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- [00:00]
Lindsey Graham
There are more ways than ever to listen to History Daily ad free. Listen with Wondry plus in the Wondery app as a member of Noiser plus at noiser.com or in Apple Podcasts. Or you can get all of History Daily plus other fantastic history podcasts@intohristory.com it's just after 5:30pm on May 15, 1932, at the official residence of the Prime Minister of Japan in Tokyo. 75 year old Inokai Tsuyoshi bounces his infant grandchild on his knee, smiling at the girl's innocent laughter. It's a refreshing change to the sound of arguing voices that dominated the cabinet meeting he chaired earlier today. Tsuyoshi has only been Prime Minister for five months, but it's already become difficult. Tsuyoshi's political party doesn't have a majority in the Japanese parliament, so he has a diverse set of ministers from different parties who rarely agree on anything. On top of that, Japan is dealing with economic uncertainty and an increase in violent nationalism. But now, with his daughter in law cooking him dinner in the adjoining kitchen, Tsuyoshi gets to enjoy himself. He tickles his granddaughter under her arm, but the laughter is interrupted by the sound of the single gunshot from the floor below. Tsuyoshi rises from his chair and quickly locks the door to the apartment as his daughter in law hurries in from the kitchen, her face pale. Tsuyoshi hands her the baby and gestures for them both to be quiet. Then Tsuyoshi puts his ear to the door and strains to hear what's happening on the other side. There are footsteps heading up the stairs toward them. A second gunshot rings out from just behind the door and Tsuyoshi jumps back. The door handle rattles, then someone tries to break down the door. Tsuyoshi's grandchild begins to scream. The door finally gives way and Tsuyoshi steps in front of his daughter in law and grandchild as armed men in military uniforms burst into the room. Inukai Tsuyoshi won't need to guess who the intruders are. With guns drawn, they reveal their identities as nationalist members of the Japanese Imperial army and Navy. Then they announce their to overthrow democracy and return Japan to what they see as its glorious past, and their revolution will begin with the prime minister's death on May 15, 1932. History Daily is sponsored by Express Pros. Managing your workforce can be exhausting, and if you're tired of a costly and lengthy hiring process, simplify and speed up your recruitment with one connection the experts at Express Employment Professionals Run Reduce Time to Hire, Cut down on interviews and lower your recruitment costs. Visit ExpressPros.com today. Express is more efficient than hiring on your own. Check out ExpressPros.com to see how Express employment professionals can take care of your hiring history. Daily is sponsored by a Truby. Lately you may have been hearing about a serious but rare heart condition called attr Cardiac Amyloidosis or attrcm. Because symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions, it may take time to be diagnosed, but learning more about ATTRCM and treatment called Atruby, also called Acharamatis, could be important for you or a loved one. Atruby is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with ATTRCM to reduce death and hospitalization due to heart issues. In one study, people taking Atrube saw an impact on their health related quality of life and 50% fewer hospitalizations due to heart issues than people who didn't take Atruby, giving you more chances to do what you love with who you love. Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding and about the medications you take. The most common side effects were mild and included diarrhea and abdominal pain. If you have attrcm, talk to your cardiologist about atruby or visit attruby.com that's a T T R U B Y dot com to learn more from Noiser and Airship I'm Lindsey Graham and this is history. History is made every day on this podcast. Every day we tell the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world. Today is May 15, 1932, the assassination of Japan's Prime Minister. It's May 14, 1932 in Tokyo, Japan. One day before armed intruders break into the official residence of the Country's Prime Minister, 43 year old actor and filmmaker Charlie Chaplin steps off the train at Tokyo Station and waves to a cheering crowd. Hundreds of adoring fans have gathered on the platform, all hungry for a glimpse of the Hollywood icon. On his first visit to Japan, Chaplin has come to Tokyo to promote his latest movie, City Lights. Like the rest of Chaplin's work, City Lights is a silent film and with no English dialogue, only music and sound effects. There aren't any language barriers stopping people from around the world enjoying Chaplin's performances. So now he's seeing firsthand just how far his fame has spread. As one of the leading stars of the silver screen, Chaplin is used to attention, but the number of people waiting to see him in Tokyo is something else. When Chaplin finally makes it past the fans inside the station. He's greeted by thousands more. Outside, Chaplin poses for photos as Tokyo police officers struggle to hold back the enormous crowd. It's all a bit bewildering because before arriving in Tokyo Chaplin had heard conflicting reports about how he might be received because outsiders aren't always welcome in the Japan of the 1930s. Over the past 60 years, Japan has undergone a dramatic transformation. Beginning in the late 19th century under the rule of a new emperor. What was once a feudal agrarian society has become a modern, industrialized nation with a parliament and a prime minister. It was quickly covered by railroads and huge factories belching smoke into the sky. But alongside these political and economic reforms there was also rapid expansion of Japan's military. Conflict with regional rivals like Russia and China followed. And a string of victories helped build a new Japanese empire. And Japan's Imperial army and Navy are now more powerful than ever. They operate almost independently of the civilian government and they are eager for future wars of conquest. This militarism is encouraged by many ordinary people. The Great Depression has hit Japan hard, damaging faith in mainstream politics. Nationalism is increasingly popular fueled by the widespread belief that the Japanese are a superior race with one that deserves a mighty empire. Charlie Chaplin has been told that Japanese nationalists hate the west and nothing embodies American capitalism quite like a big Hollywood movie star. That's made both Chaplin and Tokyo's authorities nervous in case Chaplin's visit sparks disorder. But it seems that the large police presence on the streets of Tokyo is doing its job. Chaplin certainly doesn't feel unwelcome or unsafe. And after making his way through the throng of admirers to his hotel Chaplin asks if he can explore the city. Soon after, he's smuggled out of a back door to avoid the crowds still milling outside. And he's taken on a brief tour. First, Chaplin visits the Imperial