Japan's Longest Day (1967) - full transcript
Following the detonation of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese military and the government clash over the demand from the Allies for unconditional surrender. Minister of the Army Anami leads the military officers who propose to fight on, even to the death of every Japanese citizen. Emperor Hirohito, however, joins with his ministers in asking the unthinkable, the peaceful surrender of Japan. When the military plots a coup to overthrow the Emperor's civilian government, Anami must face the choice between his desires and loyalty to his Emperor.
In Commemoration of Toho's 35th Anniversary
The Toho Co. Ltd.
(Japanese translation of the Potsdam Declaration)
OWADA, SAITAMA PREFECTURE:
OVERSEAS BROADCAST MONITORING STATION
OWADA, SAITAMA PREFECTURE:
OVERSEAS BROADCAST MONITORING STATION
The Potsdam Declaration, a demand by...
OWADA, SAITAMA PREFECTURE:
OVERSEAS BROADCAST MONITORING STATION
OWADA, SAITAMA PREFECTURE:
OVERSEAS BROADCAST MONITORING STATION
...the United States, China,
OWADA, SAITAMA PREFECTURE:
OVERSEAS BROADCAST MONITORING STATION
OWADA, SAITAMA PREFECTURE:
OVERSEAS BROADCAST MONITORING STATION
and Great Britain, for Japan's surrender...
and Great Britain, for Japan's surrender...
...was intercepted by the Overseas Broadcast Station
at 6:00 a.m. on July 26th, 1945.
JULY 26
at 6:00 a.m. on July 26th, 1945.
at 6:00 a.m. on July 26th, 1945.
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:
MINISTER'S OFFICE
FOREIGN MINISTER TOGO
FOREIGN MINISTER TOGO
This could be an opportunity...
DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MATSUMOTO
DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MATSUMOTO
Yes, it is considerably different from their Cairo Declaration.
DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MATSUMOTO
DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MATSUMOTO
It no longer demands absolute and
It no longer demands absolute and
unconditional surrender, but presents...
...in eight articles, specific conditions for
the establishment of peace. Therefore...
Yes, I am aware of the
implications...
...but the armed forces,
and in particular...
...the Army, will
never accept it.
JULY 27
JULY 27
On the next day, July 27th...
On the next day, July 27th...
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
CONFERENCE ROOM
On the next day, July 27th...
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
CONFERENCE ROOM
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
CONFERENCE ROOM
...the cabinet met to discuss the Potsdam Declaration.
...the cabinet met to discuss the Potsdam Declaration.
At present, the Soviet Union is acting
as our emissary to the Allies.
Until we hear from them, we shouldn't
reject the declaration outright.
I believe that it's in our best
interest to be patient.
No one opposed the Foreign
Minister's counsel.
It was decided that a "wait and
see" policy would be adopted.
But disagreements arose about how to
present this decision to the public.
WELFARE MINISTER OKADA
WELFARE MINISTER OKADA
As the Declaration has been made public overseas, word of it...
As the Declaration has been made public overseas, word of it...
...will soon reach the people. Thus,
we must quickly make a statement.
CABINET INFORMATION BUREAU DIRECTOR
SHIMOMURA
CABINET INFORMATION BUREAU DIRECTOR
SHIMOMURA
If we wait too long before making our response...
CABINET INFORMATION BUREAU DIRECTOR
SHIMOMURA
CABINET INFORMATION BUREAU DIRECTOR
SHIMOMURA
...there's a danger that we'll be perceived as being indecisive.
...there's a danger that we'll be perceived as being indecisive.
MINISTER OF WAR: GENERAL ANAMI
MINISTER OF WAR: GENERAL ANAMI
If we must announce it,
If we must announce it,
then we must also completely reject it!
We have not accepted this
"Potsdam Declaration."
And thus, if we do not emphasize
our opposition to it...
...we run the risk of implying
that we accept it.
Such an implication would
deal a crushing blow to...
...military and general
public morale.
The cabinet meeting was
thrown to confusion.
