Japanese Defence Strategy & Rearmament - Japan's ambitious plans & lessons from Ukraine

Among wealthy economies, Japan has long been one of the lowest spenders on Defence as a percentage of GDP.
Japan's culture of pacifism is rooted in the nation's post-war experience and the restrictions on its rights and ability to wage war set out in Article 9 of its post-war constitution.
But Japan's economy is deeply dependent on the global security situation, and with rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific and the shock of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine Japan's plans have undergone a sudden transformation. Old taboos about long range weapons have dropped away, and a huge influx of spending aimed at overhauling JSDF capabilities is now being planned.
There is no change to Japan's constitution, and Japan's cultural and legal restrictions on the use of force remain deeply entrenched - but the capabilities of the JSDF are likely to change.
In this video, I look at Japan's strategic position and the present strength of the JSDF, unpack Japan's 2022 defence strategy, and what impact it may have on both Japan's capabilities going forward.
Patreon:
/ perunau
Caveats and comments:
Regarding % of GDP by industry - these are always fraught by issues (direct or indirect impacts, year etc).it's probably better to give a range saying Japanese GDP which may range from as low as 15 percent upwards - I apologise for giving the impression of false precision
While these presentation focuses on Japan's strategy documents as described - it is impossible to comprehensively cover their content. It should not be relied on (for example, to guide business or investment decisions).
I'd also like to note that I'm aware that these productions make heavy use of humour, sarcasm, Australianisms and irreverence - these videos are intended to be entertainment - but I do not wish to come off as being disrespectful.
I also refer to the re-opening of Japan in 1850s as involving a steam-powered ironclad - that is incorrect. Mississippi was a steam powered paddle frigate - but she was not armoured.
Sources and further reading:
Platform and personnel counts as per Military Balance 2022
Defence of Japan 2022 (EN)
www.mod.go.jp/en/publ/w_paper...
National Defence Strategy 2022 (EN)
www.mod.go.jp/j/policy/agenda...
Defence Buildup Program 2022 (EN)
www.mod.go.jp/j/policy/agenda...
JMSDF BMD ship:
www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone...
Japan deploys UUV
www.janes.com/defence-news/ne...
Japan to acquire 400 tomahawks
thediplomat.com/2023/02/pm-ki...
US, RoK, Japan BMD exercises
www.cpf.navy.mil/Newsroom/New...
Reporting on Quad exercises in Indian media
www.hindustantimes.com/india-...
Polling on Okinawa basing:
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/202...
Japan and US to expedite equipment development
japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/polit...
Sample (illustrative only) opinion polling
english.kyodonews.net/news/20...
www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/...
Japan, Sweden, & GCAP
www.janes.com/defence-news/ne...
Strategist article on build up options for the Japanese submarine fleet
www.aspistrategist.org.au/how...
Interview commenting on DIB margins in Japan
www.ft.com/content/9f1edb02-2...
Japan approves 26% spending increase
thediplomat.com/2022/12/japan...
Reporting on Japanese LNG imports
asia.nikkei.com/Business/Ener...
Reporting on the build-up announcement
www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1...
The case for Japanese land power in the first island chain - War on the rocks
warontherocks.com/2023/02/the...
Timestamp:
00:00:00 - Japanese Rearmament
00:01:38 - What Am I Talking About?
00:02:41 - Historical Development
00:15:07 - Japan's Strategic Position
00:21:43 - The JSDF
00:34:13 - Industry & Systems
00:38:18 - Japanese Strategic Thinking
00:43:01 - Building Up The JSDF
00:59:41 - An Alliance Driven Force
01:06:05 - Challenges & Options
01:11:41 - Conclusions
01:12:32 - Channel Update

[@PerunAU]

Thanks again to the Patrons who voted for this topic (and for all of you more generally that have helped this channel grow in the way it has). There is no doubt that Ukraine remains the critical security topic and needs to be covered, but I do think it's worth keeping an eye on developments around the world, as the wheels of geopolitics keep turning. As always, please check out the sources and caveats if you are interested (and the correction noting that USS Mississippi may have been a steam powered paddle frigate, but she wasn't an ironclad. Sorry that made it through editing).

[@architdikshit5527]

Thank you for the good content every week. Would love a video on India!!!

[@gregorioconti5998]

Hey great video Perun, I hope to see video like this on Italy one day haha

[@merrily08]

Would it be possible to do a presentation on Syria and the history of how they have gotten to the conflict today? Thank Perun for another great video

[@MarcosElMalo2]

Punk Rock Procurement Hipster: I was into Perun when he was still cool, you goddamn poseurs. You Johnny-Come-Lately Wannabees. 😅 😜 I’m still hoping to see Perun being one of the headliners at Hodges Fest.

[@shaunjefferies4043]

Why don't you offer any merchandise?

[@bow-tiedengineer4453]

Japan seems to have the general philosophy of "If it isn't broke, don't fix it, when something breaks, fix it so good you don't have to touch it for several decades."

[@Grak70]

"...but just to be safe, throw it out early and buy a new one."

[@visageliquifier3636]

I'd put it a bit differently. I don't see it in as any way antithetical, but two sides of the same coin. I'd call it something like fanatical conformatism. Once the decision of "we should be like this" has been made, everyone pushes full speed to make it happen. It may be a new system or capability, or an old one. It does not matter. Once there is a decision that the way things should be done is X, then X becomes priority 1. Of course it would take a lot to shift that opinion, so deciding to shift is not a small decision. The benefits had better be clear and unequivocal. If they are though, they're then pursued relentlessly.

[@macnguyen9414]

toyota kazien best description

[@jmass4207]

@@macnguyen9414 Kaizen calls for continual, incremental changes, not lengthy stagnation and breakneck catchup…

[@bobs_toys]

Don't do it, but if you must do it, do it properly. As opposed to the PRC ethos of: If you do it, dial the effort up to 11 on any image related part of what you do, but keeping the substance at 0.5 is just fine.

[@maxkennedy8075]

“I want a sports car, a Cruise missile, a highly agile prop driven fighter, some jet fighters, a warship, a colossal merchant ship, a modern MBT, artillery shells, a high performance motorbike, high speed rail infrastructure and a pickup truck” M I T S U B I S H I H E A V Y I N D U S T R I E S 👀

[@krissteel4074]

They also make nuke reactors, robots and orbital deployment rockets Which is basically the trifecta for huge wins in a robot space fight we all need. The old joke here in Australia when we had a lot of grey market-imported cars and someone new would turn up in some weird-as 90's turboshitbox was to: pop your hood and count the amount of things made by MHI under there. It was generally quite 'humbling' for a lot of brand fanatics :)

[@carlosandleon]

Mitsubishi is not a motorcycle manufacturer - Kawasaki is. But Kawasaki too make military equipment and aircraft.

[@carlosandleon]

Kawasaki Heavy Industries

[@dgs3002]

Do they still do zeros?

[@carlosandleon]

@dgs3002 They make fighter aircraft based on the F16 - just larger. Plus they are developing a 6th gen fighter and do have a 5th gen demonstrator.

