Tojo's Timebomb: How Japan's WW2 Ghost Fleet Still Threatens the World (And Might End Up Saving It)

In an alternate universe I named this episode 'the morbid microbial oil morgue'.
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Thanks for watching! You're clearly one of the good ones.

[@RareEarthSeries]

Ignore Kata, obtain bagel bites: www.patreon.com/rareearth ko-fi.com/rareearth

[@WayneBristol]

I'm more of a burnt pizza rolls guy myself. I like them fellers crispy.

[@glbaker5595]

Well from what I hear the Chinese will pop right in there and clean it for you, I'm not for sure of where I saw the report but they mentioned that they were going in and in the name of conservation cleaning up a lot of these world war sites where there they had been designated off-limit or not because they were considered memorials for all the dead soldiers that went down with that ship, so memorial or not they are raping the oceans for the old steel to create new weapons, as I say I'm sorry I can't remember the side where I read, stay safe and keep aware of what's going on around you,, I wish somebody would do a deep dive into the fires in Hawaii,

[@Michael-su7ip]

werent bagel bites removed from shelves in canada?

[@RareEarthSeries]

​@@Michael-su7ipit is my greatest daily trauma

[@michaelmclaren7373]

We can ship North.

[@wyattfowler4868]

bro these last three vids on Micronesia have been absolute masterpieces

[@XSpamDragonX]

The content is fantastic I just think his conclusions are a little simplistic. It's like when people say the Germans deserved the minority of war crimes that were committed against them because of the ones their friends and family committed.

[@RareEarthSeries]

When did I say anything close to that?

[@TitaniusAnglesmith]

@@XSpamDragonX What are you, some kind of rabid Japanese warcrime apologist? Holocaust deniers do say the exact same thing about germany whenever the nazi crimes are brought up btw. Seems you probably agree with them though

[@XSpamDragonX]

@@TitaniusAnglesmith This is the whole damn problem. Nobody can even consider whether some of the things we did to defeat evil were wrong without everyone screaming that you must be one of them. Heaven forbid I apply the same standards to rapists and murderers as I do war criminals.

[@TitaniusAnglesmith]

@@XSpamDragonX War criminals? You mean the Axis? If you're trying to compare the legal attack of the IJN to war crimes you're delusional.

[@FirstDagger]

Those wreck shots are mind-boggling for somebody interested in military history.

[@RareEarthSeries]

Best collection of wreck dives in the world, hands down

[@Crazt]

As a diver, I'm drooling.

[@erinmac4750]

​@@RareEarthSeriesI'm not a wreck diver, but I can appreciate the history and the haunting beauty. Thank you for bringing this unique site and Chuuk to us.

[@stevejohnson3357]

Apart from Guam, Micronesia has to be one of the worlds least looked at places. And usually, when there is a neglected place, there is much to see. Thank you Evan.

[@IapetusStag]

I'd visit Micronesia any day, if not for the damn expensive plane tickets to get there even if I am living just close by.

[@TheBrainSpecialist]

People say that Japan has not apologized at all for the wrought they brought on the world during the second world war, but that really just applies to the government. Its nice to see that, even in some small way, Japanese divers, be they civilian or former JMSDF, are trying to help with this. Even if they weren't the ones who sank the vessels, it's still their ships, and they feel its their responsibility.

[@tankerboysabot]

Unit 731.

[@ParabolicBox]

@@tankerboysabot The people given immunity from war crime prosecution by the US government in exchange for their research?

[@bl5601]

A democratic government represents the will of the people doesn't it

[@gsurfer04]

@@ParabolicBox Research that turned out to have zero scientific merit.

[@UmbraHand]

@@bl5601In theory, yes. In practice, no

[@theoriesbanana]

It is an endless crime that these documentaries are so criminally underwatched. You are amazing and these stories will be an amazing legacy. You deserve so many awards

[@wojciechwilimowski985]

Evan is like Tom Scott with an existential crisis

[@sargis_02]

My heart stopped when I saw the frame at 8:36. Artsakh, my home... As of right now, it's been more than 9 months since its total blocade (or siege) Thank you so much for your amazing work Evan and Kata!

[@mariosebastiani3214]

What's going on there? Is there a blockade?

[@sargis_02]

@@mariosebastiani3214 Yes, sadly around 120.000 people are being held hostage, and no humanitarian aid is being let in. People are literally starving, because food supplies are dangerously low

[@mariosebastiani3214]

@@sargis_02 Do what you can to make this known, there's no spreading of information on this (it seems that soccer results deserve more media coverage, which is shameful). I'll write to our Foreign Ministry asking what our government is doing about the matter.

