Japan's new military expansion will transform it into an island missile arsenal

[@Binkov]

New War Thunder players that use my link will get a special, large bonus pack. You'll get premium vehicles, premium account time, boosters and more. Just click here: wtplay.link/binkovs2023

[@elmaxidelsur]

How do you think that they will try to increase the recruitment considering that militaristic propaganda might be a SPICY topic in Japan??? I know it's a bit of a sociology question not military but the overall predisposition to go to war with China AGAIN could be an interesting question to answer

[@JTL1776]

3rd largest economy. Small population compared to its competitors. It certainly has the capability to spend more on the military without hurting its population pockets.

[@julianshepherd2038]

Good idea. China hasn't forgotten the 20th century.

[@julianshepherd2038]

​@@JTL1776low economic growth and aging population.

[@rocket_sensha4337]

@@elmaxidelsur gate season 3

[@L.J.Kommer]

It still hurts to hear "Binkov may talk about war" and not "Binkov may talk about hypothetical wars."

[@rocket_sensha4337]

It was a brighter world when the jsdf's greatest menace was godzilla

[@vincentzhou-zm1cm]

Don't worry he's working on it

[@wesleykim1758]

Agreed, I was expecting a change when he covered the Russo-Ukrainian War, but it was a gut punch recognizing we've now moved from hypothetical to currently or very possibly soon happening

[@dillan6134]

“Hurts” lol. Oh the agony! The pain!!! How will the neckbeards ever survive this calamity?!?

[@wesleykim1758]

@@dillan6134 I don't think you realize people are dying and are going to die with these wars. You're either an idiot or a sociopath if you think that's okay, so I'm going to assume you are just being immature or ignorant to give you the benefit of doubt

[@SeeLasSee]

The geopolitics of the world are gonna get more frustrating before they start to improve.

[@Outlawstar0198]

The beatings will continue until morale improves

[@Outlast25]

“Frustrating” is a bit of an understated way to describe a looming Third World War lol

[@PotatoeJoe69]

​@@sammymcfone8281 We've always realized it, and for a few decades, those very pissant dictators managed to (somewhat) keep their bullshit within their own borders. However, ruzzia has invaded A LOT of it's neighboring countries since 1991, just to steal the land, so there's that. But now finally, it's all gone a step too far.

[@williamknows3908]

Yes, but until there are only democracy’s left in the world, war will continue to reign. China, North Korea, Iran and Russia are all authoritarian dictatorships and they will have to be taken down.

[@cringe_lord5762]

​@The one and only Brian Wilson I mean you can comment like this and probably some people are have same mind or not and not cancelled in public spaces (I.e. nobody knows or wanted to hit you on spot) is freedom of speech based by liberal umbrella, but if you saying the other side of spectrum is really that good, think again. Many people that are on other side of world that have totalitarian regime doesn't have luxury you have right now.

[@casbot71]

Japan can solve their personnel shortage by introducing Mechs and Battlesuits.

[@bkane573]

It is really their only option.

[@J_X999]

That's what China is doing as well.

[@frostysimon101]

They already have that Gundam suit as a proof of concept.

[@mikehoward2325]

Javelins don’t care

[@killer-lordsmobile7099]

What about Goku?

[@Marshal_Dunnik]

No word yet on whether they intend to raise the Yamato and refit her with Wave Motion engines and positron shock cannons

[@3rdcain356]

something tells me thats going to done under the cover of black ops

[@robertpella2389]

Pretty much! Japan tech does border on Scienc fiction .

[@louisquatorze9280]

Japan is a formidable ally to have in the coming conflict with China, and Japan has direct national interests in the region which is a strong motivation for them as well. Japanese naval assets and drones to patrol the sea are what Japan can bring to the table, not necessarily infantry. This will be a naval war. Bases on the Philippines are an ideal strategic advantage too, this cannot be overstated.

[@newcreationinchrist1423]

Much of the war would also be fought in the air as well as it would take fighters to support each side's navy. Infantry would be more of a possibility if North Korea gets involved as there would be a lot of ground fighting.

[@yaz2928]

Japan as currently is is an American vassal state, not an "ally" (that terms refers to independent states only). While the Japanese government may be willing to sacrifice millions of its people in a war against China on the orders of the US, the Japanese people might not be willing to do that.

[@andrewmckenzie292]

Indeed, but its still not a sure thing. Put US Navy aside for a moment and China can probably defeat Japanese Navy quite handily, even with Taiwanese and South Korean Navy included. On the flipside, if it were say the Taiwanese Navy and an expanded US Pacific Fleet likely China could also prevail (but with quite heavy losses), when you put Japanese, South Korean, Australian Navies into the mix also it could really go either way. If it were far enough out from China's own immediate neighbourhood Chinese Navy would lose (and perhaps quite badly) but within their own immediate neighbourhood, its hard to say and would be a defining turning point in the power balance if China did prevail. The western Pacific would effectively become China's undisputed sphere of influence. This will likely happen inevitably, the question actually is will it be sooner or later.

[@douglasnakamura6753]

@@yaz2928 Wumao alert!

[@The136th]

>Japan is a formidable ally to have in the coming conflict with China >Japan, a country with a history of backstabbing their allies for the stronger side >formidable ally RIP for the US

[@rosemaryfriedw124a8]

Type 10 tank is absurdly unique, it has continuously variable transmission, the one you will find on scooters and small cars, it also has same forward and reverse top speed of 70 kmh. If you think automatic transmissions on western tanks are too imperialist, they're nothing compared to this Japanese beast

[@nicolasbascunan4013]

Why then non japenese tanks have that too?

[@hzmt12]

A tank is much more than just the transmission

[@chaosXP3RT]

Imperialist? Imperialist transmission? What????

[@rosemaryfriedw124a8]

@@chaosXP3RT some people say that Russian invasion is not imperialist although it's full of imperialist tone in it, the only difference between the same thing the west has done (in Iraq, Libya etc) was the transmission of their respective armored vehicles. The "imperialist" west use automatic while "non imperialist" Russia uses manual

[@gfys756]

@@rosemaryfriedw124a8 Literally makes zero sense. If you mention the word "imperialist" you automatically get up votes, no matter how stupid your analogy is. No wonder the Western world is dying...

[@og1689]

I love Japan as an ally!

