The Japanese were really near the top when it came to SOP brutal sadism. Then the young emporer told them all to stand down, and they did. Fascinating society.
I lived over there for a few years as a dependent. You are right, fascinating people. They seem to have this bizarre combination of an appreciation for beauty and capacity for brutality. (I admit, I liked them as a kid)
I had to laugh when I was reading about the USS Astoria bringing the ashes of their ambassador back to Japan in 1939, and after the visit one of the officers on the ship said something to the effect of never having seen a country where the women were so beautiful and sweet and the men were such sons of bitches.
The Japanese had the last laugh on her, though, at Savo Island.
Almost all.
Recall the attempted coup on the eve of the scheduled broadcast of the Emperor's surrender announcement.
The Last Mission: The Secret History of World War II's Final Battle
Almost all.
Recall the attempted coup on the eve of the scheduled broadcast of the Emperor's surrender announcement.
The Last Mission: The Secret History of World War II's Final Battle