Hirohito's American Horse!

[@Gorbachoph]

How did you ever decide on the intro music? It's iconic now.

[@kathleenmcmanus8509]

Bombastic in style but definitely iconic

[@DGC816]

Gets stuck in my head for the rest of the day.

[@kathleenmcmanus8509]

There are a few fun parodies on KZbin

[@NoahSpurrier]

I think it was some free license music, but nobody but Mark can use it now.

[@hughgordon6435]

Pretty sure its from some BBC /Television theme for a wad series? The world at war perhaos?

[@dinsdalemontypiranha4349]

As a horseman since age 5 and the former owner of a horse ranch, I always wondered about the conformation (body shape) of Hirohito's horse. It always looked American rather than Japanese to me. Thanks for informing me of the story.

[@tompaul2591]

I never knew there was a difference so thanks for informing us as well.

[@benquoyeser4401]

@@tompaul2591 you're welcome Tom thanks for the reply. I watch Horseland all the time.

[@truth1472]

일본의 말은 작고 힘이 없습니다. 간혹 기병이 나오는 일본의 영화를 보면 답답하죠. 섬이라서 유목민의 기습도 없던 나라에서 뭔 기병입니까? 강수량이 많아서 말을 키우기도 어럽죠. 땅이 진흙으로 변하니까요! 중국도 영화에서 자신들이 대규모의 기병을 보유한 것으로 묘사를 하지만 당나라 시절에도 기병들은 유목민들을 용병으로 고용을 했지요. 좋은 전투마는 현대의 경주마처럼 비싸고 귀했답니다.

[@yo6687]

Just buy a ATV what u need a pony for you know what year it is

[@caniconcananas7687]

I think most of currently living horses descend from a race existing in nowadays Turkey, which was found by European knights during the Crusades and eagerly used since then because of their height and strenght. Before that, most horse races were smaller. You may take a look at the descriptions of the Viking riders or the Huns. And nowadays you can see that the partially free and wild horses in Europe are smaller than the farm and race horses. For example, the Galician horses, on the brink of extinction (less than 2,000 individuals), live free in the mountains of Galicia, at the NW corner of Spain. I was lucky and could glance a couple of them years ago when I was working at a wind turbine field on the top of a long ridge, far away from any village. I saw them only after hearing their "laughter". Because I had to... satisfy a minor physiological need out in the cold, wet and very strong wind and my... er... nature was... minimized. So, the horses peeking from a distance laughed at me openly, themselves used to that chilly weather and protected by a thick skin. By the way, once every year, there's a folk party dating back before the Roman invasion. In it the men of nearby villages look for these horses and herd them into a closed place, a corral where they cut their mane. In the local language, the Galicians call it 'la rapa das bestas', the crop of the beasts. There are prehistoric pictures of this carved on big flat rocks.

[@Roller_Ghoster]

Hirohito's American horse and Hitlers crocodile taken prisoner and held in a Soviet zoo. How else would you have found out about these crazy tales but for this rather fabulous channel.

[@TheSaltydog07]

🐊 🐎

[@EdMcF1]

In an alternative reality, the Soviets overran Japan and the croc eats the horse.

[@k.t.1641]

The same way Mark did? By reading and researching …

[@thedangler8273]

THIS IS A CERTIFIED MARK FELTON CLASSIC

[@painterly_porcine262]

"Ditto"

[@guysoceanharmonics]

I remember an Australian soldier being interviewed regarding his time as part of the occupation force in Japan and he said they were so polite it was hard to believe that we were ever at war with them, strange considering how horrific the Japanese were throughout the war.

[@toastnjam7384]

My dad had the same reaction. He was a POW camp guard in the US. His last job before being discharged was escorting Japanese POW's back to Japan. He was a bit nervous expecting a hostile population, but they were very polite. He said if it wasn't for the bombing damage you'd think there never was a war. On a side note, he said personal necessities like soap, toothpaste, ect were as good as gold.