Knowing that total secrecy was impossible,
they opted to exercise prudence.
It was decided not to announce
any official opinion.
Newspapers were instructed
to downplay the Declaration.
PRIME MINISTER SUZUKI
PRIME MINISTER SUZUKI
They were not going to object if it was assumed...
They were not going to object if it was assumed...
...that the administration was
ignoring the Declaration.
On this, they were unanimous.
The newspapers soft-pedaled
the Potsdam Declaration.
Some of them even ridiculed it.
For the most part, it was
ignored by the public.
ICHIGAYADAI BLUFF, TOKYO:
ARMY STAFF HEADQUARTERS
ICHIGAYADAI BLUFF, TOKYO:
ARMY STAFF HEADQUARTERS
But front-line military personnel...
ICHIGAYADAI BLUFF, TOKYO:
ARMY STAFF HEADQUARTERS
ICHIGAYADAI BLUFF, TOKYO:
ARMY STAFF HEADQUARTERS
...began to inquire as to why...
...began to inquire as to why...
...there had been no explicit denouncement
of the Potsdam Declaration.
Although the public had
been left in the dark...
...the 272,000 troops serving
on the front lines...
...dispersed throughout
Asia and the Pacific...
...through military transmissions, radio,
and other means of communication...
...had already become well-informed
about the Potsdam Declaration.
MINISTER OF WAR'S OFFICE
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
MAJOR HATANAKA
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
MAJOR HATANAKA
Your Excellency,
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
MAJOR HATANAKA
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
MAJOR HATANAKA
how can our men hold the line under these circumstances?
how can our men hold the line under these circumstances?
I know.
However... we face a grave
national crisis.
We must not act recklessly.
I expect each of you to follow my lead,
whether it be in advance or retreat.
Is this understood?
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
PRIME MINISTER'S PRIVATE OFFICE
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
PRIME MINISTER'S PRIVATE OFFICE
The front lines will waver?
Yes, sir.
If we continue to remain silent
about this Declaration...
...it will greatly affect the
morale of our officers...
...which will make it difficult for
them to hold their positions.
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
MEETING HALL
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
MEETING HALL
The administration, accepting the Army's advice...
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
MEETING HALL
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
MEETING HALL
...decided that though it would not officially respond
...decided that though it would not officially respond
to the Potsdam Declaration...
...it would present
Japan's position...
...by answering questions
from the press.
Thus, Prime Minister Suzuki
held a press conference.
He stated:
"Since the Potsdam Declaration is only
a rehash of the Cairo Declaration...
...we do not attach any
importance to it."
But as he replied to questions
from reporters...
...as he repeatedly replied by saying, "we
do not attach any importance to it..."
...he finally used the word "mokusatsu," which
means "to remain in wise silence."
I see no need to reply
any further.
The newspapers changed
their editorial position...
...and widely commented on
the Potsdam Declaration...
...and that the lack of official comment
about it had been deliberate.
News of this soon spread
around the world.
In foreign countries, the word "mokusatsu”
was translated as "ignoring."
It was eventually reported
to mean "rejection."
As a result, public opinion in the U.S. and
Great Britain hardened against Japan.
On August 6th, the U.S. dropped
the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
HIROSHIMA
HIROSHIMA
200,000 lives were snuffed out in a single moment.
200,000 lives were snuffed out in a single moment.
The U.S. had warned that, if Japan refused
to accept the Potsdam Declaration...
...then "the alternative for Japan will
be prompt and utter destruction."
That warning had
become a reality.
It was stated that the atomic bomb would
have a revolutionary effect on warfare...
...and if Japan did not
surrender at once...
...then more Japanese targets
would be utterly destroyed.
SOVIET FRONTIER
SOVIET FRONTIER
Two days later, on August 8th, the Soviet Union entered the war.
Two days later, on August 8th, the Soviet Union entered the war.
The Japan-Soviet Nonaggression Pact
had been a one-sided promise.
AUGUST 9TH
AUGUST 9TH
10:30 AM, August 9th.
10:30 AM, August 9th.