[@yutahkotomi1195]

Japanese person here! I'd like to offer my thoughts and observations as a citizen of the nation this video covers. I'd also appreciate, if possible, Perun and other people who read my comment replying with their reactions to it. :D First of all, as a quick aside on the sengoku jidai, samurai is like a pop culture term in its nuance. When speaking more historically or academically, the term "bushi" (武士) is more accurate. Now onto the main part. The JSDF's existence is a legal grey zone, and Japanese courts have avoided ruling on its constitutional status, with one judge who ruled it being unconstitutional being overturned and promptly transferred to a dead end position. On how the JSDF even came to be, there's the fact that Article 9 was proposed by the Americans after WWII, but after the Cold War started the Americans quickly realized that was kind of a mistake and outright told Japan to establish the National Police Reserve upon the outbreak of the Korean War I. 1950, since US troops moving from Japan to fight in Korea meant that Japan was left undefended. And setting the tradition of giving military forces discreet names, don't let the "National Police Reserve" fool you, they were training with bazookas and riding tanks; kind of weird for a police force I must say. It was then renamed the Nation Safety Force in 1952 and finally reorganized into the JGSDF in 1954. I do believe that while the Japanese public generally supports the JSDF's existence, there is a certain level of disconnect between them. As a pacifist society, the Japanese don't think much about the JSDF, and even if they support it they only have a vague idea of what they are and what they do. Other than occasionally popping up in the news, for the vast majority of the public the JSDF leads a quiet, unassuming existence. It's like the elephant in the room, except the elephant is the size of a cat and everyone doesn't really care until it scratches someone. Of course, in recent times the JSDF has been covered in the news more often as the topic of increasing the defense budget came up, and on this point I have to disagree with Perun. As far as I can tell, support for increasing the defense budget is not a clear majority, but only a bit above the 50/50 line. The Japanese economy as of late is not very good, and the price of goods has been increasing sharply ever since the Russian invasion, and combined with Japan's pacifist tendencies, even the current geopolitical climate is not enough to convince everyone of a necessity to bolster defense. More to the point, the Kishida administration announced its plans to increase taxes in order to secure the budget for defense spending among other things, and on this point a vast majority disagree. Tax increases are always a crowd displeaser, especially in this economy. Also, fun fact about Japan's Izumo-class -aircraft carriers- helicopter destroyers, which definitely haven't been upgraded with a heat-resistant flight deck for VTOL jet operations and haven't had their bow expanded so it looks completely like the bow of a traditional aircraft carrier because they're definitely not aircraft carriers: The second Izumo-class 'destroyer' is named _Kaga._ Those with an interest in naval history may recognize this name. That's right, a previous _Kaga_ has existed in the Imperial Japanese Navy as a, guess what, _converted aircraft carrier._ It's one of the most famous Japanese aircraft carriers, alongside her pair the _Akagi,_ and participated in the Pearl Harbor strike, and fought in and was sunk at the Battle of Midway.

[@m1l3s27]

Very interesting, definitely appreciate the native insight. I was under thr impression those tax increases weren't viewed favorably either, so was kind of surprised by the numbers outlined in this video for defense increases and the poll numbers. Good to see that i wasn't totally off base there.

[@CrazyFarseer]

Thank you for the inland perspective! Your note about the history of the name Kaga is funny, in that whoever named it must have had that history in mind. Much like how you noted people don’t really talk about the JSDF much, this also seems like a similar open secret.

[@davevann9795]

Good information and corrections. Thank you.

[@jcrosenkreuz5213]

As someone that read a biography of Admiral Yamamoto, I heard the name *Kaga* and said *"What?"* for that exact reason. It makes sense if these ships are named after geographic regions, otherwise I'd advise them to retire the name for a few decades more.

[@Tecmaster96]

@@jcrosenkreuz5213 you should see the video of the Kaga flying the Rising Sun naval Flag (aka imperial Japanese flag as we’d recognize it) as it sails into Pearl Harbor. That’s always funny. For my 2 cents, if america gets in a big fight, those boys on the Kaga are probably gonna be there right by our side, and probably dying doing it. I say let them fly whatever flag they want.

[@Mrinsecure]

"Imagine two rich kids throwing $100 bills in a fire and whoever still has money at the end is declared the winner. The winner of what? Wouldn't you like to know, you loser." Literally made me do a spit-take. Thanks Perun.

[@luigilain5692]

"it had a great plan on how to gain an initial military advantage. what it lacked was a reasonable plan on what to do if the other side refused to give up when they were meant to. I'll leave the audience to make any comparison to any other modern conflict" that was absolutely brilliant!

[@DeusGladiorum]

That’s actually a really poor characterization of Japanese strategy during WWII. While some of Japanese staff may have thought the U.S. would give up soon after Pearl Harbor, many well knew that it would be in it for the long haul. They also well understood that the U.S. was an industrial superpower and that a war of attrition would not be in its favor. Japanese strategy was to knock out the initial U.S. fleet and effectively start with a decisive victory, wherein even with the U.S‘s production capacity, new U.S. ships could be picked off as they rolled off assembly lines. If Japan could keep up this position long enough, they could negotiate an end to the war with a stronger position. But ironically, this strategy was effectively never even tested, because Pearl Harbor was a major strategic failure for the Japanese! By not incapacitating the U.S. carrier fleet at Pearl Harbor, Japan left the U.S. with its strongest naval assets by far at the outset of the war. Only 6 months later, this failure would result in one of the most decisive naval victories in history, the Battle of Midway, where the same U.S. carrier fleet that Japan had missed then knocked out most of the Japanese carrier fleet, effectively neutering Japan’s navy and dooming them.

[@Shenaldrac]

@@DeusGladiorum This is viewing history with hindsight. The US and Japan at the time did not consider the US navy's carriers to be its strongest assets. Battleships were. The reason carriers were used so much and came to prominence was precisely _because_ they weren't hit at Pearl Harbor; they were all the US had left so they were put to use. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. The very notion that Japan could simply pick of ships piecemeal is also frankly laughable. The US has two major coastlines, the west and the east. Both at the time had substantial shipyards and Japan's ability to carry out operations in the Atlantic seems farfetched to me. And even if that weren't the case, the Japanese didn't have the numbers necessary to blockade the west coast and destroy every ship as it was being made. So no, it's a pretty accurate characterization of Japanese strategy in WW2. Their whole plan was "Have a decisive battle (whatever that means), ???, victory!" No plan for how to turn naval superiority into strategic victory. Any reader of Mahan should have known that that was problematic, that naval superiority and control of the theater doesn't win a war on its own. Much like air power on its own can't win a war, a plane can't hold territory. But Japan didn't really have a plan for what to do if they managed to decisively defeat the current US navy. And that was likely because they just figured the US would capitulate. Because Japanese culture at the time was one of racial superiority to an extreme that would make the Wehrmacht blush. The had invaded China, a nation much bigger than themselves and with way larger population, and it had melted before them. They expected, for the most part, that the USA would behave similarly. We didn't. And they hadn't planned on what to do if that happened. And the rest is history.

[@hungrymusicwolf]

@@Shenaldrac As usual the attitude or racial superiority backfires horribly, because even when correct it stops you from planning for the inevitable eventualities of war.

[@jirivegner3711]

​@@Shenaldrac I would add, that (according to my understanding of Drachinefel channel) WWII happened exactly in the moment, when naval aviation quickly gained ability to destroy largest ship (larger payloads of bombs and torpedoes) and those large ships were not yet truly prepared to defend against massed air power (lack of weapons and underdeveloped tactics) If the war started 10 years later, maybe even the large mass of aircraft wouldn't be able to sink supported battleships. In that case aircraft carriers could be kind of skipped by anti-ship missile carriers as the main force.

[@aickavon]

throwing my hat to the ring. Japan DID want to sink the carriers. The use and value of carriers was super important to both USA and Japan. It's why Japan retrofitted many of their ships to become carriers. While the mythos of the battleship (Which was fueled by the previous war's Dreadnaught), was still prominent in many strategies, the cost to effect benefit of an aircraft versus a ship was well spoken for. The vital role that US carriers played and would play in WW2 due to distances was also well known. However, the carriers were just... not at pearl harbor at the time. As for the Japanese strategy, their strategy was for a decisive victory and to have 'dominance of the sea', which was their plan and doctrine. To grind down any american will and to guard the canal as to deny american ships leverage to use their other coastline. The problem with the Japanese strategy is what someone already pointed out. America has a fucking huge coastline, two coasts to work with, and massive industrial base to supply it all. The japanese strategy was flawed from the beginning and wouldn't have worked. They were hoping the Americans would back down and that plan fell apart. What soon followed was a brutal war that the Japanese were actively losing from day one. In the end, Prerun's joke still holds firm. Japan did a stupid fueled by ego and misconceptions.

[@grfrjiglstan]

Doc Brown: “Oh, things are looking grim, Japan’s rearming itself.” Marty: “What are you talking about, Doc? Japan’s our greatest ally.” Doc Brown: “…great Scott.”

[@jtgd]

“Doc, Japan isn’t our economic rival anymore. It’s China!” “ Great Scott!” *faints*

[@richardarriaga6271]

​​@@jtgd Doc: The last president was Trump! Marty: The casino guy? The audience: Great Scott!

[@jdawg8487]

@@richardarriaga6271 Marty: How about the Soviet Union? Where do they fit into this? Doc: Well, Marty. In six years the Soviet Union will cease to exist and will splinter into several different countries. By the 2020s, Russia becomes the laughing stock of the world when they invade Ukraine and fail to beat them. Marty: This is heavy, Doc.