[@tomhenry897]

I would be nice to an Aussie too

[@rachelar]

Tatemae, not honne. Like Pumpkin in "Memoirs of a Geisha". Aside, "The Americans are such b*st*rds", as she serves them sake.

[@keithammleter3824]

Given the Australians were armed, well fed and healthy, and the Japanese half starved and much shorter, it would have been good policy to be nice. But be aware: In Western culture, you show that you despise someone by calling him a dickhead or similar. In Japanese culture, especially then, they showed their despisement by being extra polite.

[@ryane3703]

Seeing how the Australians acted in the afghan war I'd probably be very polite to them if they were occupying my country

[@kathleenmcmanus8509]

It never fails to amaze me with the wonderful facts that you bring to our attention

[@Chuckles..]

Another touching WW2 animal story. Seems like the horses where well cared for, especially the two allowed to remain in Japan.

[@ekim000]

I'm thinking that given his rate of production, the good doctor isn't a fan of sleep. Both channels are absolute gems.

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

President Truman should have authorized the bombing of the Emperor and destroying his palace!

[@y_ffordd]

He has staff to help with production.

[@fordfairlane662dr]

Gotta love this kinda history..Mark Felton professor of forgotten history ❤

[@painterly_porcine262]

Truly - loved this account and the pictures.

[@calendarpage]

Another brush with history - My first job out of college was in the Smithsonian Museum. I was there when Hirohito visited the US. He was a marine biologist and my department presented him with a specimen in a specially made case. There are pictures online of the visit and everytime I see them, I wonder if any of the senior scientists were veterans of the Pacific Theater and could never have dreamed they would be in the same room with Hirohito. This didn't occur to me at the time. Only the scientists got to meet him. The rest of us support staff peons just stood around.

[@hkhjg1734]

old

[@AutomatedPersonellUnit_3947]

@@hkhjg1734 but cool, what you got ?

[@AutomatedPersonellUnit_3947]

My old neighbor Norm, may he RIP, was General Macarthur's driver after Japan surrendered, he met his wife, my elderly neighbor Toi, and they got married and moved to San Diego later on.

[@davidatovar]

Wow, That would have been like seeing Mussolini or Hitler living and breathing but everything is cool now.

[@CatnamedMittens]

Damn you guys met a literal former dirty and a war criminal.

[@josephpadula2283]

A worked at Stevens Institute of Technology Davidson Lab in Hoboken , NJ. One of my senior lab technicians there was a tall, thin, man who was an MP in WWII. One day he said “ touch my hand” . I looked at him strangely but did. You now touched the hand of a man that touched Tojo! He guarded Tojo during the war trials and had many physical interactions with him. He also told me he had no pistol in his .45 cal holster ( they had a covering flap then) as the were afraid one of the prisoners would take it and kill themselves or try to escape to get shot on purpose .

[@williamharris9525]

The horse was of American origins? Never knew! Amazing work Professor Felton!

[@jeffdalrymple1634]

I would love to see a video on Yamamoto's hitchhike from Harvard to California and his compulsive all night poker games with a young Admiral Leahy.

[@anttitheinternetguy3213]

6:16 damn, MacArthur without a cap and Pipe is almost unrecognisable!

[@johnmarlin4661]

Years after ww2 in 1967 I walked around that open area by the Imperial Palace in Toyko . No one saw that I pitched a small rock into the mote in memory of my Dad's cousin who served in the 3rd Marine Div. in ww2

[@garylawson5381]

Thanks again Mark Felton Productions for another uncovered piece of historical treasure!

[@garyhardison9265]

Thank you for a interesting topic, something after 40 plus years of being a amateur WW2 Historian I had never thought about. Best wishes and have a great weekend my friend.

[@joerussell9574]

I love these esoteric type topics of war Mr. Felton covers! Bravo sir bravo!

