Shiro Kaieda, a highly respected navy captain, engineers the deliberate crash of his submarine, the Yamanami, along with the staged deaths of himself and his entire crew. Little do many know that this orchestrated tragedy is part of a covert operation sanctioned by both the Japanese and United States governments. Kaieda and his crew were secretly assigned to operate the Sea Bat, an advanced nuclear-powered submarine. While the Sea Bat project was spearheaded by the US Navy, it was financially backed by Japan as a strategic move to fortify the island nation’s defenses against potential threats. However, Kaieda harbors ambitions far beyond simply commanding a cutting-edge vessel; he seizes control of the Sea Bat and boldly proclaims it as the independent nation of Yamato. Kaieda strategically maneuvers the vessel in international waters, even launching defensive attacks against the US 7th and 3rd fleets. As tensions between the US and Japan reach a boiling point over the Sea Bat incident, the Japanese Prime Minister was compelled to make a critical decision.
In Episode 6, amidst a diplomatic fallout with the US, the Prime Minister opts to officially recognize Kaieda’s declaration of statehood for Yamato, despite the inevitable backlash from the international community. This decision, while intended to prevent Yamato’s isolation and prevent Kaieda from going to war, further ignites tensions with the US. As Sea Bat navigates into Tokyo Bay, Prime Minister Takegami, Secretary Wataru, and other key officials brace themselves for a pivotal meeting with Kaieda, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation with potentially far-reaching consequences.
Spoilers Ahead
Why Does Kaieda Propose A Japan-Yamato Alliance?
Kaieda, a highly ingenious man, knows his politics and has a profound understanding of Japan’s stance on war and its reputation as a proponent of world peace. Kaieda regards the United States as a police force for world peace. Despite being a multi-ethnic state born out of British colonialism, The US has failed to actually bring world peace. Their bigoted attitude to dominate the world has only resulted in an increase in nuclear armament, with over 10,000 warheads in the world. This is why he proposes a different solution for this problem at the Summit in Tokyo: an alliance between Japan and Yamato would help in creating a supranational military. In other words, a military force not controlled by the hegemony of a singular world power, unlike the United Nations, which is quite often motivated by US interests. Kaieda further explains that rather than being used as a force of dominance and subjugation of the world, this military force would be used to curb aggression by the current world powers to ensure actual world peace for all nations alike.
What Are Yamato’s Demands For This Alliance?
For the alliance to materialize, Kaieda proposes that Yamato’s sole requirement from Japan be the provision of supplies for its citizens, along with torpedoes and nuclear fuel as needed. When questioned about what Yamato brings to the table, Kaieda emphasizes that its contribution lies in offering reassurance for global peace. Japan’s alignment with Yamato would serve as tangible evidence of its unwavering dedication to promoting world peace. Long regarded as a puppet for American interests, Japan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Takegami, Secretary Wataru, and Defense Minister Sonezaki, sees this unexpected shift in the global dynamic as pivotal in upholding the principles established since the aftermath of the Second World War.
What Are Japan’s Conditions For The Negotiations With Yamato?
After a brief discussion among the ministers, Japan resolves to ally with the independent nation of Yamato under specific conditions. Prime Minister Takegami emphasizes the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations with the United States alongside the alliance with Yamato. He stipulates that should Yamato engage in military action, Japan must be informed beforehand, and Yamato must comply with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). Kaieda assures that Yamato will only resort to military action in self-defense. Takegami elaborates that even in defensive scenarios, the JSDF retains the authority to command based on the scale of the threat against Yamato. Additionally, he announces that, until the United Nations makes a decision, both the JSDF and Yamato will operate under UN guidelines. Kaieda agrees to Japan’s terms and conditions.
What Is The US’ Response To Yamato’s Interest In The UN Summit?
After listening to Japan and Yamato’s diplomatic agreement, US President Bennett makes a call to Japan to engage Kaieda directly, urging him to disarm Yamato’s weapons now that they fall under UN command. However, Kaieda adamantly refuses, asserting Yamato’s right to self-defense. Prime Minister Takegami swiftly arranges an urgent UN summit in New York, with Kaieda expressing interest in attending. Sensing an opportunity to neutralize Yamato, the US deploys Admiral Steiger to lead the operation. Despite reservations from Commander Boyce, Steiger insists that the US cannot risk allowing a nuclear-armed submarine near New York. Meanwhile, the JSDF mobilizes the Southern Cross division to repair and resupply Yamato, escorting them out of Tokyo Bay. In a tense escalation, Admiral Steiger orders a barrage of torpedoes aimed at sinking the Sea Bat, which is docked within the Southern Cross vessel. However, Captain Fukamachi intervenes, positioning his submarine, Tatsunami, as a shield to protect the ship from the incoming attack.
Why Does Fukamachi Attack The US Fleet?
During the ambush by the United States Navy on the Southern Cross, Kaieda reaches out to Captain Fukamachi, urging him to recognize the aggression of the United States. While Fukamachi still holds Kaieda in high regard and agrees with his principles, he expresses concern that Kaieda’s call for freedom may ultimately breed insurgency and chaos. Kaieda, however, clarifies that his quest for freedom stems not from a sense of righteousness but from a basic human desire for freedom. Despite Fukamachi’s valiant efforts to defend the Southern Cross, his endeavors fail as he finds himself outnumbered and surrounded by US submarines. Infuriated by the US attack on Yamato within Tokyo Bay, their home, despite the presence of Japanese vessels to prevent hostilities, Fukamachi is compelled to retaliate against the American fleet, catching them off guard with an unexpected counterattack.
What Can We Expect In The Next Episode?
The conflict between Yamato and the United States will likely escalate even further as both sides double down on their positions. With the peace conference in New York nearing, tensions will reach an all-time high as representatives from Yamato, Japan, and the United States come face-to-face to negotiate a resolution. The United States will try its best to outplay Yamato’s claim if Kaieda even makes it to New York. On the military front, now that Fukamachi has commenced hostilities against the US fleet, there will be further escalations as Tatsunami might become a victim of US aggression. Either way, Yamato now has an ally who might benefit Kaieda’s cause.