[@Zero_Requiem]

Japan was on the side of the allies in WWI and you know what happened in WWII. Everyone in Asia is wary of their military ambitions, who is to say they won't try again. You get complacent in 1941 look what it got u. Thousands dead and Arizona lying in the ocean. Americans think Chinese is the main threat, spreading lies to boost security while turning a blind eye on Japan's violations of restrictions on the construction of an army and blue water navy will one day return to bite America in the arse.

[@adamscease4126]

How humiliated would Putin be if Russia lost to the Japanese again?

[@Vanyali]

After Ukraine, I doubt he'll try, especially now that japan doubled it's budget

[@angelicaflanagan3483]

In Russia's whole history, they have never won a war on their own.

[@hamzamahmood9565]

Russia losing to Japan won't be surprising at all. But them losing to Ukraine would be an absolute humiliation

[@angelicaflanagan3483]

They have always been Second compared to France ,Britain .but now their technology laughable compared to the West. Just a big country with nuclear weapons which any country can develop nuclear weapons

[@laurencetilley9194]

@@angelicaflanagan3483 you obviously never took history in high school. Where was Napoleon defeated. Who drove the Nazis all the way back to Berlin from Russia and Eastern Europe. wake up sunshine.

[@andrewsmall6834]

Australia is doing the same thing and has gone from around a 20 billion dollar budget to over 50 billion, we're now 11th even though we only have 25 million people.

[@paulpowell4871]

sadly NZ has rolled over and claimed they are all chinese sex toys and 154 genders

[@gfys756]

You're in for a lot of hurt, Australia. Chinese people are your largest ethnic group. You should be pursuing peace with China, instead of being a vassal for the USA.

[@nailil5722]

​@@gfys756 Australia, UK, USA, NZ and Canada are all the same thing

[@andrewsmall6834]

@awesome guy of course we are, Australia is one of the best countries in the world for all of those points.

[@angelicaflanagan3483]

You guys should you are a rich country just like my country Canada or around the same level of quality of life and income I believe.we need to strengthen our military as well.

[@karlbrundage7472]

As an aside, it was stated about a decade ago that Japan has the nuclear infrastructure to produce thermonuclear weapons within a month of them deciding to do it.

[@vlhc4642]

Might want to be careful with that, because if you get accused of building nukes, you better actually have nukes or things can go south very quickly.

[@iamgreat1234]

Chinese nuclear stealth bomber can eliminate Japan home island within hours

[@ms23730]

@@iamgreat1234 Don't underestimate Japan

[@Antares-rt5ub]

I can always count on the Putler bots to be in the comments at full force on a Binkov’s video. Even if the video is not about Putler they are still here.

[@sawney_bean]

Ra ra Rasputín claping on ukranian cheeks

[@ce1834]

Interesting to see how the Tempest/global combat fighter with UK, Italy and Japan will develop, especially with all their shared expertise and the problems facing FCAS

[@PotatoeJoe69]

I have low expectations of it. When you get multiple nations with extremely different design philosphies and try to have them all equally contribute their portion into one very complex piece of machinery.... it ends up... well, it ends up like the Tornado. Not a horrible plane. I mean there's some truly horrible aspects to it; it's handling, for one, is abysmal. But... it's just a big nope.

[@TheMightySilverback_]

The specific partners involved ACTUALLY compliment eachother in specialisations. Unlike the 4th gen Eurofighter program which saw too many cooks wanting to make the same dish in different kitchens.

[@gfys756]

The UK and Italy are broke, and incapable of designing anything decent. The only hope rests on Japan, and even that doesn't look too good...

[@guckesksk5895]

Germany, now Japan let’s gooooo. Waiting for Italy☺️

[@AFistfulOf4K]

To keep them in check through incompetence?

[@natetaylor9002]

Japan Demographic disaster ----> China is ALSO suffering from this problem!

[@PotatoeJoe69]

Little Japan has conquered China before. Decimated them, even.

[@Jay-vt1mw]

and so are all the western countries and russia.

[@J_X999]

Demographics will NOT have an impact on China's military, or Japan's. The future of the military is AI, drones and autonomous weapons. Large armies aren't going to cut it.

[@J_X999]

​@@PotatoeJoe69That was back in the 1930s. It's stupid to assume that it can just happen again, in the modern age.

[@Jay-vt1mw]

@@J_X999 They are, simply for logistics, maintenance and occupation, i would bet its going to be cheaper to hire people for defence than autonomous weapons aswell.

[@tz7710]

There's always a counter balance or "equalizer" to counter reguonal hegemonic powers. The current global power is US + UK/CA/AU/NZ english alliance. In Europe, Germany has been the historical counterbalance to Russia. In North East Asia, Japan has been the historical counterbalance to China. China benefitted from Japan's pacifism & defensive posture. But, now that Japan's military budget will be the third most in the world. The #1 and #3 Economy alliance is going to be one of the most formidable Navy and Military alliance in modern times. The balance of power in Asia is going to shift to Japan in the coming years. You can already see semiconductor investments from Berkshire, BlackRock, IBM, Micron, Intel and the US bankers shifting its semiconductor investment strategy from Taiwan to Japan. With Canon Nanoimprinting and Rapidus Semiconductors, Japan has been quietly making a direct alternative to ASML & TSMC. Never underestimate Japan.

[@specialnewb9821]

I've been hearing that Japan is also working out some of its ... issues... with Korea. Closer ties to RoK would be a big indication of how seriously countries in the region are taking the security challenges of the next few decades.

[@MrEjidorie]

There is a deep chasm between Japan and South Korea due to historical problems. Though antagonistic relations between the two nations might be beneficial to China and North Korea, I`m afraid it would be tough to bridge over a chasm.

[@Monsuco]

It seems like most of their animosity is cultural rather than strategic. Japan and South Korea have several overlapping goals. Both desire to see Chinese influence contained. Both hate North Korea. Both are closely aligned with the United States. Both aren't fond of Russian influence in the region. Both would be threatened by a Chinese attack on Taiwan.

[@CharDhue]

It was Germany now Japan Deja Vu

[@notdpanda9525]

The problem with demographics is that everybody in the East Asia region, be it China, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan all have collapsing populations. So all are going to find it harder to recruit professional soldiers.

[@gfys756]

Japan and South Korea need to import millions of Africans and Middle Easterners to solve their demographic issues

[@howtoappearincompletely9739]

@@gfys756 You've posted that in at least three places. Do you have a vested interest in that solution?