IMPERIAL PALACE COMPOUND:
UNDERGROUND AIR-RAID SHELTER
IMPERIAL PALACE COMPOUND:
UNDERGROUND AIR-RAID SHELTER
At the underground air-raid shelter beneath the Imperial Palace Library...
IMPERIAL PALACE COMPOUND:
UNDERGROUND AIR-RAID SHELTER
IMPERIAL PALACE COMPOUND:
UNDERGROUND AIR-RAID SHELTER
...a discussion was held by the leaders of the war effort.
...a discussion was held by the leaders of the war effort.
It began as follows...
In light of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima
and the entry of the Soviets into the war...
...it has become impossible
to continue fighting.
I believe that we have no recourse but
to accept the Potsdam Declaration.
However, I would like to
hear from each of you.
With gloomy countenances, the
group sat in silence for a while.
MINISTER OF THE NAVY:
ADMIRAL YONAI
MINISTER OF THE NAVY:
ADMIRAL YONAI
We can't resolve anything by falling silent!
We can't resolve anything by falling silent!
Each of us must express
his opinions.
Each in his own way, they
began stating their views.
But there was much confusion and dissension,
and no consensus could be discerned.
And while the meeting
dragged on...
...a second atomic bomb
fell upon Nagasaki.
NAGASAKI
NAGASAKI
Just like Hiroshima,
NAGASAKI
NAGASAKI
Nagasaki was destroyed in the blink of an eye.
Nagasaki was destroyed in the blink of an eye.
Meanwhile, since the discussion was making
no progress, it was brought to a close.
Another cabinet meeting was convened at
the Prime Minister's official residence...
...in which they debated whether the
war should be continued or ended.
As I argued at the
Council of War...
First, we must demand that the Emperor
and his position be inviolate.
Second, that any occupational forces
that land in Japan are to be...
...those of a minor military power,
be grated limited authority...
...and also be permitted to remain
for only a short duration.
Third...
Japanese military disarmament
is to be undertaken...
...autonomously, by the
Japanese people.
Fourth...
Sanctions to be imposed against war criminals
are to be decided by the Japanese judiciary.
If our enemies do not accept
these four conditions...
...we must inevitably carry
on with the war.
This is the opinion
of the Army.
Regarding the terms related to our
Emperor, I am in agreement.
But as for the other
three conditions...
...the Allied nations will
most likely reject them.
Our circumstances are such that we must resist
the urge to make absolute demands.
If we miss this opportunity...
...we will lose any
chance for peace.
This is why it is necessary to have
a decisive battle on Japanese soil.
We should wait until the tide
of battle turns in our favor...
...and then proceed
to negotiate.
This will put us in a position to demand far
more favorable terms from our enemies.
Minister Anami, you keep repeating
"war for peace, war for peace..."
...and are emphatic about fighting
a decisive battle on home soil...
...but does Japan have the
resources left to do so?
We have already committed all of
our resources to this conflict.
Thus, I want to hear reports
from the other ministers.
Minister of Munitions
Toyoda Teijiro...
...Minister of Agriculture
Ishiguro Tada-atsu...
...and Minister of Transportation
Kohiyama Naotoro...
...took turns expressing
their views...
...regarding whether Japan had the
resources to continue fighting.
Newsflash, this just in.
Newsflash, this just in.
Imperial Army and Navy
headquarters...
... announced at 6 a.m.,
December 8th, 1941...
... that, as of the morning of the
8th, the Imperial Forces...
... have deployed themselves for war in the Western
Pacific Ocean with the U.S. and Great Britain.
For the first seven months
of the war...
...Japan was overwhelmingly dominant.
In the blink of an eye, the Imperial Forces
gained complete ascendancy...
...in the Pacific, the Indian Ocean...
...and projected their immense military
might as far south as Australia.
But in the Pacific Theatre,
a crucial strategic battle...
...was lost at Midway.
From that day forward...
...the power of the Imperial Forces
gradually began to wane.
It became impossible to maintain the
strength of the front-line troops.