[@sargis_02]

​@@mariosebastiani3214 My friend, I'm afraid it's too late. All of these people will leave their homes in the coming days

[@mariosebastiani3214]

@@sargis_02 In the guilty silence of Europe all, which prefers to see Russia fail than lend a hand. Shameful. also, no answer whatsoever from my government. I'm truly sorry.

[@psychedellictoxin1195]

Always an incredibly in depth video. I love each one as much as the last. "Happily enjoying barrel 17 and some Aussie moves you to barrel 32." HAHAHA

[@tiobetio9501]

" in depth video", no pun intended.

[@jhfdhgvnbjm75]

Theres a similar issue in the north/Baltic seas with German vessels which sank, only they contained synthetic bunker oil derived from coal which apparently is much more toxic than normal oils and are far too deep to dive :(

[@suvajeetdatta1220]

I believe it's a cliche to ask, but maybe consider a series in India? Especially in the tragically ignored North East.

[@RareEarthSeries]

Would love to. I've been building up to India, but it's an intimidating level of research for such a massive nation of great historical complexity and depth. It's high on my list for sure, particularly the northeast.

[@seanryan9193]

@@RareEarthSeriesperhaps a series on Native American reservations in the US and Canada?

[@RareEarthSeries]

@@seanryan9193 I don't feel the US is unsung enough for this series, and in Canada I might do one locally at some point but likely not as a season.

[@kabir3510]

Holy shit dude that would be awesome.

[@kwisin1337]

Thank you, Japan. The clean-up is so very important for everyone to appreciate. ❤

[@georgecurtis6463]

Back in the 50s and 60s you could still see plenty of masts sticking out of the water. Now all rusted off. In the late 60s i saw pics of the bombing or attack that occured. Those guys were looking for a lost submarine. From what i learned, they did find it but i was gone. And yes, i have seen oil blobs in the water.

[@Timmycoo]

These few eps on Micronesia make me tear up a bit by the way you present it. I've learned so much I was ignorant to before and it's heartbreaking to see/hear what happened in the past still affects us now and how we approach it. The WWII vets from Japan doing that was great. I just feel so bad for the inhabitants of these islands. Ugh. Also I heard about that bacteria that can break down oil being repurposed somehow for oil spills. That and some algae. Dunno how successful.

[@Britishmajestic]

I love everything about your videos - your prose, camera shots, stories. Please keep producing exceptional content like this.

[@TheAlps36]

When Evan did the intro at the beginning I was worried that Japan was going to start drilling for oil near Chuuk. Instead it was an inspiring story of evolutionary microbiology and international cooperation both at civilian and government level ❤❤

[@colinmartin9797]

My mom dove on every single accessible wreck in that lagoon back in the 70s as a NAUI dive master and instructor. People picked them pretty clean by even then.

[@RicAdbur]

This has got to be the most underappreciated channel on youtube.

[@scottparrott]

Crazy! Yesterday I just went through my stacks of pictures from my dive trip to Chuuk (Truk Lagoon) in 2008 and today this video pops up in my feed. Great memories, great video!

[@zuo3063]

Just like every other release this is top notch content! Some of the very best out there. Your videos never fail to inform and always illustrate your thoughtful and stimulating view of a subject.

[@reginaldlarsen274]

Very thoughtful and intriguing content. Well presented.

[@CapitulationTrader]

Stunningly good (meaning important) video. Excellent work. Thanks

[@scottwooster4102]

You are an amazing eloquent speaker. Please keep doing this.

[@jacobprice2579]

I’m so glad I found this channel. Fantastic content!

[@DrJamez]

Thanks for your video. Your respect and storytelling is appreciated

[@MarieWest-tbic]

Good episode! Very quality! Thank you!

[@adamshilling170]

You took me on an emotional journey so quickly. Well done and thank you for the knowledge.

[@GuntherRommel]

".. The Sun can still Rise, even after it sets.." Where do you get these lines? That was so beautiful. Once more, the two of you brought tears to my eyes.

[@petrepiscoi]

this guys are just great! one of the best chanels on youtube! Thanks for the new content!

[@KitsGravity]

Such nuanced videos. Great work as always. Keep it up, Evan! I wish I could support the channel further with Patreon. Love from India ❤

[@RareEarthSeries]

I'm just happy you're here watching. Thanks dude!

[@jairusmaximus]

Man your writing is something else, so inspiring, charming and sweet while being serious.

[@DrJamez]

Wow. I am continually blown away by your videos.

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. Subscribed.

[@threemothers]

This was a touching clip to watch. All I can also say is THANK YOU 🙏🏾

[@geridannels1701]

Thank you, again, for another amazing show.

[@CoLinearProductions]

3 Episodes in a row. Thank you! My favorite modern storyteller

[@artgatherer3477]

Great video!