[@thomasjamison2050]

Not to worry. The US can always rely on Germany, especially as the UK is withdrawing from it's economic relationships with the European Continent.

[@swatboy763]

Oh man thats gold

[@aksftw168]

I was stationed on Okinawa for two years. The feelings towards us from the locals was mixed. Some absolutely hated us. Others treated us with an almost mild neglect. The best part was when people from mainland Japan would vacation there and be awestruck at seeing Americans. On more than one occasion a Japanese couple would ask if they could get their picture taken with us.

[@SirAntoniousBlock]

On a recent holiday in Tokyo I was in a bar/restaurant when a group of US servicemen entered, you could see they were carrying side arms, then were loud obnoxious and threatening. Maybe tone it down a little?

[@SirAntoniousBlock]

@@chooseyouhandle I'm not Japanese, it was the first time I was directly confronted by this.

[@dwadd7528]

@@SirAntoniousBlock actually carrying guns outside of US base is illegal. but some seems not care.

[@MrDK0010]

​@@dwadd7528 Those were most def MPs.

[@SantaClaus-kk8zr]

@@MrDK0010 Or a blatant lie, since you aren't exactly just thrown to the wolves with your sidearms while abroad. So either MPs, or a lie, or multiple people specifically ignored the basic protocols for US bases. That being said, if they were MPs and acting threatening and obnoxious, they wouldn't have been MPs since those aren't exactly known for being lazily aggressive, 'nor would all of them decide it's ok for them to be doing so. Or maybe I'm pulling it out of my ass and they are being legitimate and shit has gone downhill. (Either way guns aren't as scary as the people who might own them, and I wouldn't be scared of getting shot by an enlisted soldier in a civilian setting in an allied country since said soldier would be in the deepest water you could imagine.)

[@k22kk22k]

Yet another Japanese here. I'm very glad to see your take on our defense! I want to add that because of our pacifist society/culture, military is a very unpopular topic to talk about here. Although the situation in Ukraine have changed the mood a bit, it is still almost like a taboo so mainstream media will not dare to talk about it deeply enough to communicate in a comprehensive way. It's very refreshing to watch your thorough analysis!

[@johnathonyoung4799]

It would be nice to have both

[@haydnw869]

I wish we had that here in Australia more

[@arthurmoore9488]

@@haydnw869 Unfortunately, that's one Video Perun's already said he'll never do. Which I completely understand. Especially if his day job is or was in the defense sector, there's just way to much risk of leaking something sensitive. In theory, there should be a national organization to review it, but I'm only familiar with US security briefings.

[@ichwansuryono4555]

No self esteem... Hiroshima Nagasaki crying..

[@jamesdill2197]

Pacifist means a woman's world

[@funpolice4416]

As a Texan, I can indeed confirm that just as every samurai has his gun, every proper cowboy has a sword.

[@Darkfyreofthezenith]

See and this is why your state legalized open carrying swords. Like proper Americans

[@dinhnguyen2110]

Has it been folded over 1000s times and quenched in a ten gallon hat?

[@prospero768]

After all what are cowboys other than an itinerant warrior class of Meiji-era Texas.

[@IsaakSpy]

😂

[@garak55]

@@prospero768 They actually were kind of. The american west weirdly broke a millenia long tradition of itinerant, warrior-shepherd horse people going around and imposing their wills on established sedentary communities. If you look anywhere else on history you have the huns, the tatars, the mongols, the turks etc... you would bet the cowboys would have taken over the USA and established their own empire. It's a weird quirk of history really, brought to you by widely available guns.

[@Buzzdog1971]

I originally learned of you thru a game named Terra Invicta. Imagine my surprise when KZbin suggested a video giving an in-depth analysis on the conflict in Ukraine. In an age of echo-chambers your channel and content are a treasure. Thank you.

[@kyle18934]

he deffinately a treasure trove to find

[@shadowlord1418]

Used to watch him playing dom5 a highly obscure game. Now hes one of the best geopolitical analysts

[@volodymyrboitchouk]

​@@shadowlord1418 I wish he would do more Dom 5, I loved his deep geopolitical and operational analysis of the game. Most interesting Dom 5 game play on KZbin. Its nice that he brings that same perspective to all other games though.

[@shadowlord1418]

Yes i miss his dom5 games aswell but i also understand it doesn't bring him anywhere near the audience

[@Slapdab]

Ha, I went the other way. Ukraine analysis watched ‘‘em all, wanted more, started listening to the Humanity First play through.

[@christineshotton824]

It's pretty amazing when you think about it. In one generation Japan went from matchlock muskets, sailboats, and muzzle loading cannons to having a navy that defeated the Imperial Russian Fleet.

[@redman1249]

A fleet built by the British though.

[@MeeesterBond17]

​@@redman1249 That's absolutely right - however the best technology given to a military who are unwilling or unable to use it as designed (yes, Afghan National Army, I'm looking at you) might as well be trash.

[@ferallion3546]

Equipment means nothing without training and discipline. British naval observers, prior to the Russo Japanese War, stated that Japan’s seamanship and military discipline was at a much higher standard than the RN. Which is saying something. The Imperial Russian fleet was corrupt, lacked leadership, and training was few and far between. Their maintenance was terrible. The Russians were never going to win that war but par for the course for them.

[@tbotalpha8133]

@@ferallion3546 Also the escapades of the Russian Baltic Fleet is a whole tale unto itself.

[@bluemarlin8138]

@@ferallion3546 For more detail on the hilarious level of Russian naval ineptitude, I highly recommend Drachinifel’s video on the Russian 2nd Pacific Squadron. Seems like not too much has changed in the Russian navy since then!

[@barnwellmattfenn]

Minor points of correction: The ship that arrived at Tanegashima wasn't wrecked, it was blown off course and making a stop. Some Portuguese traders were aboard and were interviewed by the local lord. He asked for a demonstration of their matchlocks and bought them after being impressed. Hand cannons of various types already existed in Japan for sometime via import from the Ryukyus (Okinawa et al), but European firearms were much much better thanks to innovations like adding a stock and rifling. The 500 matchlocks were ordered by Nobunaga's father Nobuhide, and the order was so large at the time that it caused the industry itself to expand. He didn't get to enjoy using them much though as he'd die like 3 months after the order was completed.

[@WickedTkl]

That whole Tanegashima island thing didn’t just introduced us guns, but also a screw that came with it. A SCREW, 500 years ago. I think it is significant moment in our history because it means basically Japan got to see and could start from the very basic of all the technologies today, not like some other nations who just learned to only put pieces together to make TVs

[@robertsneddon731]

@@WickedTkl Isn't Tanegashima the island that JAXA launches its rockets from?

[@kennantjessavi7648]

​@@robertsneddon731 yup

[@WickedTkl]

@@robertsneddon731 indeed. That island could be magic

[@wolfi9933]

>but European firearms were much much better thanks to innovations like adding a stock and rifling. I strongly doubt that these arquebuses were rifled. While there were rifled arquebuses, handguns and muskets they were extremely rare and mostly for civilian use.

[@discordmoderator313]

Would like to see a video about North and South Korea, their respective positions in matters like global industry, politics, military on a macro and micro scale, and how a potential reunification might be achieveable.

[@Wasthere73]

As long as China cares, reunification wont happen

[@dylannagle2807]

yes agreed

[@UK_Hobbes]

I'm not sure reunification is viable under pretty much any scenario short of a DPRK total implosion, but the rest of it would make for an excellent presentation.

[@damonedrington3453]

Reunification is technically possible but it will be a multi decades long project that will put a major strain on the Korean economy. It’s very likely even if they “unify” North Korea well exist in a sort of country limbo where it’s part of Korea but technically not. It would likely require a lot of US help to rebuild since half the country is about 70 years behind

[@bilfbunter2248]

I would also would like to see a potential worst-case scenario of war

[@michaelg8193]

How can you even produce this powerpoint video's and read all the material beforehand chop it up into layman understandable chunks and at this high level for weeks. No. Months and months. Just amazing. Kudos to you, Perun!

