In episode 7, the much-awaited diplomatic summit between Japan and the newly emerged nation of Yamato finally took place. As tensions between Japan, Yamato and the United States continued to simmer, Prime Minister Takegami, accompanied by his key officials, engaged in delicate negotiations with Kaieda, the enigmatic leader of Yamato. Amidst the backdrop of global uncertainty and geopolitical discussions, the summit was a critical point for defining the future course of the Japan-Yamato alliance. Seeing the developments in their diplomatic ties, US President Bennett called the summit to speak with Kaieda. Prime Minister Takegami, however, took this opportunity to organize an urgent UN summit in New York, which Kaieda decided to attend as well. The newly formed diplomatic process was soon disrupted by the aggressive response of the United States; the deployment of war-mongering Admiral Steiger to destroy Yamato before it reached New York for the summit. During the ambush, Captain Fukamachi found himself torn between loyalty to his country and a growing sense of injustice at the unjust aggression directed towards Yamato. Seeing their aggression in Tokyo Bay, which was within Japanese territory, Fukamachi decided to retaliate against the American Fleet, signaling a dramatic escalation in the ongoing crisis.
Spoilers Ahead
Why Is The US Fleet Attacking The Southern Cross In Tokyo Bay?
The JSDF division Southern Cross is tasked with the responsibility of repairing, resupplying, and escorting Yamato out of Tokyo Bay. This bay, known for its shallow depth and being surrounded by land on three sides, creates a bottleneck at its exit. The nature of the terrain makes Tokyo Bay a vulnerable spot for potential ambushes. Recognizing this strategic advantage, the US seizes the opportunity to launch an attack on the Japanese vessel carrying Yamato, disregarding Japan’s territorial rights and treating the Japanese ship as collateral in their pursuit of Kaieda. As the Southern Cross ship comes under intense assault and begins to sink, Kaieda is forced to make a daring gamble. With time running out, he decides to risk it all by ordering an exit from the sinking vessel while it is still trapped in the shallow waters. In a heart-stopping moment, Yamato narrowly escapes being crushed by the sinking ship.
Why Does Secretary Wataru Reveal Incidents From Tokyo Bay To Hiromi?
Hiromi Ichiya, a determined journalist, has been digging into the secrecy surrounding Kaieda’s supposed demise and the Japanese government’s apparent negligence towards the tragic incident. As news of Kaieda’s bold declaration of Yamato’s statehood goes public, Hiromi becomes increasingly intrigued, questioning whether Yamato indeed possesses nuclear weaponry as rumored. Following the Japan-Yamato summit, she pursues an interview with Kaieda, pushing past security barriers. Surprisingly, Secretary Wataru grants her access, allowing her to confront Kaieda about the alleged nuclear arsenal. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Kaieda affirmatively acknowledges the possession of nuclear weapons, further fueling speculation and controversy.
Meanwhile, amidst escalating tensions in Tokyo Bay, Wataru devises a cunning scheme to discourage US aggression by exploiting the speculations surrounding Yamato’s nuclear capabilities. In a calculated move, he reaches out to Hiromi, disclosing critical details of the events taking place in Tokyo Bay. During her subsequent news broadcast, Hiromi takes it upon herself to expose the potentially volatile situation, shedding light on Yamato’s alleged possession of nuclear arms. She further reveals the bigoted aggression of the US fleet on Yamato in Tokyo Bay, highlighting the double standards of the American government after they agreed to meet Yamato at a peace conference in New York. Hiromi’s report prompts the US to realize they’ve been painted as villains. Secretary Wataru seizes this opportunity, convincing President Bennett to call off the attack by highlighting the potential for a disastrous outcome if Yamato were to respond with nuclear force, placing the blame squarely on the US.
Does The Tatsunami Sink?
Throughout The Silent Service, Captain Fukamachi, commander of the Tatsunami, faces conflicting feelings regarding Shiro Kaieda. Initially an admirer, Fukamachi’s perception shifts when Kaieda shows indifference to the death of a fellow crew member in a dire situation, causing him to question his captain’s integrity. With Kaieda’s declaration of statehood for Yamato, Fukamachi views him with disdain, considering him a terrorist. Despite his loyalty to the Japanese navy, Fukamachi struggles with his allegiance as Japan recognizes Yamato as a sovereign entity. During the events in Tokyo Bay, Fukamachi follows orders to protect Yamato but harbors resentment towards Kaieda for the resulting casualties. Witnessing American aggression in Japanese waters does bring about a shift in Fukamachi’s stance, who decides to aid Yamato, leading to a faceoff with the US fleet.Â
During The Silent Service‘s ending, Tatsunami sustains damage to its rudder, sinking to the seabed. Despite initiating the safety measures, the submarine fails to ascend, with its personnel facing imminent death. Meanwhile, Kaieda, surrounded by US submarines, learns of Tatsunami’s plight and takes decisive action to assist. Perhaps the version of Kaieda, who served as captain of Yamanami, wouldn’t risk his vessel to do so, but the leader of Yamato was a changed man. Ordering Yamato to fire torpedoes, they dislodge Tatsunami, allowing it to ascend to the surface by blowing its main tanks. Fukamachi experiences a moment of redemption as he risks his life to save a crew member, mirroring a similar situation from his past.
What Happens To Admiral Steiger?
Admiral Steiger is a war-mongering maniac, driven by a distorted notion of justice. Despite being perceived as a valuable asset by the US President for his uncompromising stance against his enemies, Steiger’s irrationality becomes apparent to Commander Boyce upon taking command of the 7th Fleet. Boyce recognizes Steiger’s willingness to sacrifice his own men to achieve his objectives. He even sacrifices one of the US submarines to lure Yamato into a trap, which ultimately fails. Despite President Bennett’s orders to withdraw the fleet from Tokyo Bay, Steiger disregards them, opting to disobey the orders by implying that Yamato was destroyed before receiving the directive. Steiger’s harsh approach to insurgency stems from a personal loss; his son’s death in a conflict zone like Iraq or Afghanistan. When Boyce attempts to halt the attack, Steiger resorts to forcing the crew to continue the attack, wielding a gun to maintain control of the situation. However, Yamato’s firing of a dud torpedo presents an opportunity for Boyce to take control of the situation, resulting in Steiger’s arrest.
What Might Happen In Season 2?
The Silent Service Season 1 ends on an uncertain note, with the US fleet ultimately backing down and allowing passage for Yamato as it makes its way toward New York. This unexpected turn of events leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering about the effects of these events and what it might mean for the future dynamics between Yamato, Japan, and the United States. The tension-filled standoff between the two sides reaches a tentative resolution, but the conflicts and power struggles remain unresolved, as the United States may never back down. Moreover, the international community’s response to Yamato’s emergence as an independent nation will undoubtedly be the center of attention. Various countries around the world will react differently to this unprecedented development, with some viewing Yamato as a beacon of sovereignty and freedom, while others may perceive it as a destabilizing force in global geopolitics. The idea of Japan’s remilitarization is something that countries in East Asia still fear, and that is another theme that The Silent Service may explore.