[@Fauzanarief-n7i]

Yeah most comment here are point out that china cannot sustained a war because they have population crisis, while they forgot that south korea and japan are also have those population crisis too. Atleast for china they still jave 1.4 billion of people, even enlist 1℅ of those population is still 14 million people

[@gfys756]

@@howtoappearincompletely9739 It's the easiest, simplest, and quickest solution. It solves one of Japan's biggest problems in a very short time frame.

[@vlhc4642]

Europe's birth rate is 1.4, Japan and China are 1.3 and US is 1.6, anything below 2 is collapsing population

[@TollHammer]

This so seems like the early 1930s when countries all started ramping up before the big show.

[@garretttobin7451]

America doesn't tolerate real competition, only slaves and vassal countries, those that don't conform and submit to the so called 'rules based order' where the US makes up the rules, and orders everyone around are subject to destruction, either by economic sanctions, coup d'état's, regime change operations, funding of extremist groups and other proxy forces in the country the US wants to destroy, or outright invasion, this ahs been the pattern for the last century.

[@adlerzwei]

​@@garretttobin7451 Invading your neighbor to annex territory is not competition. It's pure colonialism. This has nothing to do with the US.

[@AGenericAccount]

​@@garretttobin7451oh great another smoothbrained american take

[@SCH292]

@@garretttobin7451 Did you know? A boy has a penis. A girl has a vagina.

[@templardisciple3387]

@@garretttobin7451 O you poor, deluded man child....the woke mind virus really has you dosent it?

[@neckbeardkun7366]

They should have spent that money on some giant robots and got some high school girls to pilot them

[@mrwhips3623]

🤡

[@HIHIHJIHIHIH]

Nah most female giant robot pilots ends in tragedy or they are downright have lackluster performance in the series. Cough "Gundam"

[@radjadawamindra697]

Okay, there's no doubt now, Binkov is preparing for Gate and Nihonkoku Shoukan videos.

[@rocket_sensha4337]

The world was a brighter place when japan tought the jsdf could maintain its pacifist values. And thus the jsdf will fight

[@ms23730]

Don't underestimate Japan

[@jorgeluis2247]

You can be damn sure some of this new money is going to their real life "Mobile Suit Gundam" program

[@DHJakon]

The program has been around, just in the unofficial budget. The tourist pieces are just a distraction.

[@sleepyjoe4529]

lol weebs

[@gfys756]

@@sleepyjoe4529 Western people's obsession with a racist nation like Japan is strange. It's like anime and videogames somehow make up for a homogenized, racist, imperialist, genocidal culture.

[@nole8923]

Good. We need the help in the pacific dealing with China.

[@deebil8099]

Na, China's army is weak. They are poorly trained with inferior weapons. They will be easy.

[@gfys756]

​@@deebil8099My money is on China. 💯

[@andyxyz01]

Yes, everyone knows that your deepest desire is to humiliate, torture, and kill all Chinese. Your intentions obviously never changed since the last century

[@deebil8099]

@@gfys756 lol, no it's not. If it was, that means you are Chinese. If you're Chinese, money is the most important thing in the world to you. You would never make that stupid bet.

[@gfys756]

@@deebil8099 I'm South African. The Global South supports China. China doesn't want problems with anybody, but the white supremacists in the USA and NATO keep telling their vassals in South Korea and Japan to keep building up their militaries to aggravate China. The South China Sea belongs to China, not the US Empire.

[@OptimusWombat]

Need to increase their R&D budget on mecha.

[@renaissancenovice7202]

Yep

[@circleofsorrow4583]

I found the comment I wanted to make.

[@TamagoHead]

GunDamn Ed right👍🤦🏻‍♀️😁

[@sulev111]

Japans needs to build interstellar Yamato class dreadnoughts.

[@Ricardo-lb4so]

Yes, it will take the surviving elderly population after WWIII apocalypsis to the colonies in... wait, Japan has no shelter colonies at all

[@angelicaflanagan3483]

Lol you and I and all of humankind wish

[@ms23730]

Don't underestimate Japan

[@GSteel-rh9iu]

Japan ordered 22 Mogami-class frigates meanwhile those super rich tiny European countries have like 3-5 frigates. The Pacific theater is way more lethal because of that giant country to the west of Japan. Meanwhile the Korean built Arleigh-Burke clone destroyer has 128 VLS-cells more than the original Burke does. ❤🇰🇷❤🇯🇵

[@샤프슈터-n7e]

🇰🇷❤️🇯🇵?

[@ParallelComparison]

@@샤프슈터-n7e Didn't China invade Korea? Han dynasty? I bet you Korea hasn't forgotten it

[@OperationEndGame]

Korean ships are too top heavy….

[@weaver1507]

If you think Korea has any friendly feelings towards japs you are in for a rude awakening.

[@ChristesII]

Headline a WWII vet would be surprised to read: "World leaders celebrate Germany and Japan increasing military spending."

[@roywilkowski2326]

Quite 'Orwellian,' isn't it?

[@chriswong9158]

In support from the U.S.A. for around III

[@vlhc4642]

He might then ask "are we the baddies", especially after seeing what Ukrainians drew on their tanks.

[@mattias811]

They have hinted that they are impressed with the drone war in Ukraine and will probably spend some money on drone swarms

[@vlhc4642]

Nobody tell them all those drones are DJI.

[@Markfr0mCanada]

Japan would probably do well with the old British "wooden wall" approach, but obviously with modern technology. Heavy emphasis on control seas and skies would do more to protect their people than a large army, and would allow them to translate the financial budget into combat power while working within the limits of their personnel budget.

[@arsyadidris6349]

Yeah, theyve realized this a while back actly. Their ground forces have always been somewhat behind compared to their air or navy. Binkov didnt clarify wether those numbers were troops or simply “military personnel”. A vehicle technician is technically a “military personnel” afterall. Which is why i think thats where japan shine. They do need a minimum number of infantrymen, thats a given. But it would be better for them to focus hiring people who would maintain and operate their assets. I mean, the ratio to pilots vs people who actly take care of the planes the pilots are flying is obviously very lopsided. U practically need an entire regiment of engineers and technicians to maintain a squadron. U only need a dozen or so pilots to fly said squadron.

[@johnrussell1881]

Japan will be our most formidable military ally.

[@evilfingers4302]

I'm fine with Japan rebuilding its military, just as along Japan doesn't become what they were 80 years ago.