Eventually, the island of Okinawa
was lost to the Allies.
B29's flew from bases at Tenian and
Saipan and dropped bombs...
...on 92 cities, starting with Tokyo, reducing
them to smoldering plains of rubble.
Munitions factories were destroyed
one after another.
3,600,000 soldiers had been killed
or wounded in the war.
1,470,000 civilians had suffered
death or injury at home.
The victims of the war, on all
sides, exceeded 10,000,000.
Japan's days as a conquering
nation were numbered.
Plans for the so-called
"Operation Olympic..."
...which called for deploying a million
Allied troops on Japanese soil...
...were well underway.
And furthermore...
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
AND COMMERCE ISHIGURO
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
AND COMMERCE ISHIGURO
This autumn, we expect the worst harvest since 1931.
This autumn, we expect the worst harvest since 1931.
Except for our farmers, most Japanese are
on the brink of death from starvation.
Japan has no strength
to continue the fight!
All of us are well aware of
the current situation!
Nevertheless, we shall
continue to fight!
Such should be our
firm resolve!
The discussion lasted
about 3 hours...
...but they still could
reach no decision.
As a last resort, an Imperial
Council was held...
...in which they asked the Emperor
himself to decide the matter.
In the presence of the Emperor, starting at
11:50 p.m., the Imperial Council was held.
Even here, however, no easy
decision was to be found.
At the end of the meeting, the Emperor
made the following judgment:
"To continue the war
any further...
...would be to send the people
of our nation to their deaths."
"I desire a swift
end to the war."
At 6:00 a.m., August 10th...
AUGUST 10
At 6:00 a.m., August 10th...
...a telegram was transmitted
to the Allies...
...via the neutral countries of
Sweden and Switzerland.
"With the understanding that
the status of the Emperor...
"..will not in any way
be affected...
"..the terms of the Potsdam Declaration are acceptable."
TELEGRAPH BUREAU MANAGER OOE
"..the terms of the Potsdam Declaration are acceptable."
At 9:30 a.m. of the same day,
ARMY MINISTRY:
UNDERGROUND AIR-RAID SHELTER
At 9:30 a.m. of the same day,
ARMY MINISTRY:
UNDERGROUND AIR-RAID SHELTER
ARMY MINISTRY:
UNDERGROUND AIR-RAID SHELTER
Minister of War Anami summoned...
Minister of War Anami summoned...
...all of his officers above
the rank of captain...
...to a meeting in the underground
bomb-shelter.
Whether there is going
to be peace or war...
...depends on the response
of our enemies.
From here on, no matter
what our situation...
...we must not wander from the austere
path of military discipline.
We must steel ourselves against
acting out of self-interest.
One unruly man might bring
down ruin upon our nation.
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
LT. COLONEL SHIIZAKI
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
LT. COLONEL SHIIZAKI
Minister, you once told us,
Minister, you once told us,
"follow my lead, whether it be
in advance or retreat."
But have you even considered
retreating?
If you doubt me, slay
me where I stand!
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SAKOMIZU
INTERPRETER KIHARA
(PART-TIME CABINET AIDE)
INTERPRETER KIHARA
(PART-TIME CABINET AIDE)
It's potassium cyanide.
It's potassium cyanide.
For an emergency,
just in case.
We never know when the military
powers-that-be will do an about-face.
If that ever happens, we
could do this together.
If they decide to continue fighting,
it will be the ruin of everything.
I guess this will be
our only escape.
AUGUST 12
AUGUST 12
At 0:45 a.m., August 12th...
At 0:45 a.m., August 12th...
...the Overseas Broadcast Station intercepted
a transmission from San Francisco.
It concerned the question regarding Japan's
conditional acceptance of the Declaration...
...and contained the response
of the Allies.
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION COMMANDER:
COLONEL ARA-O
There's something fishy about
this response from the Allies.
It states that the Emperor and the
Japanese administration...
...will be "subject to" the Commander
of the Allied forces...
...which clearly implies our subordination.
We cannot accept this!