Palace. He doesn't have an audience with the emperor but it doesn't stop him from honoring the Japanese custom of bowing to the building with the emperor inside. Next, Chaplain and his guide have dinner at a local restaurant. But when Chaplin sits down to sample some traditional Japanese dishes he's interrupted by six young men. To Chaplin, they seem skittish and nervous as they step up to the table. Then what seems to be the ringleader pulls out a handful of lewd paintings and asks Chaplin if he wants to buy them. Chaplin refuses. But the strangers grow increasingly aggressive. Sensing danger, Chaplin reaches into his pocket as if to grab for a weapon that seems to scare the men off. And Chaplin can finish his meal in peace. Afterwards, he sets out to enjoy more of what Tokyo has to offer, but the encounter in the restaurant has him on edge. Perhaps Japan is not as safe as he thought. He returns to his hotel late that evening, and when he arrives, Chaplin is handed a message. It's an invitation to dine with the Japanese Prime Minister, Inuka Tsuyoshi. Chaplin recognizes what a great honor it is, and he immediately sends a reply that saying he'd love to join the Prime Minister for dinner. But Chaplin's plans will change the following day. Tsuyoshi's son will invite Chaplin to watch a sumo wrestling tournament instead. And this last minute change will save Charlie Chaplin's life because at the same time the chaplain is watching the sumo wrestlers. Revolutionaries will storm the Prime Minister's residence determined to kill Inuka Tatsuyoshi.
- [09:16]
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- [09:50]
Lindsey Graham
Daily is sponsored by Indeed. Are you a business owner? I am. I run a podcast production company. And what's my number one expense? My people. But what's my number one competitive advantage? My people. And that makes any new hire my number one most critical business decision. It probably is for you too. So remember this when it comes to hiring, Indeed is all you need. Stop struggling to get your job. Posts seen on other job sites. Indeed's Sponsored Jobs help you stand out and hire fast. With sponsored jobs, your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. And you get all of this with no monthly subscriptions or long term contracts. There's no need to wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed History Daily. Listeners can get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com OnThisDay just go to Indeed.com OND on this day right now to support the show and get hiring Indeed.com onthis day. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need. It's May 15, 1932 in Tokyo, Japan. One day after Charlie Chaplin was invited to dine with The Prime Minister, 27 year old Navy Lieutenant Mikami Taku meditates in the center of the Yasukuni Shrine. The temple is silent apart from the chorus of birdsong outside. And for Taku, this shrine is the holiest of places. He believes that this is where the spirits of all those who have died protecting Japan congregate. Taku whispers words to the fallen, asking them to guide him today and give him the strength to do what must be done to kill the prime minister and overthrow the Japanese government. Lt. Taku is a hardline nationalist. Since graduating from the academy six years ago, he's risen quickly through the ranks of the Japanese Imperial Navy. During one of his early postings, Taku composed an inspirational song for his men. But his Ode of Showa Restoration was more than just a tune to motivate the troops. Taku also used it to identify hardliners like himself. Like many extreme nationalists in the military, Lieutenant Taku believes Japan is being held back by its civilian leaders. Two years ago, they signed a treaty with other major international powers designed to prevent a naval arms race. But to men like Lieutenant Taku, that agreement was a shameful insult to Japan. So Taku wrote the lyrics to the Ode of Showa Restoration with a thinly veiled double meaning. The song was full of gentlemen, Japanese religious and historical imagery, harking back to an era before parliaments and prime ministers. And when he watched younger officers sing the song, Taku paid special attention to those that displayed real emotion. They were the kind of people Taku wanted to recruit for his plot. And once he identified them, Taku promoted these men into his inner circle. And when he fully trusted them, he revealed his plan to assassinate the prime minister. So today, after he finishes his whispered prayers at the shrine, Lieutenant Taku bows his head for a moment in silent reverence. Then he rises, ready to enact his plan. On his way out, he passes four fellow naval officers and five army cadets who Taku has recruited for his plot. One by one, the young men follow Taku out of the temple. Waiting outside are two taxis with their engines running. Taku tells the drivers to take them to the prime minister's residence. Once secure in the back seat of the first car, Taku takes out a pistol from his jacket. He checks the gun is loaded and tells the others to do the same with their weapons. And then, just before they arrive at the residence, conversation turns to what to do about the Prime Minister's guests. There's a rumor that American movie star Charlie Chaplin might be dining there this evening. Taku tells the others that they should kill him too. His death could force the United States to declare war on Japan and and that would allow the Japanese to demonstrate their superiority to the entire world. The men nod in agreement as the taxis pull up outside the residence of the Prime Minister. The men climb out and knock on the door. And since they're wearing military uniforms, they're allowed inside. But then the conspirators pull their weapons. After shooting two guards, Taku and his men break down the door of the Prime Minister's apartment. And there they find Inukaisuyoshi trying to shield his daughter in law and granddaughter. Prime Minister Tsuyoshi is not even 5ft tall and isn't in any shape to fight. Instead, Tsuyoshi calmly asks the intruders to remove their shoes and then asks them to follow him into a side room. Taku nods, but he knows exactly what Tsuyoshi is up to. He's leading them away from his family, trying to delay them with conversation and disarm them with politeness. But while Taku is happy to speak, spare the woman and the baby, he is not willing to let Tsuyoshi live. So as the Prime Minister invites the intruders in to sit and tries to reason with them, Taku cuts him off and snarls that talking is useless. Then the conspirators open fire. Prime Minister Tsuyoshi is dead within seconds after fleeing the residence. Lt. Taku and the others hope to spark a revolution in Japan. They throw hand grenades at banks and attack power stations, trying to plunge Tokyo into chaos. But when news leaks that the Prime Minister has been killed and there's no sign of a mass uprising in response, the assassins will turn themselves in. And Lieutenant Mikami Taku and his fellow conspirators will have to answer for what they've done.