[@flowerpower8722]

He said on an earlier vid he did military history at uni. Maybe giving some old assignments a bit of spit and polish? In any case he's not starting from scratch, carries more foundation knowledge than the average couch potato, and it would appear knows his way around a library for referencing. I agree though, still an immense amount of work and commitment to enrich our awareness of world affairs.

[@QALibrary]

@@flowerpower8722 Having studied international politics and military history at university I see that experience and research come to through in his work as well - there is not much I disagree with

[@kingkarlito]

coasting on filler episodes like this one today, leaves him able to dedicate more time to the more complex issues like his bling, lies, and corruption series

[@c1ph3rpunk]

He’s actually an AI.

[@micmacinact]

@@c1ph3rpunk I think he's a Real Intelligence 😄

[@jamesnoland3445]

I think a video on India and their complicated alliances would be incredibly interesting. As always, fantastic work.

[@turdferguson455]

the Caspian Report did an analysis of this

[@pieter-bashoogsteen2283]

@@turdferguson455 I think Perun could do it better though. You can tell a whole lot more in 1 hour than 20 minutes, also I think Perun is more clear in his explanations and better at citing sources than Caspian Report.

[@JoshDownin]

I've been desperately trying to answer the India question for months now. They are just so incredibly complicated that I think the only thing that might sort things out is a 1.5+ hour Perun video

[@angelarch5352]

Yes this PLEASE! I think i got a tentative grasp on it, but really I need the full PERUN version of wtf is going on there :)

[@ghulamwoolman7390]

I concur

[@olterin]

I never thought, before Feb 24 2022, that I'd be planning my Sundays around a youtube powerpoint presentation. Many months later, I'm still here and see no reason to stop this habit. Your presentation style is very informative, yet at the same time engaging, with a dose of humor that keeps the attention going. Kudos for all the hard work (to everyone involved in making these videos happen), I cannot really imagine Sundays without a Perun video anymore.

[@reppkis]

Oh yeah, I look forward to every Sunday now lol

[@embreis2257]

and Perun manages to make it very entertaining. the number of times I smiled or even laughed out loud as a result to the many jokes he inserted is remarkable

[@noahswanigan9350]

WWII In Real Time w Indy Neidell on Saturday, Perun on Sunday 😎

[@alexandermuller7142]

to speak for many people who watch your channel: There is definitely room (or better, demand) on the internet (youtube specifically..) for good, well collected and non clickbaiting content like yours. It doesnt matter that you use slides.. heck, i just listen to you (the slides are nice though). The declining format of radio could just broadcast your stuff every sunday at 10pm and see their listeners steadily improving again...

[@jimb9063]

Completely agree. Understated calm presentation resonates far more with me. Personally, whenever I see titles with SHOCKING!! or DESTROYED!! in them, I just don't watch.

[@irgendwieanders2121]

@@jimb9063 I would watch "SHOCKING DESTROYED", especially if it was an announcement by YT that these words in titles would be banned...

[@knorze1777]

A lot of the longer format and well researched content underestimates their audience and dumbs things down too much.

[@alexandermuller7142]

@@knorze1777 i guess you have to if you feel the need to maximize the potential reach.. if you don't care and just do your thing I am all in but it's not the goal for people who do that kind of stuff for a living.

[@anarsehole]

"Now Mitsubishi Heavy... I mean Japan," absolutely cracked me up

[@arrielradja5522]

Timestamp?

[@mariusvanc]

Japan is a far flung island nation, it requires a large blue water-capable navy even for just self-defense. An aircraft carrier capable of launching counter-offensive attacks to retake occupied islands seems very reasonable to me.

[@nickcharles1284]

Japan would be insane to go for such Rearmament. It cannot fight a war with anyone without going bankrupt. Much less win one. The idea is ludicrous. It needs to forge economic bridges and relationships, which it will definitely do with China and Russia.

[@PsychoEditor]

Especially by modern standards

[@madensmith7014]

The range of aircraft has dramatically improved ever since the cold war. So for a good chunk of the JSDF's existence, there was little reason to have carriers when every island was in range of an air base on another island. Political implications aside, there are the economic costs of running a carrier and there was little reason to have them if their existing doctrine was thought to be effective enough. The Izumo class would definitely improve their retaking efforts, any additional asset would, but it's clearly in line with the Article 9 reinterpretations, which is to help defend faraway allied countries like South Korea, Taiwan, and Southeast Asian countries which couldn't be reached with their air bases.

[@JohnPritzlaff]

I'd say 3 aircraft carriers and a ring of gigantic artificial island bases.

[@mateuszzimon8216]

​@@JohnPritzlaffthey have problem with artificial island part, Kansai have sink rate of 20mm per year.

[@andrewccobb]

I participated in a joint exercise with the Japanese military in Yakima in 2012 or 13'. They are exceptionally disciplined, professional Soldiers.

[@TokyoTaisu]

That's an interesting experience. Anything else you noticed?

[@michaellaramee1965]

A Sunday morning without a Perun video is a Sunday without a sunrise! Thank you for all you do!

[@acesw6124]

I see what you did there.

[@nuetrino]

@@acesw6124 smart for a skimmer

[@randompheidoleminor3011]

19:07 For those looking for further reading that technological masterpiece (not) of a torpedo was the MK14 torpedo. They were so babied that the training manual was locked behind a safe and the Navy never even test shot one before the war, and said war promptly began with 200 of those precious torpedos being blown up on pearl harbour, and those that survived proving utterly useless.

[@IamZim11]

Drachinifel did a fantastic video on the many, MANY, failures of the MK14 (which also affected the MK15 Destroyer Torpedo). kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4KYg6htj9qSZ6s Between the torpedo running too deep, the faulty magnetic exploder, the faulty backup contact exploder and the personnel running the Bureau of Ordnance adamantly refusing to believe/admit that their weapon was faulty its a wonder that the US sank any ships with them before the various faults were fixed.

[@boobah5643]

That's overselling it; the weapon was, of course, tested... but the testing that was done turns out to have been unlike practical use, and the navy determined it too expensive to do the more practical kinds of tests and practice. Nor was it entirely useless... although it's adoption (and the political ass-covering on the part of the folks who approved the weapon) undoubtedly made the USN submarine fleet far less effective than it could have been early in the war. I'll second the recommendation of Drachinifel's video on the subject. My favorite anecdote of Mark 14 failure was at Midway, where USS _Nautilus_ torpedoed one of the burning Japanese carriers, which failed to detonate, broke, and the torpedo bit that stayed floating was used as a makeshift life raft by the carrier's crew.

[@legoeasycompany]

@@boobah5643 They only did 2 live fire tests with the previous torpedo the Mk10 with the magnetic exploder and none with the Mk14. The magnetic exploder failed 50% of the time on those tests which is wild to think about.

[@SlavicCelery]

To be fair, they did fix the problems and it turned into one of the better torpedoes of the war. We should point out its horrible shortcomings and failures. But, don't ignore the improvements. It is sort of like the people who judge M1 Sherman tanks only on the initial versions, while ignoring all the development of the platform throughout the war.

[@ZTheLastViking]

Im just confused why you're not named Pheidole major. If they are native to where you live im very jealous.

[@adrianjorgensen3750]

As an expat living in Japan your analogy of hitting a nail with a rock only to then skip straight to a robot with a hammer is on the mark. I can remember working in schools here before Covid-19 and they had barely started programming classes, and barely did anything in the computer labs. One pandemic later and every kid from grade 1 up has a iPad and classes can done online.

[@tristanbackup2536]

Yeah. It's the culture they have, I don't blame them. Given how evolution works in things, not only do they play catch up, they go right past everyone, being better than anyone til the time comes, rise & repeat.

[@ashvandal5697]

Wait really? Then we do we have such an impression of Japan being super high tech? All propaganda from anime and manga?

[@adrianjorgensen3750]

@@ashvandal5697 it’s more of a why change thing. Combined with ridiculously powerful bureaucracy, and a that’s the way we’ve always done it, why are you disrespecting tradition and being disruptive by questioning it.