[@Loki-Gab]

Definitely will not happen again, they went through something most imperialist and colonialists didn’t went through, Japan is basically pacifist or even one of the most anti war today, they support Ukraine because Russia started the war, one time Japan was almost invited into joining in a conflict against terrorism along with allied countries, they were welcome to help, and since they were technically also a victim, but many were against it, so Japan even becoming an aggressor again is not likely to happen, I don’t think they’re gonna completely throw away their pacifism, just responding if there are threats near them, like invasion of Taiwan, and North Korea reckless missiles tests, and Japan economy is likely to boost, if China started being sanctioned by its neighbors, and since almost every neighboring countries of China hates them and has been bullied with their legal territories , Japan will likely take place to supply economy, and just take its place back as the number one economic supplier in Asia.

[@mosesgoldbergshekelstien1520]

Maybe, two cities filled with civilians were nuked, that’s something that remains in the psyche of your people for generations

[@lightspeedvictory]

Surprised to see you didn’t talk about Japan’s carrier conversions

[@adamjaquay4279]

The Japanese have just building slipways for some very very large ship construction lol. You can't forget the Japanese had ten of the best Carriers on the planet in 1941 lol. They pretty much wrote the book on mass Carrier tactics.

[@mosesgoldbergshekelstien1520]

They identify as Helicopter destroyers , you shouldn’t misgender warships that’s very Boatphobic

[@arsyadidris6349]

“I identify myself as a helicopter destroyer” While an F35 takes off from its deck. “Are u assuming my ship type???” 😂😂😂

[@user-pn3im5sm7k]

Japan's military force before the spending increase was already formidable, especially the navy and air force. It was 5th place in the world not 9th. It'll more than likely be third place with this spending. As we've seen with Russia and Ukraine, numbers alone mean nothing in modern warfare. For example on paper North Korea's air force is numerically superior than Japan's but one Japanese F-35 or F-15J can singlehandedly destroy North Korean 3rd gen fighter squadrons which have no radar for BVR.

[@hellgates_javed6451]

Are you serious? If Ukraine didnt get the support they wanted they would have been invaded in a week they're whole economy is funded by the west any energy infrastructure wouldn't be rebuilt because they have no money but they get rebuilt because of the money they receive and also the 8 to 10 mobilization made them outnumber the Russians

[@matyasspevacek286]

Most of North Korea's army is a joke apart from their brainwashed manpower.

[@arsyadidris6349]

And those are the beefy bouncers of the sky. Lets not forget the arguably more agile F2 viper zero

[@ms23730]

Don't underestimate Japan

[@charvolth]

Ok Japan, the Mitsubishi F-X is getting close. Just make the wings adjustable and figure out how it can transform into a robot/jet hybrid and a full on robot and you are good to go. Also remember to also pair them with singing idols.

[@mosesgoldbergshekelstien1520]

Ditching all attack and recon helicopters for drones is pretty interesting The navy will always need manned helicopters but will definitely start having more and more drones

[@mightyhadi6132]

Wait until Gundam finally emerge

[@AllTradesGeorge]

My guess would be that the majority of the projected expenditures will be on upgrading equipment, rather than increasing personnel. Japan was initially restricted, after WWII, to only having forces for national defense, and that's stayed their primary focus. Rather than increasing numbers, improving the capability of those numbers is the smarter long-term investment. R&D on planes and missile technology gives them an improved stand-off capability, allowing them to "dissuade" hostile forces before the vast majority of their military personnel is in any danger of being engaged in combat.

[@arsyadidris6349]

Thats true. They dont really “need” soldiers per se. Coz… well… the day japanese soldiers are actually needed to lethally defend their country is the day their airforce and navy failed, basically. What i can guess is theyd hire more technical specialists to take care of their ever growing and ever complex assets and systems. i mean, its a relatively secure job afterall. Maintaining the national assets from the safety of the warehouses, hangars n docks. So what they have to do right now is make those sort jobs enticing for young japanese.

[@user-FucXYou]

The increased budget gonna be used into developing RX-78-2

[@scarter910]

Well, the world really f'd up now. Do you want Gundam? Because this is how you get Gundam.

[@renaissancenovice7202]

Are you trying to sell us on it?

[@PhillipGWhite]

Drones drones and more drones. That what they’ll be spending that money on.

[@Joshua_N-A]

Drones going berserk by themselves is the last thing on everyone's mind. Hackers will be the future's warriors.

[@dreamhunter2973]

Damn, I have been waiting for this.... Can you also make a video on how the military outlook will be on the Pacific Countries on each side... I mean what will the chineese, Taiwanese, Australian, American and yes the Japanese military will look like by almost 2027(when the war for Taiwan is projected to Start)

[@bkane573]

Might want to add india to that. Even if they stay out of the water war, they’ll be a drain and distraction in china sapping manpower on the border.

[@nicolasbascunan4013]

2027? projected by who?

[@lolasdm6959]

@@nicolasbascunan4013 by cia

[@nicolasbascunan4013]

@@lolasdm6959 China is bad at invading. Right?

[@lolasdm6959]

@@nicolasbascunan4013 which country is invading? China? Invade whom? Saber rattling with Taiwan always was there but when was the last invasion?

[@QuietManUK]

Not a bad thing to be. Britain is the unsinkable aircraft carrier of the West. Japan can perform a similar role in the East.

[@Hillbilly001]

Always a good time when Binkov posts. Cheers from Tennessee

[@cadian122]

The Japanese have one of the top 3 or 4 navy in the world.. Many of their Destroyers are more akin to Cruisers in Displacement and armament ... They are a very advanced and competent force

[@amiigose]

japan today is different, now many old people and younger like jav and anime

[@adamc.2230]

@@amiigose that may be a saving grace. chinese are very fond of jav as well. if rockets don't work, put them boobies forward.

[@sandyhernandez3241]

Long live Japan

[@ms23730]

Don't underestimate Japan

[@andrewmckenzie292]

This is probably why China is reluctant to attack Taiwan, they may be able to defeat even an expanded US Pacific Fleet in their neighbourhood but Japan at full strength could also field a very strong Navy/military so really China needs their Navy and Air Forces to grow large enough to take on US military (more precisely what the US military can spare in such a conflict, as they'd still have to have basic defence of US homeland and it'll likely take time to realign US overseas military assets and wind them up to support a campaign against China), Japan, Taiwan, possibly South Korea, maybe Philippines, Australia combined...throw in possibility small contingent from UK as well and Canada.