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
LT. COLONEL TAKESHITA
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
LT. COLONEL TAKESHITA
Minister, you must ensure that this proposal is not accepted!
Minister, you must ensure that this proposal is not accepted!
If that is not possible, we must commit seppuku
in protest. Honorable seppuku!
A meeting was immediately convened
to discuss the Allied response.
Well, as for the phrase
"subject to..."
...according to the interpretation of
the Department of Foreign Affairs...
...it does not refer to subordination,
but rather to delimitation.
That is far too obscure
for us to depend on.
Will the continuity of the Emperor's
sovereignty be assured?
I need this matter to
be reconfirmed.
Because if that is not the case,
we must fight to the last man.
If we try to change the terms, the
entire process will break down.
It also means going against
the will of the Emperor.
Amidst the clash of opinions,
no decision could be agreed upon.
So it was agreed that another Imperial
Council would be held...
...in order that the Emperor might
settle the matter once and for all.
WAITING ROOM
WAITING ROOM
After the meeting,
WAITING ROOM
WAITING ROOM
as Foreign Minister Togo was about to leave the building...
as Foreign Minister Togo was about to leave the building...
...Army and Navy generals
stopped him.
NAVY VICE-CHIEF OF STAFF: ADMIRAL ONISHI
(INVENTOR OF THE KAMIKAZE CONCEPT)
NAVY VICE-CHIEF OF STAFF: ADMIRAL ONISHI
(INVENTOR OF THE KAMIKAZE CONCEPT)
Foreign Minister!
NAVY VICE-CHIEF OF STAFF: ADMIRAL ONISHI
(INVENTOR OF THE KAMIKAZE CONCEPT)
NAVY VICE-CHIEF OF STAFF: ADMIRAL ONISHI
(INVENTOR OF THE KAMIKAZE CONCEPT)
Twenty million more!
If we deployed only another twenty
million kamikaze troops...
...Japan will assuredly...
most assuredly win!
Onishi... this is no longer
about winning or losing.
Our choice now is whether the Japanese
people live, or die; simply that.
No! Another twenty
million more!
If we resolve to launch half the men of our nation
against the enemy as kamikaze, we can win!
Foreign Minister!
Please excuse me.
AUGUST 13
AUGUST 13
On August 13th,
AUGUST 13
a plan was submitted
to the Minister of War.
It advocated isolating the pro-peace movement
that had accepted the Potsdam Declaration...
...and putting Tokyo
under martial law.
Two more days?
Yes.
The Imperial Council is tomorrow...
...but we must delay the
Emperor's decision...
...for two more days.
No, we cannot do that.
I am sorry.
NAVY SURGEON KOBAYASHI
NAVY SURGEON KOBAYASHI
Prime Minister...
NAVY SURGEON KOBAYASHI
...the Minister of War is under pressure
from his subordinates.
Not only that...
...there are some indications that the military
might take matters into their own hands.
Prime Minister, we need to keep
control of the military.
Perhaps we should wait...
Kobayashi, that simply
will not do.
If we miss this chance, the Soviets will overrun
us in Manchuria, Korea, Sakhalin...
...and not only there, but
even in Hokkaido.
No, this war must be ended...
...and must be ended now.
General Anami will
not survive this.
ENTRANCE TO THE UNDERGROUND
AIR RAID SHELTER
AUGUST 14
The second Imperial Council began
The second Imperial Council began
at 10:50 a.m., on August 14th.
Prime Minister Suzuki, relating that the Council
of War could reach no decision...
...after hearing divergent opinions regarding
the acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration...
...reiterated his support for the
Emperor's initial decision.
I speak as the representative
of the Armed Forces.
If we were to accept the Declaration
unconditionally...
...the fate of the Nation would
be at the whim of the enemy.
Therefore, we must make an
additional demand of them.
If they will not agree, then we must
commit ourselves to battle.
Our path should be to
seek life in death.
An eerie hush fell...
Eventually, the Emperor quietly
rose from his seat.
Thus began Japan's longest day.
JAPAN'S LONGEST DAY
I have listened attentively to the main
points of the opposing arguments.