[@WWFanatic0]

One thing that always impresses me about Perun is how knowledgable about history he is. I'm sure some of it comes from research in preparation for these videos, but he clearly is a well read person with a real interest in history. I remember a year ago him apologizing if he slips up and used the Russian city names because of his time studying WWII at university. Not long ago he mentioned he has a finance degree. That would already be a smart and well read person. Then he can talk about the histories of China and Japan and with remarkably good pronunciation (remember when in his China video when he said "if he remembers his characters correctly" implying he is reading Chinese, not just remembering a translation). It's no surprise the presentations are so good when they come from someone with such a diverse knowledge base. I'm so glad that The Chieftain made a response to Perun's "End of The Tank?" video. I remember thinking that I keep up with most mil-history YT and didn't recognize the name. I was prepared for a sensationalist "tanks are deathtraps" clickbait kind of video like so many people make. The pleasant surprise of it being an hour long slideshow lecture on armored vehicle development, it's challenges, and possible paths forward is why I'm here every week a year latter. Be proud of your work, Perun. You started off strong and have only gotten better (especially in the audio department).

[@ossa9182]

I totally agree and would like to add that I‘m baffled by his pronounciation. I can only comment on his german words, but he absolutely nails it. I suspect he also does it in japanese and russian terminology.

[@nutsackmania]

do you not read books or something?

[@davidurban7346]

Yeah this knowledge is so easily obtained. Most people are lazy dipshits that don't care to learn.

[@davidalbeck811]

Agreed. One or two details aren't perfect - I was in Yokohama recently and happen to know that none of Perry's ships were ironclads, and not all of them had steam power. (Either on his original expedition or on his return a year later to sign a treaty. Also it's worth noting that during that interval, the Russians paid a similar visit, so it's not just "four ships" (or the eight that Perry had on his return) that convinced the Japanese to negotiate. ) But overall, the "summary of a millenium on one slide" was excellent -- could have saved me a lot of reading in college ;) and the pronunciation is quite good.

[@relaetsecyr]

I don't think this video was particularly well researched when it came to Japanese history and especially the Japanese arms industry. Kishida and his faction of the LDP have had aspirations of rearming Japan and removing article 9 for ages. The Japanese defense sector itself has been rather active for a supposedly disarmed nation since the 70s producing domestic MBTs and even rebuilding Japan's naval capabilities. The whole "conservative mindset with centralized power" mixed with frantic growth stuff he rambles on about is interesting, but I think it's a generalization that ignores the contemporary realities within those periods of time.

[@Ffourteen]

All though the samurai rebellion absolutely did use firearms, it is most famous for how it ended. The rebels were surrounded and ran out of powder, so they left their fortifications and made a suicidal charge into a hail of gunfire with the only things they had left, their swords.

[@bangscutter]

Hence the inspiration for the frenzy "banzai" bayonet charges when desperate in WWII.

[@raidermaxx2324]

@@bangscutter And possibly the much anticipated "kowabunga " belly flop, off the high dive, in suburbia american swimming pools everywhere! Maybe? no? too soon? moving on.

[@Zack_Wester]

yep and if they had been fighting levee farmers armed whit muskets that might have worked (dont underestimate the moral chock of a proper Banzai charge) to bad what they fought was trained soldiers whit good moral.

[@boobah5643]

Well, one of the things swords are known for is not running out of ammunition.

[@irgendwieanders2121]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banzai_charge#Origin "In the 1930s, the Japanese found this type of attack to be effective in China. It became an accepted military tactic in the Imperial Japanese Army, where numerically weaker Japanese forces, using their superior training and bayonets, were able to defeat larger Chinese forces. The Japanese here did not face massed automatic weapons but rather the bolt-action rifle of the Chinese, which could not fire as rapidly as a machine gun."

[@Dermetsu]

I'm glad to see Japan growing into an even stronger ally. It's good to have friends.

[@davidcpugh8743]

The secret sauce of USA hegemony. As hegemony go, we sometimes the good guys.

[@HT-ww3zg]

I would love to see a video on VietNam's strategic role in the Indo-Pacific - how they went from America's enemy to an ally.

[@davidcpugh8743]

Simple. They obviously did not want to be anyone’s colony. When they bloodied the PLA shortly after seeing us off, USA had an AHA moment and extended the olive branch. With China as a neighbor there was an obvious common cause.

[@greener2497]

vietnam is absolutely not that close of an ally to the us

[@coldwar45]

Mutual fear of China plays a big role

[@OrtadragoonX]

@@greener2497 More like we both have problems with China. And it makes sense for us to work together in a limited fashion. But we aren’t friends. Just antagonists to each other who both have a bigger issue with a different guy.

[@Mattsta2010]

@@OrtadragoonX Yeah, Vietnam is pragmatic. The French come from far away and will leave, the Americans come from far away and will leave. However, the neighbour to the north that we trade with has always given us problems and we won't be in their pocket. So we will balance the situation and let Japan build all the infrastructure at interest rates lower than the BRI (which we won't touch...clever lads)

[@jakeo6463]

As an Aus Japanese teacher, I'm delighted you put effort into pronouncing things as closely as possible. Keep up the amazing work Perun.

[@marvinegreen]

In '96 I was tasked to Sasebo where "Mitsubishi Heavy Industries" was doing a drydock overhaul of a U.S. Navy short carrier - implying a long history of JDF interest in carriers. Upon leaving a Japanese bath house with my Taiwanese American friend, we were approached by a patron wishing to practice his English language skills. The two ended up using written Chinese characters to clarify their understanding of one another. I subsequently learned that your average Japanese high schooler must learn 6-7000 Chinese characters to graduate - implying that your average Japanese can read a Chinese technical manual while the reverse is not true.

[@qtheplatypus]

It’s complex. Japan uses three sets of characters. Kanji are based on Han characters. While there is an overlap between Kanji and Chinese characters they are different.

[@boobah5643]

@@qtheplatypus One of the things I find odd about Chinese to Japanese translations is that when it comes time to translate proper nouns the Japanese tend to convert the Chinese characters to their Kanji equivalent and then just pronounce that. Which is why Zhuge Liang, a famous strategist (and rumored sorcerer) in China's Three Kingdoms era is known in Japan as Kong Ming.

[@TheNobleFive]

Those Chinese characters in Japan are frequently using a different definition than how the symbol would be used in China. Japan also has different sounds in their language and two other scripts native to Japan. China has many many more characters other than the ones imported by Japan. Japan and China have very different grammar. All that said, Japanese people cannot natively read Chinese writings and certainly not a technical manual. They would have a much easier time learning it than an English speaker, though. And would recognize some of the shared symbols for potentially basic bare bones communication as you saw. The symbols for "meat" and "fish" are the same, for example. But many aren't.

[@qtheplatypus]

@@TheNobleFive agreed also mainland China makes use of simplified Han characters that look different to Kanji. Also the meaning of the characters has drifted linguistically. For example a character in Japanese which means “District” in Chinese means “Country”. Which can cause tension when it looks like Japan is recognising certain parts of the world as countries.

[@Grak70]

The idea that a Japanese person can read a Chinese technical manual isn’t remotely true.

[@fusion9619]

The Philippines is the key. If Japan and the US invested in The Phils, their huge economic potential can make multilateral peace in the Pacific much more feasible long term.

[@LD-Orbs]

"The best time to do this was 30 years ago. The second best time to do it is now."

[@LunaticTheCat]

Indeed, and luckily, right now China is pushing the Philippines right into the lap of the US and Japan as they keep on pissing off Filipinos by violating their sovereign waters and exclusive economic zone.

[@ericmckinley7985]

Lol. Ok, pinoy. Definitely no vested interest there. Just keep exporting coconuts to Europe and domestic workers to the UAE.

[@knoll9812]

Only if investment in Philippines worked

[@abellyold4859]

The problem is that corruption, organized crime, wealth inequality, extreme poverty at the bottom, unsustainable population growth, insurgency and poor economic policymaking screwed Phillipines so bad.

[@kyuhotae6410]

This is perhaps one of the most informative and impressive presentations I have yet seen on the topic! I truly appreciate the attention and care given to the production and congratulate you on passing the 400K mark! There is one thing about the Attack on Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan in the forties: It wasn’t merely that they one day resolved it in their mind to attack the United States’ naval base at Pearl, it was based on a calculated if misguided decision to attack the United States in retaliation for FDR’s oil embargo, which under international law is an act of war, so you know. In Rambo-esque terms, it was we, the U.S. which essentially drew first blood, so to say; Japan took the bait and decided she would attack anyway, rather than to die a slow death by embargo. FDR and Pentagon knew exactly what they were doing, as we at the end of the day managed to grab both oceans and saw to the dismantling of the Empire-not so much as the Japanese Empire, but the British Empire, in addition to the Japanese one. Once again, thank you for your excellent scholarship and fine production! I look forward to learning a lot from your channel as we go!