[@recoil53]

If Taiwan and the Philippines would get like 20 air independent subs each, China can't expand into the Pacific. Taiwan is 100 miles away - that's huge for amphibious landings. Taiwan would need to figure out a couple places for emergency sub bases, in case China destroyed the big ones. The Philippines - and Indonesia - are a bunch of islands close to each other. Perfect hunting grounds for subs.

[@andrewmckenzie292]

@@recoil53 Yea with China's present Submarine fleet its not much use except for close defence of Chinese waters themselves, but one could argue Taiwan is within that area.

[@diamanteduul8084]

@@recoil53 They may need 20 today, but it will be 40 tomorrow and 80 the next day. China will just keep building up

[@recoil53]

@@diamanteduul8084 100 miles is s long way for troop transports. Taiwan doesn't need to sink every one. Just enough. Amphibious landings are the hardest military things to do. All the footage I've seen of India vs China confrontations looks like out takes from a comedy.

[@douglasnakamura6753]

@@diamanteduul8084 I don't think they will be able to keep building up - they are about to fall off an economic and demographic cliff.

[@paulsteaven]

While JASDF is buying more F-35s and developing its 6th gen fighters together with its European counterparts, they should not forget to upgrade their existing F-2s and F-15s. As despite the 2nd largest operator of F-15s, they're not multi role unlike the F-15s of its Asian counterparts.

[@gfys756]

Stupid move buying the F-35. It's a failed money-pit of an aircraft that doesn't perform any job particularly well.

[@daivdsmith3746]

@@gfys756 First, all stealth aircraft are a money pit which is why only rich nations can afford them. Also, it performs fine for its intended use which is to be a stealth aircraft (get in and get out without being shot down). Most likely the F-35 would/will be used to target enemy AA, after it has been neutralized you bring out the other airframes to do their job.

[@miraphycs7377]

For the F-15 they are upgrading it by installing AESA radars and be JASSM-ER capable. Look it up

[@Pushing_Pixels]

1% of GDP is a really low level of defence spending for an advanced country. Bumping it up to 2% is really just them becoming more like other countries. It's surprising that Japan has been able to field the military it has with such a low level of investment, though I guess 1% of the third largest economy in the world is still going to be a pretty big number. They have a pretty big navy, and their air force is pretty decent too. It's the tiny army that's worrying, and the demographic decline that's happening there is shocking. It's only going to get harder to recruit people. Perhaps they could set up something like the French Foreign Legion, allowing foreign mercenaries to bulk up their army. If there's one thing they definitely have to do it's expand their stockpiles of advanced ordnance. If Ukraine has shown us anything it's that the paltry reserves of ammo most advanced countries keep is not even close to enough.

[@gfys756]

A racist and homogenized nation like Japan doesn't want a foreign legion.

[@Joshua_N-A]

Japan would have more money, had the US pay for the stay instead. Keeping the US on Japan means it has to allocate some of the funds from its annual budget to host the US.

[@ValensBellator]

When talking about China’s military spending it’s always important to remember just how many military expenses they exclude from their budget. When included it’s around twice the budget they claim.

[@jakoverslept3096]

And you think the US doesn't?

[@ValensBellator]

@@jakoverslept3096 ours is overstated, especially when PPP is considered and compared with a country like China. Our personnel are infinitely more expensive than theirs.

[@Duron13]

Gonna need a source on that.

[@Boomkokogamez]

​@Jak Overslept Wel, there is a black budget for that, but it doesn't reach over $100 billion? All that expensive consumer for military is being paid to the black budget program.

[@libertycowboy2495]

When you show the Japanese paratroopers and tanks, it feels like the next seen will show Godzilla.

[@a564-c3q]

I'm glad that many democracies are slowly waking up and realizing they need to have substantial defensive forces in order to be safe in this world.

[@tahasahin8408]

>democracy >japan

[@stevens1041]

Yep. The two authoritarian superpowers China and Russia are best friends. Taiwan and Ukraine is just a small sample of what they have in store for the entire world, left unchecked.

[@drk5orp-655]

​@Apsoy Pike In paper not in fact.

[@a564-c3q]

@@drk5orp-655 Are you guys high? Of course Japan is de facto a democracy!

[@tahasahin8408]

a democracy where the same party is in power since 1955 except for 4 years

[@5133937]

Japan is one of the greatest democracy success stories in human history. They went from over a millennia of authoritarian rule (emperors and shoguns) to a democracy, and kept it. Almost every living Japanese person has only ever known democracy, freedom, and human rights. I have zero concerns whatsoever about Japan rearming, they will be one of the great defenders of democracy and freedom in Asia and the world.

[@haopei1605]

I do hope human morals can hold-up in this century and do not begin a WW3. I have doubts though. Human morals failed in previous world wars. It not about any single nation. All sides, Russia, China, Japan, US, are all arming, raising nationalism attitudes, and using medias to spread unfriendly tones. Russia is wrong in attacking. Ukraine is also wrong in pushing out Russian speaking ethnics in its eastern provinces, US is wrong in providing arming -more western arms only lead to more death, Biden even went for a picture shot at Kyiv, China is also wrong in buying Russia resources and ignoring.

[@ms23730]

Japan woke up from a long sleep Don't underestimate Japan

[@gooflydo]

China: We have hypersonic missiles. USA: That's cute, can it dodge a Mach 10 railgun round? 😊😊😘😘

[@youtubewatcher4792]

Or laser?

[@pabcu2507]

Modern militaries of axis (entire navy, army, Air Force, etc) assisting their ww2 counterparts (year can be in either 1940, 1941 or 1942 and modern militaries forgets history after those years)

[@timbrwolf1121]

Japan is going to need to alter their constitution. They need to convert their professional fighting force the jsdf, into a standard military. Then create a new jsdf as an actual national guard style unit. This being the place for those serving only a single term before leaving and or entering reserves

[@arsyadidris6349]

They actly already altered their constitution. In general, anyways. It was done in the late2010s, during the late Shinzo Abe’s second tenure as the PM. What we r seeing now is the affect of that. Initially the constitution state, along the line of “defense for the japanese homeland and its territories” now expand to “defense for the japanese homeland, territories AND ITS ALLIES”. That last bit is critical. It means when/if necessary, they would have the means to help its allies. And the ability to “help others” means ur beefy enough to counterattack and project power. Ie: without this altered constitution, the conversion of the two Shinano class from “helicopter destroyers” to fully fledged “light aircraft carriers” wouldve been unheard of.