[@NateGerardRealEstateTeam]

This is history for those who love history. I relish the opportunity to share this channel with those who don’t know about it!

[@kensherwood4866]

Fascinating, some might deem it obscure history, but I and I'm sure many others find this sort of detail intriguing. Thank you Prof M

[@billythehillbilly7542]

I've studied WW2 for over 40 years and I can't find a better resource than Dr. Felton. My hat off to you sir. Lest We Forget

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

You need to study your birth certificate first!

[@thejudgmentalcat]

Interesting tidbit, I wondered what happened to "him" after seeing your videos. As a horse lover, I'm glad they were handled with care and respect

[@terminallumbago6465]

Referring to the horse or one of the people involved?

[@christopherwang4392]

This reminded me of Colonel Baron Takeichi Nishi and his Italian-bred horse Uranus which he rode in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. Together, Baron Nish and Uranus won a gold medal in Equestrian which remains Japan's only Olympic medal to date in an equestrian event. Tragically, Baron Nishi would die in the Battle of Iwo Jima while Uranus would pass away soon after in Japan.

[@Jermster_91]

Thanks for the upload. My dog might be put down today so I needed a distraction.

[@AutomatedPersonellUnit_3947]

I'm sorry for you, I know how that goes as well...prayers for you and your dog

[@kathleenmcmanus8509]

Sorry for your troubles

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

I'm very sorry to hear that - my thoughts are with you.

[@yosemite735]

There is no errand, like that errand. There is no moment like that moment. (((hugs)))

[@TXMEDRGR]

Professor Felton teaches me about things I didn't even know I wanted to know about.

[@Bullitt3401]

Yep. Jay Leno's channel teaches me about vintage cars/trucks in the same way. :D

[@stevetournay6103]

This may be my favourite Mark Felton video yet. Absolutely fascinating.

[@CyBirr]

03:14 the US and Japanese "...and the relationship became extremely hostile..." Classic English understatement.

[@larryjohnson1966]

That was some great History. Thank You Mark.

[@nodarkthings]

Absolutely fascinating, Dr. Felton. Thank you.

[@that85guy96]

Always enjoy your videos! I just spent the better part of my morning reading up on Harald Quandt. Could be a future video I’m sure. Thx for what you do sir

[@anonmcincognito4692]

Emperor Meiji's favorite horse, Kinkazan, was taxidermied. The skeleton and skin can be seen at the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

[@johngeen5633]

You never cease to amaze me, please carry on and well done.

[@shawnr771]

Thank you for the lesson.

[@grapeshot]

My great-uncle serving with the 24th Infantry Regiment 25th Infantry Division was an occupational soldier in Japan. He told me some things.

[@AutomatedPersonellUnit_3947]

My old neighbor Norm, may he RIP, was General Macarthur's driver after Japan surrendered

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

Major Shot?

[@bobhill3941]

Amazing as always. I never knew the story behind the iconic footage I've seen for years.

[@certinstructorron4050]

Love this channel! Thanks Mark Felton.

[@MrRyomo]

Mark, as a WWII historian my self, had to watch this vid a couple of times. Very in depth...I used to take care of 20 Pony's @ a trotter track.

[@nathangreer8219]

"My empire for a horse!" Hirohito, probably.

[@photomukund]

THIS is the reason why I am following your channel since years. 🏆🏅🎖️🎇

[@mitchmatthews6713]

I am never disappointed with a Mark Felton video!

[@Mis-AdventureCH]

Felton with the obscure of the obscure.

[@birdmanfree1651]

Something really off-beat and very interesting. Many thanks.

[@michaelporzio7384]

"It would have been a shocking and humbling sight for the Japanese members of the audience to see the Hirohito's sacred horse ridden by a barbarian"... worse, by a Texan!

[@ElwoodPDowd-rr4kv]

In on of Dr Felton's previous videos, someone made the comment that it would make a great ringtone for their mother -in-law.