[@davidgoodnow269]

I am glad to see someone else who understands that the U.S. war with Imperial Japan was planned, but I'll point out that it was planned by the U.S. Department of State following the Russo-Nipponese war that started in 1904. Military observers' reports alarmed the State Department, as the IJN could become an obstacle to the Monroe Doctrine. There's quite the trove of documents in the Library of Congress, if you ever get the chance. No copying allowed, and requirement of written permission for access from a Member of Congress, makes it very difficult and unlikely that there will ever be an accurate book on the subject. But yes, F.D.R. was simply playing a State Department playbook script!

[@macfilms9904]

I attended Waseda University in Tokyo in 1990-91. Waseda produces an inordinate number of Japanese Prime Ministers and heads of corporations. As part of our education we toured an automobile factory - might have been Mitsubishi, but I seem to remember Toyota. After touring their robotic production line, they quite matter-of-factly told us that in two days the same production lines could churn out main battle tanks - with different inputs. What was more a rumor, but what wouldn't surprise me is that while Japan does not have nuclear weapons, they do have nuclear power plants and a robust space program: the two necessary elements for a nuclear weapons program. The rumor was they have all the elements necessary for creating nuclear warheads quite quickly and they could be launched via satellite boosters. I have no way of knowing if that is true, it was something I heard while living there.

[@SlappyTheElf]

Japan, alongside nations like Germany, Australia etc if ever left outside of the American nuclear umbrella could if they felt the need and had the political will very quickly have their very own nuclear deterrent. That was part of the point of defence alliances like the USA has with many of these counties, to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

[@trolleriffic]

Japan has a long history of working with plutonium and has its own reprocessing capability. It also has a plutonium stockpile that is theoretically (depending on isotopic composition) enough to build around 10,000 bomb cores, suitable for either small boosted fission devices ( few tens of kilotons) or as the primaries in thermonuclear warheads. I've read various claims that Japan could have a viable atomic bomb in 6-12 months if it wanted - obviously that's speculation but the consensus seems to be that it's not wildly optimistic. The also have enough experience with solid rockets and large, multi-stage designs that developing an ICBM would be a trivial undertaking. Compare the Epsilon launch vehicle (3 solid stages plus a liquid post-boost stage, 24.4m long, 2.5m wide, 91 tons) to the LGM-118 Peacekeeper ICBM (3 solid stages plus a liquid post-boost stage, 21.8m long, 2.32m wide, 88 tons) and the similarity is clear. It doesn't mean that Epsilon is an ICBM, but dual-use designs of this type allow concepts to be tested without controversy during space launches that would cause a shitstorm if Japan built and flight tested an obvious ballistic missile, and the design is likely close enough to that of a practical missile that it wouldn't be difficult or take long to adapt it into a weapon.

[@knoll9812]

You cannot go from vehicles to armour without major equipment changes.

[@joshuachapman247]

"Start shit - get hit" is a great defense strategy terminology.

[@Kadwid]

The history fragment reminds me of my classes in Polish history lol perhaps no wonder that Polish-Japanese relations seem very mutually respectful

[@mrsnrub282]

Yeah it's really interesting how when the Polish government in exile declared war on Japan in WWII, Japan's reaction was basically "that's understandable, have a nice day"

[@Peta_CHAD69]

@@mrsnrub282 Poland: "I declare war on you! We're at WAR!!!" Japan:"No you do not and no we are not." Poland:"Why!? Are you saying I'm not a country????" Japan:"Oh no, you definitely ARE, but I don't want to and neither do you." Poland:" ……… :

[@ZetaMoolah]

@@Peta_CHAD69 lmaoo

[@srelma]

I think in the 1930s there were serious efforts to form an alliance to split the USSR between Japan and Poland. Didn't quite work that way and Poland ended up being the one who got split by two of its neighbours.

[@moritamikamikara3879]

Everyone sensible hates the Muscovites.

[@lifelearner47]

As a total ignoramus before Russia invaded Ukraine, I was so happy to find an objective look at different military aspects that was exceedingly well researched. I now look forward every week to expanding my knowledge in this domain. Thank you Perun, for your hard work , clear and precise presentations and above all, your sense of humour .

[@samdherring]

I find it amusing my nation's two closest military allies aren't our North American neighbors but island nations on opposite sides of the oceans between us. I hope Japan and UK feel similar about USA.

[@Myanmartiger921]

Three island not two Australia is also there

[@tristanrobb4998]

I would like to reiterate the thanks Perun gave to the subtitler and audio guy. Both of yall’s work help so much in making these videos understandable and enjoyable. I personally needed subtitles for the first few episodes I watched; it helped immensely in catching words and phrases I otherwise would have missed.

[@irgendwieanders2121]

Bump

[@knorze1777]

Subtitles also makes it possible to find parts in a video again.

[@st1ssl214]

Australian powerpoint man has 400.000 subscribers! Congrats and thanks for the good job!

[@Captain1nsaneo]

"They don't know where all the missiles are" But the missile knows where it is...

[@marcogenovesi8570]

Russia: invades ukraine China: looks longingly at Taiwan Japan: furiously building Gundam platoons at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

[@Mattsta2010]

Well, I think we can be sure thats the company that will build them 😂

[@robwalsh9843]

Mitsubishi built the A6M Zero, one of the most successful and reliable of WW2 fighter craft. Who knows what they can do in the future? I'm expecting Mechagodzilla.

[@Emilechen]

​@@robwalsh9843in reality, Japan spends more than 10 years but its Shinshin fighter is still a failure, when China has alreday J20 since 2011,

[@Emilechen]

in reality, Mitsubishi commercial jet failed definitely in 2023 when China successfully tested it C919, China has strategic bomber, hypersonic missile, anti-satellite weapons, electromagnetic catapult carrier, but Japan has none of them,

[@marcogenovesi8570]

@@Emilechen go away wumao, china's strategic B-21 ripoff still has to take its first flight and will need many years to become operational. China hypersonic missiles are vaporware that exist only in propaganda. Electromagnetic catapults are cool but far from crucial. Meanwhile, how are the beijing floods going? We know that even the emperor palace's yard was flooded. Tell Winnie Xin Ping that I said hi

[@dangarrett8676]

You're surprised you reached 400k subscribers? My dude you do thorough, unbiased, no bullshit, easy to digest videos on topics people want to know about. Maybe I don't know enough about how channels grow but I'd definitely say you've got a formula there others should look at.

[@mikeygigs]

To be fair, ALCM's were ordered in 2019. I think they ordered a few different types to be used on the F-35 platform. There was a report that the Kongsberg would start delivering earlier this year.It's a small thing -- absolutely great video! Nice to see Japan being featured on Western military channels. There have been a lot of developments over the years, so it's good they are getting some attention. Also, it should be noted that the desire to upgrade the Type 12, and other missile types reflects an understanding by the Japanese elite that reliance on the U.S. or allies for the supply of weapons is a terrifying prospect. Though the West has supplied Ukraine with a lot of hardware, Japan also sees the delays and red lines by Western countries, and that is a position they do not want to be in, at all. In fact, a recent report in Japanese media suggests that the U.S. is being reticent about selling them Tomahawks. Obviously, this is still all being negotiated -- but it's an important consideration for the government. And as an aside -- the quote by the General linking Japan to Poland is not just some outside observation. Party members in the ruling LDP embraced that idea in early-mid 2022. www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/japan-to-begin-receiving-joint-strike-missiles-from-april-2021

[@PrograError]

At end of day national security can't rely on external partners, it has to come from within.

[@Rellana1]

I was curious about how readily Japan would be able to acquire Tomahawks and such weapons from the U.S as typical even the countries that the U.S views as allies have trouble buying certain things on occasion from them.