[@red_orange2971]

This comment section is so toxic, so many Chinese and Russian bots.

[@Zerosen89]

I see, the Chinese ones are Wu Maos , paid by the Chinazi government to disparage opponents of the CCP

[@deriznohappehquite]

Authoritarian shitholes really only have their perceived national strength to be proud of, and they’re not actually any good at that because their governments have no accountability.

[@lolonice9414]

Ofcourse. Kremlin and CCP literally pay people to write this garbage up.

[@sleepyjoe4529]

Ah yes, anyone who disagrees with US hegemony is a paid CCP / KREMLIN bot lmao The copium

[@elvanallen8832]

@@sleepyjoe4529 Someone has to moan the hedge, better the U.S and her allies than the Soviets or the CCP. It's not ideal, especially after the U.S. pissed all over the moral high ground with the second Iraq war but it's better than the alternative.

[@Operator8282]

Japan just needs to save up for a year or several, and make SDF-1. I've been waiting for that for 35 years.

[@tancreddehauteville764]

Japan needs to spend 5% of its GDP on defence. 2% will not be enough.

[@ahtheh]

In a country where you're spending 5% of your GDP on defence and no internet with the military with the younger generation is a recipe for disaster.

[@John_Doe448]

They have way bigger problems to spend their money on.

[@patrickjanecke5894]

Japan is not alone in any fight with the PRC. The increase has much to do with pulling their weight in growing military coordination with the other Quad nations.

[@ivancho5854]

Correct and not just Japan. War is coming.

[@ulikemyname6744]

Japan can be a very very dangerous nation as they have everything they need. Aging but still huge population with highly automated industry Huge industry to sustain not only a big military build-up but also can create modern weapons and innovate in the field. japan has a huge auto industry that can make all kinds of military vehicles from lightly armored vehicles to tanks and other heavily armored vehicles. They have huge shipbuidling industry that is highly automated and can make ships very fast. Another good thing is that they use a lot of technology from the US like AEGIS. They have also big indusrty that can make jets and all kinds of planes really. They are currently collaborating with UK to make 6th gen fighter. Huge economy to sustain a big and powerful army. This is no brainer. Japan has the 4th largest economy in the world! Highly advanced technology! Japan is one of the semiconductor giants of the world! They can make all kinds of sensors as well which are used in every advanced military technology. Japan also has the advantage of having countries like Taiwan, the US, UK and in general NATO countries on their side. This will only speed up their military development.

[@howtoappearincompletely9739]

Idolikeurname.

[@ulikemyname6744]

@@howtoappearincompletely9739 thankyou

[@ScarletRebel96]

We all knew Japan would rise again! TENNO HEIKA BANZAI!!!

[@HDBoyWonder]

I believe I’ve read that during its buildup before WWII, Japan spent as much as 70% of GDP on military.

[@Joshua_N-A]

But all of that spending is not match for the dysfunctionally bitter interservice rivalry between the army and the navy.

[@commodorce6431]

Can u do a video addressing the British military and why it’s shrinking along with aspersions for new weapon systems

[@mrwri]

If you're wondering why it sounded familiar, the music used from ~1:00 onwards is the same music Filthy Frank used to use during fight scenes.

[@saladino8882]

Battotai plays in the background

[@MrKim-kv2vv]

Hey Binkov, you have Japans Northern Territories the wrong color. Although Russia is illegally occupying them,they still belong to Japan. Thus, Russia and Japan have never ratified WW2.

[@Mitjitsu]

Japan doesn't need to worry it has giant battling seizure robots.

[@woahhbro2906]

USA: "Hey Japan, I probably need your help with China..." Japan: "But I'm peaceful no- ahhh I'm JK!" *happy imperialist noises*

[@mosesgoldbergshekelstien1520]

USA “Hey Japan why’s your fleet sailing east and not west?”

[@ElladanKenet]

Ah yes, another excuse to go play Millennium Dawn as Japan again

[@scottsauritch3216]

I don't think you mentioned the ~115 F-15Js being upgraded to F15JSI(EX essentially)...

[@Shambles7698]

Japan should bulid they own Gundam 💪🏻

[@tancreddehauteville764]

Japan's aim of 2% of GDP spend on defence is very unambitious. They should aim for 5% given the tense situation in the western Pacific.

[@javilo2797]

15%

[@aureliusmarcusantoninus3441]

@@javilo2797 25%

[@Emilechen]

but China's GDP is 3 time larger,

[@javilo2797]

@@Emilechen and your landmass is 100x as large and your population more than 10x theirs. Still tiny investment.

[@javilo2797]

@@aureliusmarcusantoninus3441 50% or bust. Most gdp goes to pay the imaginary debt adquired by saving the creditor/banks years ago. Just default payments to these criminals and buy tanks instead to protect against an hypothetical invasion that could come from that.

[@As-ky8or]

I feel like I need to get this out of my chest after seeing a lot of CN/RU bots pretending to be Japanese or know what Japanese people think about this occupation. I am Japanese and me and people around me see's and knows what's going on around us. Most of us supports the military build up (we kinda dont have a choice anyway, thanks DPRK, CN and the war in Ukraine) Others and my self included are mixed regarding the buildup of both US and JSDF. however at the same time CN/DPRK military and """civilian""" vessels in our waters harassing fishing boats and coast guards says other wise... not to mention recently the joint CN and RU naval drill then went PASSED the Tsuruga straight (for NA peeps reading this; thats like RU or CN sent missile destroyer from the west coast US THROUGH the panama straight and went to the east cost of US.). And ofc the constant barrage of NK ICBM missile being launched towards us. Yes, as the CN/RU Bots says; Most of us do not like this budget increase nor the more and more military presence BUT at the same time fully knows and understand what kind of a threat CN/RU/DPRK have become to our national security and our lives. It came to a point "It's either us or them" mentality. The war in Ukraine solidified most of our countries thoughts and what needs to be done and that is prepare, build up defense and offensive capability and pray that we do not become the next Ukraine. This is not even mentioning about the whole Taiwan and the south west island situation too, that has been building tension slowly and slowly ever since a few years before the Ukrainian war.