However, my thoughts regarding
the matter have not changed...
...it is just as I had expressed
it the last time.
It is impossible to continue
to prosecute this war.
The officers and soldiers
of the Armed Forces...
...must think that disarmament and the surety
of occupation are unbearable burdens.
I understand how our people yearn for honorable
deaths as martyrs unto our nation.
However...
However, no matter what
happens to me...
...my people... save my people.
I can no longer endure...
...letting them suffer
any longer.
I will do everything that
is within my power.
If it is thought that I should speak
directly to the people...
...then I will stand in front
of the microphone.
Regarding the officers and soldiers
of the Armed Forces...
...if the Minister of War... or the Navy Minister...
have any difficulty with them...
...I will go anywhere I am needed,
in order to appeal to them.
Suzuki.
Have the Cabinet...
...immediately prepare
all the documents...
...required to bring
an end to the war.
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE
I'll draft the end-of-war Rescript.
You can draft the orders
for the Armed Forces.
We have no time to weep.
Get busy, we're out of time.
This is going to be unbelievably tough.
The will of the nation has
been clearly pronounced.
Clearly.
Now prepare this quickly...
no, immediately.
A telegram that we are accepting
the Potsdam Declaration.
When should we send it?
At the same time as we make
the public announcement.
For the U.S. and Chinese telegrams, use
Kase Shunnichi, our Swiss legate.
For the Soviet Union and Great Britain, use
Okamoto Suemasa, our Swedish legate.
The Minister has returned!
What, the Minister?
The Minister is back!
- Your Excellency!
- Minister!
- Minister!
- Minister!
Minister... Please tell us the results
of the Imperial Council.
The Emperor has issued
his decision.
The Declaration will be accepted without
conditions. So spake His Majesty.
We have no path left but to remain
loyal to his Imperial will.
His Majesty has decreed
such, only because...
...of his faith in the loyalty
of the Armed Forces.
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
LT. COLONEL IDA
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
LT. COLONEL IDA
Our plan was to continue the war!
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
LT. COLONEL IDA
I demand to know why Your Excellency
has changed his mind!
His Majesty spoke
thus unto me:
"I know well your feelings
of anguish...
Please endure." Thus he said
to me, with flowing tears.
As for me personally, I can
no longer oppose his will.
If any of you don't like it, you'll disobey
him over my dead body!
So what did His Majesty say
was to be the fate of Japan?
He said, "From now on,
I want Japan...
...to be rebuilt as a
peaceful nation."
"However, this is
a daunting task."
"It will also take
a long time."
"However...
"...if all our people unite
in cooperation...
"...I believe that we can assuredly
accomplish it."
"I, too, along with every
one of you...
...will exert myself
to the utmost."
Please, Minister. This is the moment
when you must decisively resign.
Please resign!
Minister, if you were to resign,
the Cabinet would crumble.
They would be unable to take the
steps needed to end the war.
A whole new state of affairs
could develop.
The military would assume
all political authority...
We could continue the war and fight
a decisive battle on home soil!
Minister!
IMPERIAL GUARD HQ
IMPERIAL GUARD COMMANDER'S OFFICE
IMPERIAL GUARD COMMANDER:
LT. GENERAL MORI
So what ails you?
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY
CHIEF OF STAFF FUHA
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY
CHIEF OF STAFF FUHA
Your Excellency,
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY
CHIEF OF STAFF FUHA
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY
CHIEF OF STAFF FUHA
we come from the same background in the cavalry.
we come from the same background in the cavalry.
You were my favorite instructor
at the Army university.
Yeah, I know.
So what, you're like my son, come
to get his dad's opinion?
Come on, just spit it out.
If His Majesty decides that
the war must end...
...I want to know what the Eastern District
Army's Strategy Council should do.
The Eastern District Army's Strategy
Council, eh? Hardly.
Look behind you.
Huh?
Though the Imperial Guard
is a separate entity...
...we're still under the Eastern District
Army's table of organization.