[@mikeygigs]

@@Rellana1 it was interesting, because the government (Japanese) made it seem like the deal was done. There were reports that they had been negotiating for some time with the US over these weapons (before Ukraine), so it seemed like an agreement had been reached. Maybe those reports were a bit optimistic. In either case, the tomahawks were seen and introduced to the public as a stopgap measure that would fill the gap for domestic production.

[@Dennan]

well russia started fucking around taking land in 2014. so it might still be couse of that.

[@RobFomenko]

Japan has the ability to make their own tomahawks I bet. One thing that alarmed me with the Ukrainian war was Nations that have purchase weapons systems from other countries having to get their permission to export them to another country. Why I can see a reason for that, we wouldn't want a terrorist country organization being supplied with weapons that we made in supplied for another country's defense. However at the same time I feel like if I paid money for that weapons system that I should be able to do what I want with it. Poland should be able to give German weapons they purchased to Ukraine. They shouldn't need Germans ok. If Germany doesn't like it don't sell Poland weapons. But as Poland is learning it's better to make them locally if possible. I like the idea that NATO would support each other by buying weapons systems from the NATO countries while standardizing ammunition. Japan needs to follow this. While no one wants war, we all know that we have to prepare for it as the best deterrent. And not like Europe did over the last ten or twenty years. The folly of that has finally come to light. There's enough bad actors in this world for all countries that want to work together in peace and cooperation and trade under a rule and law based system, to make everybody aware.

[@bonekuhobonekuho2658]

I could listen to your videos all day long. Boiled down analysis, easy to comprehend, and sprinkled with very humorous comments. I learn a lot from you. Thank you.

[@chika4427]

As someone who specialised in Japanese history in uni, I admire your ability to condense the history at the start without getting too sidetracked. I really enjoyed it.

[@hadtopicausername]

The over 74 minute long video on a topic I never knew would be so interesting to hear about. You really are excellent at this.

[@seangannon6081]

This is fast becoming one of my favorite channels. I recommend it on all military related channels I watch. You’re gonna go far.

[@EcclesiastesLiker-py5ts]

"What should we put on the cover of our magazine about military strategy?" "Abstract paintings of water and flowers." "Sounds reasonable."

[@trevornewton2646]

I'm a Canadian who works in Australia and lives in Kazakhstan. ( 80 to 100 KM South of the Russian border.) I thoroughly enjoy your work. I look forward to it every week. Keep up the great work.

[@johnsmith-ir1ne]

​@@chooseyouhandle 😂

[@goodputin4324]

You sound like CIA

[@trevornewton2646]

@@goodputin4324 Naw, just a dumb mechanic.

[@elkoskrivel1]

YEAH BOY! SUNDAY IS POWERPOINT TIME! The video has only been up 3 minutes, but Im sure it's gonna be another good one. Thanks Perun. Stay safe y'all

[@fearandloathingmedia2051]

Japan must be protected at all costs.

[@shaneconnor86]

A very instructive episode for a keen Ukraine-watcher and retired military lawyer with a part Japanese heritage. Yes, a video of Indian strategic security would be very interesting, particularly in your inimitable style, please.

[@FeedMeFacts841]

It's really weird, but I find your voice comforting. I don't know why, but it is. Stroke my hair and tell me about how corruption undermines a military force.

[@elijahsnow3119]

Japan. A wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

[@defenstrator4660]

In a world of superficial and partisan analysis, truthful and realistic information that is properly sourced is pure gold. Your success is well earned.

[@skywise001]

"India isnt simple, and shouldnt be simplified." 100% true.

[@thruthewormhole]

America needs to change its carrier naming convention so we can have Enterprise, Yorktown and Saratoga fighting along side Akagi, Hiryu, Kaga, and Soryu

[@LD-Orbs]

Intriguing. If someone high-up pushes it, it could happen by the early 2030s.

[@Mattsta2010]

Not to be too Trekkie. Reminds me of the USS Yamato in one episode...

[@carlossaraiva8213]

I love the Mitsubishi gag. But there is a reason why Mitsubishi dominates Japan's home build defense materiel as they have done so for more than 100 years. They have the know-how.

[@darenphoon6452]

I like how has Perun gotten more views and subscribers, you can hear him have more confidence in the content he is releasing and sharing out. You can notice the change of humor and comedic timing to increase attentiveness and to draw interest in more. Feels nice to be able to be yourself and have people enjoy what you produce. And yes his dry wit and humor makes me love the content even more!

[@tonilogar5822]

400k + subscribers are well deserved. There are a lot of defense oriented nerds out there and we value your contribution to better understanding on how this particular part of the world works. Keep it up, please.

[@sherrillwhately7586]

Yes! India 🇮🇳 would be interesting. Most people don’t have any grasp of India’s complex political relationships.

[@pradhyudh]

We need to pursue peace till we have a super strong national identity from top to bottom,bay of Bengal to Arabian sea. The federation must be strong and tight.

[@Bill_Garthright]

The problem I worry about is politics (and religion in politics in particular). I don't just mean about India, certainly not! I worry about America under an isolationist Christian Taliban. Donald Trump was - and is - a symbol of the fundamental problem here. He'll eventually go away, but the Republican Party probably won't. And this isn't the Republican Party of Eisenhower (or even of Reagan). And what about authoritarian tendencies across the globe (often combined with religious insanity, because that's how dictators work to gain and maintain power)? There's a reason why Russia and China alike encourage those things in other countries. Helping us destroy ourselves is a whole lot cheaper than needing to to it themselves. And we _rely_ on our allies.

[@sherrillwhately7586]

@@Bill_Garthright The information war is global. The pattern is familiar just dressed in different costumes. Russian imperialism with claims to Ukraine and beyond, Chinese imperialism with claims to Tibet’s full territorial expansion in the 8th Century not to mention Taiwan, Hindu Nationalism, and here in the USA 🇺🇸 sad to say, even in my own family a brother who wants a Militant Christian Theocracy in which only the Military is entitled to healthcare and retirement benefits, the rest of the population can fall into debt servitude or even slavery… To me that sounds like Myanmar or North Korea… yet these ideas are proliferating in different forms worldwide.

[@hurrdurrmurrgurr]

@@Bill_Garthright If Religion was how dictators worked to gain and maintain power the Orthodox church would have more power over Russian politics and China wouldn't be an atheist state. American political parties has literally nothing to do with Sherrill's comment, go inject your irrelevant American political commentary somewhere else.

[@jgw9990]

​@Bill Garthright Every president since 1991 has been more isolationist, because the cold War World order didn't work in America's favour anymore. It still doesn't, so there will be more Trump like figures. The essential post WW2 order was that America gave trade benefits to Europe and other partners in return for their loyalty against the Soviets. The problem is most Europeans aren't allies against the Chinese and have no intention of joining them Inn any conflict, so America is giving Europe etc benefits for nothing. Since the 2000s America has been finding loads of fossil fuels internally, do you know what's worse than America starting wars over oil? America not caring at all about the outside world because its got oil.

[@ElementalNimbus]

Not even halfway through and already one of my favorites. Japan is such a interesting place for so so many different reasons. It clearly has already won the culture war of my heart. Edit- To be clear that is only partially a joke. As an American growing up and still, I'd consider Japan in our top two closest allies. Weird part is I'm not entirely sure WHY that is etched into my brain, just amused that it is. I also have very little actual notion of how that compares to reality as a whole.

[@LD-Orbs]

Not just your heart!

[@slipknottin]

I think the majority of Americans, at least those born after WW2 would consider Japan one of their closest allies. I too would put them second after the UK. I think you can probably make a good argument for South Korea being 3rd on that list.

[@not2hot99]

​@@slipknottin Poor, poor Australia.

[@happyelephant5384]

@@slipknottin Canada...

[@chickenmonger123]

Respect.

[@justin_5631]

Japan's military procurement is like me buying a new computer. Rare but over-the-top.

[@trappart9209]

I love your videos, they make me happier and also make me laugh from time to time. Congratulations on 400k and thank you! You are truly a phenomenon - quality content which we all need

[@anthonyoch8285]

Ah. Finally. Inner peace. Fuark this episode couldn't come at a better time. Thanks, Perun!

[@grfrjiglstan]

5:10 “One particularly ambitious Japanese Daimyo, Oda Nobunaga” Well, if that ain’t an understatement.

[@paulclark2947]

High quality output with a dash of humour. Great job all who contributed to this production. Thank you.

