scratch on the arm. By yourself?

[Nakara]

I'm all right.

[Taddeo]

I think once the train sabotage. This is our welcome to China.

[Nakara]

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

[Taddeo]

They have prepared this 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. Others are darting at us with hate.

[Captain Hojo]

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

[Taddeo]

Yes, Captain.

[Captain Hojo]

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?

[Taddeo]

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 Hojo]

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?

[Taddeo]

Yes. They are to be shot.

[Captain Hojo]

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.

[Taddeo]

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 Saur street again instead of in mud. Do you think we shall stay long in paixing, Tadeo?

[Taddeo]

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.

[Taddeo]

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

[Nakara]

One would think they had enough root by nap.

[Taddeo]

Do you hear?

[Nakara]

Come Away, Taddeo. There are only two of us. We can do nothing. Hey, you two. Come in and share the fire. He is drunk. Don't listen.

[Taddeo]

Come away.

[Nakara]

Men forget their selves when they have drunk too much and when they have not been near women for a long time. Let us go back and sleep. Forget what we have seen, Tadao.

[Taddeo]

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 in revenge. And the fault will be mine. But what can we do, Tadao? What can we do?

[Taddeo]

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. We shall be hated through all the world like an unclean thing.

[Nakara]

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

[Captain Hojo]

Akiyama. Tadeo, is that you?

[Taddeo]

Yes, Captain.

[Captain Hojo]

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

[Taddeo]

Yes, Captain.

[Captain Hojo]

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? I am ready, Captain Hojo. Good. Now, Tadao. 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]

He is like Aldarus. He says that he does not know.

[Captain Hojo]

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

[Taddeo]

Yes, Captain.

[Captain Hojo]

Ask him what he says now.

[Nakara]

The coward has fainted, Captain.

[Captain Hojo]

Very well. Corporal. Yes? 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. It shall be done. Fowardo. Tadeo. 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.

[Taddeo]

Thank you, Captain Ojo.

[Captain Hojo]

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

[Taddeo]

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

[Captain Hojo]

Oh, you improve.

[Nakara]

There.

[Captain Hojo]

Here it is.

[Taddeo]

Thank you, Captain.

[Captain Hojo]

Hozio, what are you doing?

[Taddeo]

Stay away from me. Stay away.

[Nakara]

Help.

[Captain Hojo]

Corporal.

[Nakara]

Corporal.

[Taddeo]

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. Yes, I will help you escape. But we must be careful. Out the door, quickly.

[Nakara]

Daniel.

[Taddeo]

Jadiel.

[Nakara]

Jadiel. What has happened? Where are you going?

[Taddeo]

Go away from here. Carlos. I killed Hojo Sadeo.

[Nakara]

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

[Taddeo]

Outside the city. If I can't do safety, I shall come with you. No, no. It does not matter what happened to me. I'm going to kill myself after I have seen them safe.

[Nakara]

No, no. I'll help you. If anyone stops us, we shall say we are taking them to be executed. The Captain's orders. Everybody is too drunk to be suspicious.

[Captain Hojo]

Here.

[Nakara]

Out this door.

[Taddeo]

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 ready. Run.