[@matyasspevacek286]

@@theoneandonlybrianwilson Why should some american collaborator pig chose who is Japanese and who is not??😂😂

[@As-ky8or]

@The one and only Brian Wilson Excuse me but who asked?? I rather be a puppet to the US then die to a commie. Don't you dare speak on behalf of us about the US presence when you are not even Japanese, you are just like one of those people or the people in Okinawa that was funded by the CCP that does anti base protest infront of the base. There is a reason why we keep US bases either if we dont like it or not. Unless you are saying we rather be a puppet to CN or RU instead? 国賊め。

[@lolasdm6959]

Whos invading Japan?

[@hazzmati]

@@theoneandonlybrianwilson ''rebuild the empire'' murder, rape and theft included?

[@flyinpug3791]

@@As-ky8or if your country was smart, you wouldn’t get involved in the China/Taiwan conflict. US will launch attacks from those bases in Okinawa and China will respond.

[@acole5975]

I think Japan's biggest expense is going to be bringing facilities up to date and setting up new facilities on the southern islands. They lack facilities and ammunition which will need to produced and stored. Without southern facilities their soldiers will have no way to sustain any defence. They will likely also harden their facilities.

[@lazynow1]

Island Nation, get rid of all helicopters, what could go wrong.

[@michaeijn67]

Japan military budget should quadruple its budget!!!

[@TheBic4]

Honestly now would be the perfect time to retake the Kuril Islands from Russia. Use Putin’s language against him about historical borders. Too bad they won’t but it’s their decision.

[@mnk9073]

That would make the relations between Germany and Poland very awkward to say the least...

[@stupidburp]

Some of these are clearly Japanese territory occupied by Russia. The rest of the island chain is more debatable. Japan has been negotiating for return of the closest islands for many years. The post WW2 treaty did not give the entire island chain to the Soviets but they occupied all of them anyways. Russia continues to refuse to give them up but Japan has a policy against using force to regain control of them.

[@stevens1041]

I agree. Liberate all the Kuril Islands. And you know what, Sakhalin too.

[@matyasspevacek286]

Just imagine how Southern Sakhalin and the Kurils could have been developed under Japan.

[@TheBic4]

@Ecks they got nuked and tokyo was turned to ash they learned their lesson and it clear they wont do such a thing ever again.

[@Markfr0mCanada]

There is no international standard on how to measure a military budget, so given that there is international pressure to raise military spending it makes sense to achieve some of the increase by relabeling existing spending.

[@TheRezro]

It isn't important how much but how exactly?

[@Markfr0mCanada]

@@TheRezro I don't know, I only brought it up because Binkov mentioned it in the video. It also has come up in the past when nations of gotten into international pissing matches over who spends what percent of GDP on military that the different nations count different things.

[@TheRezro]

@@Markfr0mCanada I think best example is Russia. The so called "second army" what is so ineffective, that it become thing of the memes. Though resources do matter, far more important is on what you spend those.

[@miraphycs7377]

Regarding the Japanese hypersonics the first of this "hypersonic" series of missiles will come late thisyear, when the first of the series will enter mass production. This one will be "hypersonic" in the sense like how Kinzhal/Iskander or Pershing 2 or even ATACMS is. It is a simple MARV. Estimated range of this one is 300-500km (within the now defunct INF) so literal ATACMS/Iskander equivalent except it can hit ships and moving targets. Think shorter ranged PrSM basically. The second series would be the real deal, HGV with up to estimated 1000km range. Scramjet missile will come after those two.

[@dimitrijensk2845]

This is why the US respects its Pacific allies more than its European allies. They pull more than their own weight and do so with little to no complaints.

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Pretty much excluding always reliable Poland.

[@engineeringvision9507]

They haven't actually spent the money yet.

[@dimitrijensk2845]

@@engineeringvision9507 sorry, what I am saying is that they’ve been like this. I’m not saying they are just doing it now, this plan is just another indication of it.

[@dimitrijensk2845]

@@deanfirnatine7814 Poland rocks

[@dongdong9560]

We shouldn’t forget Japan used to be the biggest invader in this area! Also shouldn’t forget that US sent lots of war related martial to Japan until 1940, which Japan has invaded China for many years.

[@bremnersghost948]

Half expect that Japan, South Korea and Taiwan will announce either a Joint or Individual Nuclear Program in the next couple of years.

[@looinrims]

Unlikely, nuclear weapons will do nothing for taiwan or South Korea except invite aggression, before operational weapons are delivered, and japan’s populace are staunchly anti nuclear, especially since the Fukushima incident

[@robertpella2389]

Look they have nukes but they are cool about it ! Nuclear plant management is a rather close capability predictor to Atomic weapons. And don't even get me started on commercial fusion energy !

[@haruka6672]

​@@looinrims No, lol. Japanese people are only Anti nuclear on western media.

[@looinrims]

@@haruka6672 oh I’m sure a nation who were petrified of guided weapons are pro nuclear warheads, makes sense to me I’ll defer to joint defense planner, sorry

[@looinrims]

@@robertpella2389 no it’s not, why do you talk about something you know nothing about?

[@senzosanjuro1769]

Japan and the Italian company Leonardo have a project to develop a fighter jet, I hope they get soon a strong aviation and navy.

[@MrEjidorie]

Instead of the co-development of 6th generation fighter jets with the United States, Japan decided to choose Great Britain and Italy as her partners. It would be a good hedge against too much dependence on the United States from Japanese point of view.

[@sonneh86]

Who would've thought the day would come that we're happy and excited about both Japan and Germany rearming

[@CirKhan]

Except they aren't. Germany significantly backtracked on it's last years statements, and aside from supposed decision to purchase F-35, which is dubious in any case, the money will be spent just to patch up current abyssal state of Bundeswehr , and little else. And it's not certain that even that money will be actually available at all considering the trajectory of German economy. As for Japan...we will see, for now it's only political statements, and even if defense spending is indeed increased, it does not mean it will be used to the level that is proportionally- said increase in paychecks, inclusion of formerly civilian run programs and general operational costs of new systems might easily swallow most of it. In any case it would probably not be particularity wise for Japan to flex it's muscle too much, as it might easily become the only country in history to end up being nuked twice.

[@dongdong9560]

Yes, we shouldn’t forget Japan used to be the biggest invader in this area! Also shouldn’t forget that US sent lots of war related martial to Japan until 1940, which Japan has invaded China for many years.