[@BigBeakEntertainment]

Pretty bold of Japan to name their "definitely-not-an-aircraft-carrier" the Kaga.

[@sambromberger2400]

Great quality as always, very well researched video on the Mitsubishi Heavy Industry Self Defence Forces

[@ticijevish]

I think youmeant to say the JAPANESE Self-Defense Forces of Mitsubishi He- Never mind...

[@akaroth7542]

Mitsubishi machine tooling is great

[@LantanaLiz]

Amazing as always. I can't wait until the Ukraine war is over and we get a full perspective of just how much of it was crowdsourced from civilians in other countries who have a bone to pick with Russia. I think this one's fairly unique, especially with civilians sending orders from Amazon over there at the moment.

[@americankid7782]

A Ukrainian unit raised around 50k by allowing people to pay for them to write messages on Munitions.

[@ElementalNimbus]

@@americankid7782 Ha, smart. Sad I missed that, would have loved to know a munition had something like "UwU" on it.

[@m1l3s27]

​@@ElementalNimbus Look it up probably has happened, literally thousands of memes have been delivered ballistically to Russian mobiks and Wagnerites. M777 shells hit harder with the power of memes on their side.

[@americankid7782]

@@ElementalNimbus I just saw a Picture of one of there mortar shells in a meme Compilation with "UwU" written on it.

[@voytekcyvr1936]

Congrats on 400K, this is a milestone and thanks for the content it is very well done!

[@bcluett1697]

Japan is the exact opposite of Russia. Everything is homegrown where possible and although they lack resources they maintain the relationships to access them and to keep all the choices going forward to adapt. Russia didn't even build up an industrial base to support mobilization. Instead they drove their manufacturing out of the country.

[@occamraiser]

I absolutely LOVE the fact that the Japanese non-aircraft carrier is called the KAGA! Thanks for yet another excellent presentation Perun

[@DannyHeywood]

"If an F35B takes off from a normal Car Park...Does that make the Car Park An Airport?" - Ancient Japanise Proverb

[@LD-Orbs]

Zen Paradoxes for the Modern Era.

[@tanyacharbury4728]

Thank YOU for spreading the light.

[@johnnysilverhand6045]

Perun we are truly lucky to have you. Great work mate as always.

[@tomking184]

I love your line...."Start shit, get hit". It had me laughing. Thanks.

[@basilbrushbooshieboosh5302]

I don't know if you're going to mention the point that i'll raise presently, as I've just started the vid. but I think it's a doozy. Whereas other militaries can spend and pump large sums of cash into well entrenched, decades old (or longer) militaries, Japan has a military that is small and without teeth by design, as a result of the pacifist paradigm post 2nd World War. From this launch point, Japan is able to, from a clean slate, look at what viable threats face them, look at the current and down-the-line technologies that can be incorporated, look at their resources and allies, devise ground-up strategies and complimentary infrastructure, and implement a comprehensive and integrated force structure almost entirely from scratch, with little in the form of rent-seekers obfuscating efficiency and delivery of the best of the best that their most qualified minds can design. The advantage of an empty recent past. Very zen me thinks.

[@eugenemasters6857]

Great job, as usual. Keep 'em coming!

[@One_Call_System]

Congrats on 400k! Well deserved. Every Sunday I know I have something awesome to listen to while I am milling around the house.

[@theetiologist9539]

Hearing their history reminds me of Dan carlins citation of some historian: “The Japanese are like everyone else only more so.”

[@s3m4jno5w4d]

I can't stand Dan Carlin's presenting style, which is a shame because he is a very good historian

[@687grayfox]

The world has grown more visibly frightening and dangerous, and the best antidote for fear is knowledge and understanding, which you provide in spades. I'm glad to see more and more people are signing up to get their weekly dose. I think these videos where you review the defense strategy for nations are just as important (if not more so in the long run) as your videos on the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, reviewing the strategic objectives and methods to achieve them of other nations from (as best as you can) their own perspective really puts these decisions into their appropriate context. This is information we would either never receive at all or only receive from an angry talking head with an agenda. While I doubt anyone from my neck of the woods is unduly worried about Japan rearming themselves, I look forward extremely to your videos on nations whose relations with the USA are more fraught. India in particular, whose decisions are difficult to understand and likely wildly misrepresented here.

[@emilchan5379]

I will be oversimplifying it a bit, but I think India's decisions become a lot easier to understand from the perspective that they want to become one of the players at the world superpower table, and that all their decisions thus far have been working towards that goal. India dislikes the US (for US support of Pakistan) but they dislike China even more, and they would happily work with the US in the Quad if it means kicking China down a notch. India and the US are allies of convenience, rather than any deeper ideological belief, and India knows that the US will one day in the future become their rival.

[@user-cx9nc4pj8w]

@@emilchan5379 Ideology does impact alliances though, and India and the US are more aligned on ideology than the US and Pakistan for example. The US could probably afford to lower it's relationships with Pakistan or sacrifice it entirely, and might if the Pak-China relationships continues or gets stronger and tensions keep rising, and if Pakistan somehow ended up being a Russian ally the US could swap Pakistan for India, which would be a very good trade.

[@ldcbossrob3938]

Look forward to your presentation every week! TY

[@paullakowski2509]

We all deeply appreciated your efforts and the quality of your words. Thanks

[@dogofwar1325]

I just love how you phrase things. "Make sure Uncle Sam is waiting on the sidelines with the chair." Top tier descriptor right up there with the F-22 "seal club" analogy. Also, if you don't think it'd destroy your reputation too much, I'd love to hear you on NAFO Even Rounder Table with the boys and pig.

[@Mahrac126]

Well now I just want a shirt that says 'I watch Defense Economic PowerPoints for fun'.

[@Alexandragon1]

Thx for the video!

[@XYZ-ft4hw]

These are amazing. Keep em coming.

[@jacobno7400]

Your humor and way of presenting data and information is something I look forward to every week! Thank you and amazing video!

[@b1air77]

Sunday morning: check Pot of coffee: check New Perun video: check Love the regularity of your uploads, keep up the great work Perun!

[@Eulemunin]

Been waiting for this.

[@seanthomas5303]

Your channel is proof that there is a real unabated hunger for in-depth analysis. One doesn't need fancy graphics with zoomy chirons or super dynamic voice actors with a sell sell sell attitude, just competent analysis with a touch of snark when the absurdity of a thing calls for it.

[@casbot71]

But does the military budget include R & D for battlesuits and Mechs?

[@samuelgordino]

Finally someone makes the important question.

[@daiakunin]

Fun factoid: we can thank commodore Perry for the term 'gunboat diplomacy'. Great job summarizing centuries of Japanese history into one slide!

[@GRILL332]

To your credit I don’t listen to anyone on KZbin with presentations an hour or more. But I never miss yours. Mostly because no matter what I think I know about what your going to present, you still always teach me about the subject. Thanks for your efforts.

[@thesolidangel3086]

Happy 400k Big P! I anticipate your weekly videos like no other KZbinr! Keep it up!

[@blackstone777]

I've said this over twenty years ago when the winds of change in Japan on defense were blowing: Japan has finally realized that you cannot be a economic superpower without the military to back it up.

[@wardogmobius]

Japan: "I will have never guessed that I will be fighting alongside one my history's greatest foe" U.S.A: " What about now being your greatest ally and world strongest superpower?" Japan: " Aye, I could do that...🎎🎊🏯🇺🇲🇯🇵"

[@LD-Orbs]

We can use more good friendships in this world.

[@wardogmobius]

​​@@LD-Orbsell Japan did make an alliance pack with the world strongest power in the 19th century which was the British Empire. Eventually both came to war at Japan's betrayal. My wish is for that to never happened to us since we have a deep relationship and admiration for the Japanese culture. Our fondness memories were affected by their ingenuity and creativity in technology and arts. We should defend their country for all its great inspirations.

[@edwardloomis887]

Japan helped the United States forces in a major way during the Korean War, and that event jumpstarted their economic recovery. It was the launching pad for Army units initially moving to the Korean peninsula, and sorties launched from air bases in Japan kept us from being kicked out of the Pusan Perimeter.

[@dagmarbelesova4284]

Thank you for another amazingly informative video!

[@BF-uh4rz]

Amazing nuance and depth as always!