[@mothspine4934]

Please continue Rare Earth for as long as possible - the world has too many beautiful stories to tell and I think you're a stellar storyteller.

[@SuperMadman41]

Thanks for the vid

[@derhesligebonsaibaum]

Very strong video and the credits are a pleasure to read :P

[@WestCoastWheelman]

This channel is criminally under viewed, these mini-docs are amazing!

[@panicatthecostcofoodcourt6920]

Awesome video

[@jayspray99]

Truly awed by this video for many reasons. A ten minute masterwork

[@sotpunkkatt158]

Thank you for a great video and for the supplemental material. You are hitting everything in my students curriculum with this video. I hope my students like this. Regards, teacher from Sweden.

[@congruentcrib]

Coming back to pick up the destruction caused by your loss in a war… that’s honorable. It’s losing a war, but winning a battle

[@OllamhDrab]

Makes me wonder if we could build something to make the cleanup easier, maybe even just an equipment locker that could be down there with a load of compressed gas inflatables to float bags to the surface and save the highly-trained divers some schlepping. (Also I wonder if the transplanted oil-eaters might evolve to new fuel mixes if they were, say, mixed together and distributed. Hrm. )

[@contrafax]

Thank you for telling their story.

[@ricardocosson1105]

your videos are flawless jewels

[@Cybernaut551]

Kudos to your report.

[@jamesonpace726]

Awesome, as always....

[@anotheret1064]

these documentaries are a treasure

[@EldritchNoise]

I hate being that guy sometimes, but makes me wanna go back and check if any of the clean up crews for land mines in places like Laos have any American’s helping out. The thing is, I don’t want to, because I think I know the answer. Constant lurker, have nothing of substance to add, really. Just wanted to say I’m super happy the series has come back like it has since the pandemic and much deserved break. One of my all time favorite series, KZbin or otherwise.

[@jordanhicks5131]

You dont know that Americans lead the world in demining efforts do you?

[@ChrisS1mp]

I'm imagining those bacteria like snooty sommeliers. I grew up drinking Barrel 2 which is a great vintage and it's light fruity flavour goes well with fish. Barrel 6 is divine but I couldn't drink another drop, not without pairing it with a red meat.

[@stephenwright414]

Another good episode.

[@chuckygobyebye]

Love the end-title card as always.

[@marcoprates1936]

Let me know when you´re coming to Brazil. I'm a Director of Photography and also a Storyteller. Would love to help you make the video. Keep it up! You´re inspiring many to do the same for the world.

[@Doewiebele]

Thank you

[@Dragon.7722]

Bruh, i just realized RareEarth is the old Chris Hadfield channel i subscriped in 2013. My mind is fucking blown.

[@NeoMorphUK]

Reminds me of a sci-fi novel I read in my youth. “Mutant 59: The Plastic Eater”.

[@v6math]

Great video. As a resident of Micronesia, I would like to inform you that the island group is pronounced as if it were spelled Chook. Or, if you will, with a long u.

[@supaflylob]

"history isnt in the past, its in the waves" holy shit thats deep

[@adamr141983]

Thanks!

[@curiousworld7912]

What a great story. It's good to hear of those who take accountability for past behavior (even those not directly involved), and the wonderful discovery made. I wish the Chuuk people, and those helping 'defuse' this situation, well.

[@nattiecraft]

I love this channel so much

[@mat1988ize]

What a closing statement! 👏 👏 👏

[@josephpadula2283]

The small drums on the decks are not the issue ! The internal tanks each ship had is full of thousands of Tons of bunker fuel the worst type for a spill as it does not evaporate in air like gasoline, diesel or even crude does.

[@loricrane5315]

Really enjoying these videos

[@fakechemicals]

It's a far more admirable display of pride to show the humility needed to admit to ones mistakes, and far far more admirable a pride to make up for the mistakes of ones elders.

[@spitfirered]

Thank You For The Truth Rare Earth!

[@j.f.fisher5318]

Thank you for your great work

[@PAPOOSELAKESURFER]

During WW2 after a naval battle it took a couple weeks for ocean bacteria to digest bunker oil into food for plankton. Offshore California oil seeps are immediately digested and not pollution.

[@Crazt]

You really know how to set a scene.

[@promiscuous675]

Thank you.

[@lirothen]

it's incredible to see the connection between this bacteria I remember hearing about years ago and the history of WW2.

[@RareEarthSeries]

The bacteria is one of a variety already known, but this specific variant aimed towards WW2 wreck oil is new.

[@danielschein6845]

These Chuuk lagoon episodes are your best so far. Thank you.