[@aaronsauer6628]

beautiful horse

[@mikeohagan2206]

horses always suffer in wartime, at leasts some of them had good lives. they are beautiful creatures.

[@firstname2853]

Dr Feltzie has done it again. I can't get enough of these videos

[@wholeNwon]

And who is that?

[@Danekim_]

Hoping dr Felton hasn’t forgot about the anticipated Hess series ❤

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

I haven't!

[@simon-oy6um]

It amazes me how you get your imformation ,always watching 😮

[@michealgillman7418]

Mark, this as always is incredible...thank you! Mick

[@peelsherrif0995]

I read about it before but I am not surprised that Dr Felton published a video on it.

[@wonkabahr2786]

The Berghof supposedly had a bowling alley. Have you ever done a video on it? If not that would be interesting. Thanks for another great video!

[@167curly]

That is a very interesting fact I have not heard before. Thanks, Mark.

[@historybricksbyd]

I never knew that!! Amazing video as always!

[@sealove79able]

A great very interesting video Mr.Mark.Have a good one.

[@JounLord1]

Poor Admiral Halsey, the poor guy had a dream and unfortunately never got realize it.

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you Mark!!

[@mrains100]

Thank you.

[@fuyu5979]

Kudos for another AWESOME upload. U have the skill to produce another very informative n interesting vid with effective archival films n still photos. Anticipating ur next one. Peace

[@simonkevnorris]

An interesting and informative video on a subject I had no idea of.

[@johnwhitley2898]

Thank you again, Mark! I learned something new. I always just thought, The Japanese, and Emperor, had horses. I knew "we" had exchanged many many State gifts over the years, eg. The Cherry Blossom Trees, but never knew about the horse/horses. Kudos 👍😊

[@ricksampson6780]

I believe Hirohito's horse is a direct relation to Mister Ed.

[@drmarkintexas-400]

🤗🏆🙏🇺🇲 Thank you for sharing

[@AutomatedPersonellUnit_3947]

Thank you as always Dr Felton for more historical facts 🖖👽

[@MH-kc1eu]

Awesome video

[@BudakampungAsia]

saya dari Malaysia,, suka tengok video sejarah macam ini... terbaik mark felton

[@daystatesniper01]

Dr Felton ,i have watched your videos virtually since day one ,but where do you find such amazing stories , it is incredible

[@ploegdbq]

Tojo: My god-emperor, we now know how all our war plans have been leaked to the Americans! The horse *talked*! Mr. Ed: Of course, of course.

[@rabbi120348]

A guy has this fantastic racehorse, but as much as he trains him, the horse never really reaches his potential. So, on the advice of knowledgeable folks, he has the horse gelded. Now the horse is unbeatable -- he runs like the wind. Until he gets to the track. He charges out of the gate, he's ahead of the pack, until he just stops and walks away. The guy goes to the horse and asks him what's going on. The horse answers, "The gate drops, I'm feeling great, I charge ahead and then some clown gets on the loudspeaker and yells, 'They're off' -- and I get so embarrassed I have to leave."

[@davidvogel6359]

that's funny

[@bendewet1057]

🤣😅😆😂🤣👍

[@johnelliott7375]

As always you can get some great stuff and the rock solid facts and films to back it up.

[@cristobalroig]

excelente as always

[@mattblom3990]

Very interesting - Mark, it would be great to get a follow up video on Hirohito's (in my mind) surreal visit to America given recent history.

[@mattblom3990]

Including a visit to Disneyland (!)

[@nzs316]

At the opening there is an image of the horse in question and my first thought was, Arabian! Sure enough at 1.10 sure enough, those features cannot be mistaken.

[@cameronmccreary4758]

Yes, let's get the Admiral his horse!

[@orangekayak78]

Damn him and the horse that brought him

[@allmightygreat1892]

Thanks good video. Our high school failed to teach about ww2 to the general students. In one of my college prep classes with parent permission we learned about world history and ww2 slightly.

