History Daily The First Bullet Train
11 snips
Oct 1, 2024 Explore the pulse of post-war Japan as firefighters navigate the chaos of Tokyo's destruction. Witness the visionary journey of Shinji Sogo, who dreamed of a revolutionary train system during a challenging ride. Discover the political struggles that shaped the nation's recovery, culminating in the groundbreaking launch of the Shinkansen during the 1964 Olympics. This remarkable story highlights Japan's transformation from ashes to a high-speed future, marking a pivotal moment in both travel and economic resurgence.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Tokyo Firebombing
- During the Tokyo firebombing in 1945, journalist Robert Guylain helped fight the fire.
- Water supplies dwindled as buildings collapsed around him.
Japan's Economic Miracle
- Post-war Japan rebuilt quickly, becoming an economic powerhouse.
- The first high-speed train line symbolized this recovery.
Yoshida's Rise to Power
- In 1946, Shigeru Yoshida met with Ichiro Hatoyama, whose political career was blocked by the Americans.
- This led to Yoshida becoming prime minister.