- [15:24]
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- [16:26]
Lindsey Graham
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- [16:33]
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- [16:35]
Lindsey Graham
Everyone's a winner on America's largest 5G network.
- [16:38]
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- [16:54]
Lindsey Graham
CT mobile.com It's June 1932 in Tokyo, one month after the assassination of Japanese Prime Minister Inuka Tsuyoshi. Dressed in naval uniform, lieutenant Mikami Taku stares ahead defiantly as a judge reads out the charges against him and nine other conspirators. When the judge finishes, Taku takes a seat. Lt. Taku knows that his life hangs in the balance, but he does not regret what he's done. After Prime Minister Tsuyoshi was assassinated, the Japanese government was surprised by the public's reaction. Although many mourned the death of the prime minister, a significant portion of the population voiced their support for the men who killed him. More than 100,000 people signed a petition for clemency for Taku and his fellow accused. Accused 9 supporters even severed their pinky fingers and sent them to the court as a dramatic sign of their support for the assassins. Now lieutenant Taku only hopes that the judge is willing to listen to the Japanese people. Over the next few days, Taku makes no attempt to defend himself against the charges of treason and mutiny. Instead, he uses the trial to deliver political speeches that he hopes will be widely reported in the press. He claims his actions were for the good of the country and it was his duty to kill the prime minister. Unsurprisingly, at the end of the trial, Taku and his fellow conspirators are found guilty. But when it's time to hand down the sentences, the judge is lenient. Tacku is sentenced to 15 years in prison, but few believe he'll even serve that long behind bars. Many government ministers are horrified by these sentences. This is not the first political assassination in recent years, and they worry that the judge's clemency will only increase support for the the growing nationalist movement. They'll be proven correct. With Inuka Tsuyoshi's death, the rule of civilian politicians in Imperial Japan comes to an end. Instead, the military begins to dominate the government, and Japan is steadily transformed into a totalitarian state. A cresting wave of Japanese nationalism will lead to war in the Pacific, first against China, then against the United States and the European powers. Millions will die in the fighting. But the path to war was signposted by the death of just one man, when a group of assassins murdered Prime Minister inukai Tsuyoshi on May 15, 1932. Next on History Daily May 16, 1997 President Bill Clinton officially apologizes to the black men who endured years of unethical medical treatment during the Tuskegee syphilis study. From Noiser and Airship this is History Daily Hosted, edited and executive produced by me, Lindsey Graham Audio editing by Mohammed Shazid Sound design by Molly Bach Supervising Sound Designer Matthew Filler Music by Thrum. This episode is written and researched by Owen Paul Paul Nichols Edited by Scott Reeves Managing Producer Emily Burke Executive producers are William Simpson for Airship and Pascal Hughes for Nouser.
- [20:11]
Meisha Brown
Every big moment starts with a big dream. But what happens when that big dream turns out to be a big flop? From Wondery and Ill Media, I'm Meisha Brown, and this is the Big Flop. Every week, comedians join me to chronicle the biggest flubs, fails and blunders of all time. Like Quibi.
- [20:33]
Lindsey Graham
It's kind of like when you give yourself your own nickname and you try to, like, get other people to do it.
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Meisha Brown
And the 2019 movie adaptation of Cats.
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Lindsey Graham
Like if I'm watching the dancing and.
- [20:42]
Meisha Brown
I'm noticing the feet aren't touching the.
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Lindsey Graham
Ground, there's something wrong with the movie.
- [20:47]
Meisha Brown
Find out what happens when massive hype turns into major fiasco. Enjoy the Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to the Big Flop early and ad free on Wondery. Plus get started with your free trial at wondery.com plus.