Emperor Hirohito reluctantly gives his approval for the attack on Pearl Harbor. As Tojo said, "With war, if you don't try it, you can't know how it will turn out."

Through MAGIC, the US's ability to read Japan's diplomatic messages, FDR learns of a final deadline and a coming Japanese attack. Pictured are Ambassador Nomura and special representative Kurusu.

Tokyo and Washington seem to be making progress in their peace talks. And yet, the Japanese 1st Air Fleet departs for its attack on Pearl Harbor.

Prince Konoye's government collapses as Gen. Tojo demands war with the U.S. Emperor Hirohito then orders Tojo to form his own government, hoping this will cause the Japanese Army to be more cautious. Meanwhile the alerts sent to Pearl Harbor by Washington remain vague.

Dr. Vinogradova comes back to the show to discuss her latest book, Defending the Motherland: The Soviet Women Who Fought Hiter's Aces. This episode's sponsor: parcast.com/gone

As the various issues with attacking Pearl Harbor are overcome, the Japanese Military evades telling the truth to Emperor Hirohito and PM Konoye. And they, in learn, deceive President Roosevelt's cabinet. Please support the show by checking out our sponson,...

Washington and Tokyo continue their diplomatic dance but neither side is willing to give in. The Americans have broken the Japanese Diplomatic cypher codes, but so have the Japanese, of American Diplomatic codes. Then the Japanese Army finishes occupying the rest of...

With Washington and Tokyo trying to bend the other to its will, President Roosevelt seeks to strangle Japan's aggression in China with a trade blockade while Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto begins to plan his attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. War seems imminent,...

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Having chased Chiang Kai-Shek back to Chongqing, the Japanese Empire is still unable to get him to surrender. So, on to Chongqing it is, but events in Europe: The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland and then the war in the West will stymie one...