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Sumo Wrestling
On this date in 1993, the American-born sumo wrestler Akebono became the first foreigner promoted to the highest rank of yokozuna. Here are some things you may not have known about sumo, and Akebono. Sumo is a wrestling sport where opponents try to force each other to be the first to step out of the…
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Japanese World War II Holdouts
On this date in 1972, Shoichi Yokoi, one of the last Japanese holdouts from World War II was discovered hiding in Guam. Here are some things you may not have known about Japanese holdouts, including Yokoi. Corporal Shoichi Yokoi served in the 38th Regiment and arrived on Guam in February 1943. After the Americans captured…
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Godzilla: Terrorizing the World Since 1954
On this date in 1954, the first Godzilla movie premiered in Japan. Here are some things you may not of known about it. Toho, the company that produced Godzilla, was originally slated to do a movie about the Japanese occupation of Indonesia. However due to a breakdown in relations between the two countries, the project…
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Kamikaze: Five Things You Didn’t Know
On this date in 1944, the first Kamikaze attack of World War II took place. Here are some things you may not have known about the suicide missions. By the time 1944 rolled around, Japan had suffered several critical defeats, leaving it with old aircraft and inexperienced pilots. An example of this was the loss…
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Occupation of Japan: 1945-52
On this date in 1952, the Allied occupation of Japan following World War II ended. Here are some things you may not have known about it. Japan surrendered to end the Second Wold War on August 14, 1945. Emperor Hirohito announced the surrender on the radio the next day, marking the first time most Japanese…