[@SynchroScore]

I find it very surprising that MacArthur passed up a chance to own one of Hirohito's horses. That sounds exactly like something he would want.

[@Exnem]

Hirohito also had a bust of Lincoln in his imperial library.

[@tomhenry897]

Wonder if it was a gift

[@mikewebber7553]

Good work as allways

[@noonehere1793]

Now that is award winning OBSCURE information indeed! 👍👍

[@pacificblue5461]

"The horse wasn't Japanese, it was American!" I was quite surprised to learn that horses could be Japanese or American

[@y_ffordd]

Yeh even horses get all nationalistic

[@chadhaire1711]

If the horses last name was Warren, the would be 20% American Indian

[@jamesbodnarchuk3322]

Interesting Dr.Felton ❤ horses

[@georgesims4372]

Thanks!

[@douglasfur3808]

Thanks for another interesting video. I'm in no way an expert in Japanese but have that dangerous level of knowledge to be a critic of pronunciation in videos put out on various history channels. Listening to you go through the names and place names in this video I heard no errors.🥇

[@McIntyreBible]

4:05, Hirohito's voice.

[@davidr1037]

Very cool episode

[@onelevel2346]

THIS MAN IS SOOOO BRILLIANT.. AS AN AMERICAN.. REMINDERS ME OF THE OLD WORLD AT WAR PROGRAM.. LOVE IT

[@bobbybo869]

Amazing channel, I've learned so much about ww2, thank you Mr. Felton! I'd love to see a video about the state of Manchukuo in the future, if possible, thanks. 🙏📚

[@josephosheavideos3992]

When you said one of Hirohito's white horses had been bred in California, all I could think of was "Silver," the Lone Ranger's white stallion. Namely, could the Fitzgerald ranch have provided both the Emperor's ride and the one used in the TV series. Another excellent video. "Hi, Ho, Silver, Away!"

[@davidcoleman2796]

I did not know any of this and I am very interested in the pacific war . Thanks .

[@nancyM1313]

thank you🎠

[@matthewjay660]

YES, Dr. Mark! Yes! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇺🇸🐎 5:43 Hey, Dr. Mark, BTW, non sequitur: I know a WW2 US Navy veteran who fought in the Pacific at Okinawa. He's still alive as of VE Day 2023. He's 96 years old. He told me and his grandson that MacArthur warned all Occupation troops that they would "spend the rest of their lives in Leavenworth if they harmed 1 hair on the head of any surrendered Japanese." My friend's grandfather also said that MacArthur first sent MP's ashore before he sent any Regulars to occupy Japan in order to protect the surrendered Japanese and to feed them. They were starving going through the Navy's and Army's garbage dumps.

[@canuckprogressive.3435]

It is my understanding that the emperor was not a warmonger. He had no say . Japan was under military control and they used him as a figurehead.

[@newmankidman5763]

Symbolically, Hirohito was riding on United States' back. You naughty comment reader, I said "back", not "backside"

[@timbrwolf1121]

For all that it is worth. Hirohito did a fantastic job of turning his people to the modern democracy that they are today. Even if these were not his acts alone. It was him as the "god emperor" that made this transition possible. Without him at the helm it is unlikely the japanese people would have so broadly changed course.

[@eze8970]

TY 🙏🙏

[@paulbeesley8283]

I think it was the late Douglas Adams, who said, "Things always look more convincing on a horse." You probably don't remember "Burmese," the late Queen's ex-police horse. It was so steady that when someone fired a blank pistol at the Queen, during a parade, the horse did no more than twitch it's ears.

[@davidsummer8631]

If you want to give a head of state a gift horses seem to be a winner

[@HRM.H]

The dutch also gifted the japanese several horses and other gifts. They were called " de eisen van de keizer ", translation, the demands of the emporer

[@davidtaflan941]

Amazing! The little know facts that keep me coming back for more. Great work Dr. Felton.