What happens
The Pacific Story presents an account of the Black Dragon Society, a secret Japanese organization that used political assassination and intimidation to pursue Japan's expansionist aims. The narrative follows Toyama, who builds the group around personal loyalty and is shielded by his influence after a prison release, and traces its involvement in the war with Russia, the seizure of Manchuria, and the rise of its members to high office. Its methods, including murders of officials and bankers, are described alongside its growing ties to the military. The series, broadcast by the National Broadcasting Company, is dedicated to understanding the Pacific Basin. The episode aired on 1943-11-28.
Japan, from the 1890s through the 1930s, with scenes in Osaka, Tokyo and Manchuria
Characters: Toyama, Okuma, Prince Ito, Kono, Kumei
Listen for: The account of how the Black Dragon Society's founding, its agitation for war with Russia, and its role in the invasion of Manchuria link to later political assassinations in Japan.
Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.