[@georgepalmer5497]

A`few years ago the mighty nuclear powered attack submarines of the U.S. found that other countries' conventionally powered AIP submarines were reeking havoc with them. The AIP submarines ran circles around our nuclear powered attack submarines. AIP submarines have drawbacks. They're small and slow. But they are also very quiet. Japan has a lot of coastline where AIP submarines might rest in waiting. Japan doesn't have as much need as the U.S. to project power over great distances. Maybe it would be better for them to go AIP over nuclear powered boats, or maybe they could do some version of both, but the greater emphasis might be better placed on AIP submarines.

[@pierohermadones1877]

Japan's situation is very similar in some respects to that of Poland. Two countries, very different in morphology and geographical position, but united by being both positioned in a sort of 1st line that physically separates the opposing sides. This similarity also extends in terms of a substantial increase in expenditure on the military resources of both nations. Poland, at least in terms of Army and Air Force, is back on the shopping cart, even though it has already "filled" another one. Japan ... has realized that it is "basically" a buffer ... placed in front of the huge butts of Russia and China, as well as having the biggest butt of all behind it (at least for now it is a "friendly" butt ") which is the US one... 🤔. Honestly speaking, it is not difficult to understand the increase in Japanese perplexities in this sense, as well as the urgency of certain choices, above all if one is relegated to a buffer condition! 😳

[@georgeiv6925]

Well Poland is a flat land japan ia an island country so i wouldnt say thats the same thing

[@pierohermadones1877]

@@georgeiv6925 Well... I meant the similarity of the "situation" in geopolitical terms, certainly not meant the morphology, type and position of the respective territories. In any event, Poland is a nation placed within a continental shelf (Eurasian) and a single maritime coastline facing an inland sea, while Japan, de facto, is an island nation, made up of an archipelago located in an oceanic context. Seriously, even if morphologically different, they are two countries with very similar "geopolitical" problems. 🙄

[@Airdrifting]

When did Poland invade 90% of Europe and killed 35 million people in its neighbor country?

[@arsyadidris6349]

@@georgeiv6925 poland is kinda similar to japan. And the commentor did mention it, in sense of situation, not its physical geography. Both are indeed the great big wall that put a stop to any fun ideas from the adversary. If china was insane enough to try and take over the asia pacific, they have to get through to Japan and South Korea first.

[@theharper1]

You said that it would take time to put US forces into a conflict involving Japan. The US has a huge amount of military resources in mainland Japan as well as Okinawa. The fleet base in Yokosuka is enormous. The trigger for this change was Trump demanding that Japan pay for the US forces in Japan. It makes more sense for Japan to fund it's own defence forces. You also called the Japanese military forces Navy, Army and Air Force. They are all called self-defence forces (JASDF for example). That's because the US forced Japan to agree to a provision in the post-war constitution which forbids having military forces. It's ironic that the US imposed constitution now makes it difficult for Japan to defend itself just when the US wants it to.

[@TheRezro]

Trump is a idiot. But it was good move non then less. After Russia become next Third Reich, countries need to be prepared.

[@theharper1]

@TheRezro I think the LNP (Japanese party in power) wanted an excuse to change the interpretation of the constitution and spend more on the military anyway

[@jonlaurenzreyes1902]

Where is the budget for the Gundams?

[@wakamoto361]

why would Japan declassify that

[@CRT_sRGB]

The video says non-defence expenses will now count under the defence budget. So, Bandai it is.

[@Joshua_N-A]

Just have every single company pay over 50% tax and you'll have one.

[@miraphycs7377]

ever since the Type 81 anti-ship missile it has a TERCOM feature so yes it can be used against a ground target to an extent. Also ASM-3 has a passive radar mode. Thus it can be used in Wild-Weazel SEAD/DEAD roles like anti-radiation missiles. And in some cases unlike Harm or Kh-58 or Kh-31, it also has GPS and infrared search and track so even if the enemy surface to air missile radar has turned off it can still home in extremely accurately

[@Yeeter000]

Germany and Japan increasing their military spending? The old gang is coming back together

[@miriamweller812]

Well, EU/NATO openly voted PRO Nazism in the United Nations - as did Japan, soooo...

[@matyasspevacek286]

@@miriamweller812 And here you can see a delusional person.

[@steppenwolf1872]

From Europe i salute the Rising Sun!

[@morgan97475]

Japan simply needs to draft Godzilla for a few years. He could do some damage!

[@justsaiyansteve]

What we really need are Gundams.

[@jamalihamilton7866]

Japan needs to build a conventional aircraft carrier fleet of 1/2 carriers to rival China.

[@h-e-acc]

Superman is the national superhero of the United States. Goku is the national superhero of Japan. Superman + Goku = Earth’s Finest.

[@sandyhernandez3241]

Japan, US

[@426mak]

You do realise Goku is an imitation of Sun Wukong?

[@thomasjuniardi3559]

Japan manufacturers are a major supplier for US Military Industries, they can make their own weapons and wouldn't bbe suprise if they made it better 😁🤙

[@justdavedoindavestuff3479]

Haha! I can't help being immature, but at eighteen minutes and 10 seconds, you said hard-on. Yeah, 50 years old and giggling at that. Hoping to bring some levity into what otherwise is a dark subject.

[@lightbox617]

Japan could expand spending to 3% and be a non threatening world military power. Poland and the rest of NATO could be a great balance to European aggressors and autocrats. There might be hope for some form of Democracy

[@jonlaurenzreyes1902]

3% is too much unless they improve their economic performance

[@mosesgoldbergshekelstien1520]

Drop some more freedom and democracy on the Middle East

[@acctsys]

"Hypothetical" is not said again. Such is the times we live in.

[@sardonicspartan9343]

China brought thisnon themselves. The question is, can Japan supply the manpower with its aging population.

[@gfys756]

It's actually American Imperialism that brought this on, not China. America is provoking China in its own backyard.

[@sattm8230]

​@@gfys756 Tell that to Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, the Phillipines, Australia... it's their backyard too.

[@gfys756]

​@@sattm8230South CHINA Sea. It belongs to China. No American rhetoric changes that.

[@jonlaurenzreyes1902]

@@gfys756 so the entire Indian ocean belongs to India, entire Persian gulf belongs to Persia(Iran), entire gulf of Mexico belongs to Mexico?

[@gfys756]

​@@jonlaurenzreyes1902Yes, exactly.

[@cc0767]

Shinzo Abe would be proud!

[@SW-ii5gg]

Amen, a great leader.

[@dakotarose3377]

Too many commercials now.