[@RareEarthSeries]

Glad you're liking them Daniel

[@mossfloss]

It took me this second video to realize that "Chuuk" is what was commonly known as "Truk" Lagoon.

[@kranzonguam]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Greetings from Guam!

[@zengeki23]

all i heard from this video was a "bacteria that can eat oil", and I immediately thought is that line from Jurassic Park, "Nature Always finds a Way".

[@jaycarey3863]

That Video was awesome he brought me to tears I would love to go there and help recover the oil bag by bag it looks like such an amazing place and I have to go there before I die

[@erinmac4750]

These videos are poignant and eye opening. So many who've had nothing to do with the quarrels of faraway rulers have suffered much because of them. I hope that this effort to clean up continues long into the future for Chuuk. Would that other's would do the same in areas their country damaged. 💜🌏🌎🌍🍀

[@killercaos123]

It was a vital moment this past World Cup that the Japanese fans after the game was complete would stick around to clean up after themselves. Because apparently they just do that sort of stuff

[@MichaelDonovan-cm2ti]

That last line was incredible, the full circle and poetry of it! Please come to the middle east sometime, Bahrain has so many stories to tell 😊

[@rorysparshott4223]

Evan honestly makes me angry at how indescribably wonderful he is.

[@arthurlyng8522]

Did anyone forget that oil is a naturally occurring resource and the ocean can and does render it inert or not a threat to the environment. The earth oozes oil all the time and nature is able to neutralize it.Yes,bacteria is one of the ways the earth cleanses the environment. Great video and well done,thank you for presenting so many accurate and informative videos, and cleanses

[@nochepatada]

"We were only trying to help" said bacteria in response to a Canadian who called them lazy

[@UninstallingWindows]

Now, imagine a weaponized version of that bacteria that gets out of control. We would have news like "oil prices are at an all time which due to a bacterial infestation in the largest oil depo of the country. The infestation has spread via tanker fleet into all the major harbors"

[@zagray2305]

Hey there mr. Rare earth, long time watcher and I intend to remain a dedicated disciple of your absolute god damn banger of a channel. I cannot express how high of a bar you are setting for other creators. it’s simply amazing how well you can gain my attention for the entirety of the video with your eloquence and direct manor in which you speak. You’re an inspiration to myself and I’m just entertained by you doing pull ups on the bar you set way way higher then my other KZbin subscriptions. Peace be with you, live long and prosper.

[@nunyabidniz2868]

Inverted funnel, big hose. Boat moored on surface above wreck. Put funnel over can, open lid, vacuum up oil at the surface and send to refinery. Got to be quicker and more profitable than bringing it up bag by bag. I can't be the only one who sees this.

[@daggaboom]

Wow is this channel a breath of fresh air. I hope your future scandal/cancellation isn’t too heinous.

[@thelaughingtiger146]

Evan, you give me a glimmer of hope for this world. Can you please look into the plight of the penguins in Antarctica!!! People must be aware of the havoc we wreak on our environment and fellow creatures.

[@kennyhagan5781]

JAQUES COUSTEAU warned us about the risks back in the early 70s when he filmed there.

[@Poverty-Tier]

1:12 sounds like the specter of Japanese rearmament.

[@civirebel]

"Kind of like me with bagel bites, I suppose, as disgusting as their childhood food might be to their little bacteria wives" 🤣😂

[@captainmichaelpmccarthy5290]

There has been bacteria eating oil for many years. Exxon Valdex is an example. Its not perfect but it helps.

[@sixstringedthing]

Enjoyed watching this on Nebula, they really need to implement a comment section though! It's kind of crazy how hard Mother Nature is trying to help us stop screwing this place up, but we collectively keep fighting her in so many ways. It's always encouraging to learn about some group of determined people of good conscience who are out there trying to reverse the trends by any means possible.

[@dankyjoker]

You humans and your hubris about how we effect the planet is mind boggling. We are such a speck and the things we leave and naught but atom sized blemishes. Earth was fine as a lifeless iceball for 400 million years. A few barrels of oil (that were part of of earth before it was in a barrel) will go back to the Earth. Just say the real truth, you are scared that your nice little slice of the planet might make it uncomfortable for you if it's full of crap and slop. Behind every person who screams save the planet is a scared little human begging God to keep the status quo for our own benefit.

[@justingabriele3881]

I might’ve commented something along the lines of “how dare you thank them” if I didn’t read the credits

[@petefluffy7420]

What was the ghost fleet, I have never hear the term before now ?

[@2MeterLP]

Why are they taking the oil bag by bag, though? Can they not just bring a long hose down there and pump all of it into a tanker?

[@simonabunker]

Are there high explosives down there too?

[@christiangibbs8534]

“Life finds a way.” Dr. Ian Malcolm