Category: History

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Breaking Bad – WWII style

While reading The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan  I was surprised to read references to Shabu and Philopin (Hiropin), which I obviously did not understand.

A quick search found a slightly comical, blog post  which helped me understand :

  1. Chrystal Meth was first synthesised in Japan
  2. It was widely used by the Japanese Army during the second World War , including by Kamikaze pilots.
  3. Surplus of production during WWII was sold to the public immediately after the war – WOW

I have so many ideas now for a “Breaking Bad” episode…

 

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Questionable Exhibit in Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall

John Rabe was a German Businessman (Siemens),  living in Nanjing during the Japanese Massacre  (was also a member of the Nazi Party)

I will not write about his admirable efforts to create a Safety Zone as protection from the Japanese Army, as you can read it anywhere else.

For some strange reason, the Curator of the Nanjing Massacre Hall decided to add the following to the Exhibition:

Hitler Nanjing Massacre

Apparently, a document from Adolf Hitler to John Rabe is proving his good nature and deeds. Yes, same Adolf Hitler that planned the mass murders of 6,000,000 Jews! The same Adolf Hitler who started second World War which resulted in death of more than 70,000,000.

I have no idea what was the Curator thinking when he decided to use this, but I am planning to find out.

Will report here if  I will get an official response from the Museum to the letter I will send tomorrow.

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Atsu-Hime

We follow this Taiga Drama from NHK. Though I am sure it is not 100% true, it is quite fun to study about Samurai life, and for this Taiga Drama, the events that lead to the fall of the Shogunate, and to the Meiji Restoration.

Will try to write some more in the future.