Japan's Longest Day - Softcover

The Pacific War Research Society

Softcover

ISBN 10: 4770028873 ISBN 13: 9784770028877

Publisher: Kodansha USA, 2002

Synopsis

Many books have been written about Japan's surrender in World War II, but the definitive story can only be told by the Japanese themselves. This brilliant reconstruction of the bitter hours preceding the surrender announcement of Emperor Hirohito is based on material compiled by the Pacific War Research Society, a panel of distinguished Japanese authors and journalists. In minute and vivid detail it relates the history-making events of the brief twenty-four-hour period before the Emperor's broadcast that changed the course of nations-and the lives of millions.

During those hours-while hot-blooded young army officers were in violent conflict about whether to surrender or not-one man, General Korechika Anami, Minister of War, with his indomitable will and loyalty, stood firm in his conviction that the Emperor's word must be obeyed. That conviction led him to the supreme sacrifice, sepukku, and his country to peace.

Japan's Longest Day is a penetrating document on the tragic personalities who played out their last great roles on the crumbling stage that was the Imperial Empire of Japan.

About this title

About the Author

THE PACIFIC WAR RESEARCH SOCIETY, a Japanese group made up of fourteen members, devoted eight years work to the research for this book. The group also compiled The Day Man Lost: Hiroshima, 6 August 1945.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

At twelve noon, August 15th, 1945, two historic events occurred simultaneously in Japan: the people heard the voice of their Emperor, most of them for the first time, as he spoke over the radio to tell them that their country had lost its first war. This book is a detailed record of the twenty-four hours that preceded that broadcast--from the Imperial Conference, where the decision to surrender was made, to the broadcast itself. It was the longest day the people of Japan had ever lived through.

***

All over the country, the people of Japan were marking time while the clock ticked toward noon. Like characters in a crowded film that has suddenly stopped, they were waiting to hear the voice of the Emperor, so the film might start again. But it would be a different film, once the Emperor had spoken. A few knew it, more guessed it, many were puzzled and uncertain--but most, certainly, were ready to welcome an end to the death and destruction, the hunger and despair of the past months, so long as their country and their Emperor could be preserved.

The life of the capital ground to a halt. Everywhere people were huddled about their radios: at the War Ministry, at Eastern District Army Headquarters, at NHK, within the Imperial Palace itself. Downstairs, in the underground shelter, the Emperor had withdrawn to the small anteroom that the chamberlains had arranged for him.

"A broadcast of the highest importance," said announcer Wada, "is about to be made. All listeners will please rise."

The nation of Japan got to its feet. It may be surmised that the only able-bodied human being in the country who did not rise was the Emperor himself. He sat in his chair, so tense that the chamberlains were frightened. His head was bowed.

"His Majesty the Emperor," said the announcer, "will now read his Imperial Rescript to the people of Japan. We respectfully transmit his voice."

The strains of "Kimigayo," the Japanese national anthem, followed.

Then, after a brief pause, out of the sky came the longwaited, the revered, the troubled but peaceful Voice of the Crane:

"To Our good and loyal subjects..."

About this edition

• Publisher: Kodansha USA
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 4770028873
• ISBN 13: 9784770028877
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 340