The Strategy Council is the central nervous
system of the Eastern District Army...
...50 how can you
be so spineless?
If it is decided that the war should end, we
will humbly submit to the Imperial will.
- Let there be no deluded actions.
- But...
Young 'uns from the Military Affairs Section
have been coming to me all morning...
...urging that the Imperial
Guard rise up...
...but I've sent them
all packing.
But it appears that the young 'uns are
hot ready to acknowledge reality.
Nonetheless, my resolve
is unshakable.
The Eastern District Army ought
to make up their minds as well.
We must never oppose
His Majesty's will.
That is, only if it's decided that
the war is to be ended.
NAVY 302ND FLIGHT CORPS
ATSUGI AIR BASE
COMMAND CENTER
COMMAND CENTER
Commander,
COMMAND CENTER
COMMAND CENTER
it seems that it has been decided that the war must end.
it seems that it has been decided that the war must end.
BASE COMMANDER: COLONEL KOZONO
BASE COMMANDER: COLONEL KOZONO
What? The war is to be ended?
DEPUTY COMMANDER:
LT. COLONEL SUGAWARA
DEPUTY COMMANDER:
LT. COLONEL SUGAWARA
Yes, we've received an urgent message...
That can't be true.
Anyway, it means nothing.
What?
Those cowardly old statesmen. No matter
what shameful decisions they make...
...none of it matters.
As long as I'm in command, Atsugi
Air Base will fight to the end!
Look! Just look at those finely forged
and well-preserved machines!
ARMY MINISTRY:
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY:
MILITARY LIAISON OFFICE
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD LORD KEEPER OF
AGENCY: CHIEF THE PRIVY SEAL:
MINISTER ISHIWATARI MARQUIS KIDO
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD LORD KEEPER OF
AGENCY: CHIEF THE PRIVY SEAL:
MINISTER ISHIWATARI MARQUIS KIDO
The problem here is whether the Army and Navy...
The problem here is whether the Army and Navy...
...are going to accept the
news without reacting.
CHIEF MILITARY AIDE-DE-CAMP:
CHAMBERLAIN HASUNUMA
CHIEF MILITARY AIDE-DE-CAMP:
CHAMBERLAIN HASUNUMA
They've never had to surrender before.
They've never had to surrender before.
They will prefer death to
being taken captive...
...that's the way they've
been indoctrinated.
So they'll want a glorious victory...
a decisive battle on our own soil.
2,300,000 ground troops are
being prepared for it.
7,000 kamikaze planes... and
3,000 Navy kamikazes...
They're not going to
take it lying down.
Chief... His Majesty had stressed
this point as well.
In that case, send messengers to
the Army and Navy Ministers.
Let's see what they've
got to say.
JAPANESE BROADCASTING ASSOCIATION
TECHNICAL BUREAU CHIEF ARAKAWA
DOMESTIC BUREAU CHIEF YABE
DOMESTIC BUREAU CHIEF YABE
What's all this about broadcasting the "Emperor's Voice?"
What's all this about broadcasting the "Emperor's Voice?"
CHAIRMAN OHASHI
CABINET GENERAL AFFAIRS SECTION:
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE
CABINET GENERAL AFFAIRS SECTION:
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE
The war is over?
The war is over?
CABINET GENERAL AFFAIRS
SECTION DIRECTOR SATO
CABINET GENERAL AFFAIRS
SECTION DIRECTOR SATO
Yes. There's going to be an Imperial Rescript ending the war.
CABINET GENERAL AFFAIRS
SECTION DIRECTOR SATO
CABINET GENERAL AFFAIRS
SECTION DIRECTOR SATO
Whether it's going to actually be His Majesty's voice or a recording...
Whether it's going to actually be His Majesty's voice or a recording...
...is currently being decided
at a Cabinet meeting.
When it's decided which it'll be,
we'll let you know.
Please make the necessary preparations.
Hello, Sato speaking.
No, no decision
either way yet...
MINISTER OF JUSTICE MATSUZAKA
MINISTER OF JUSTICE MATSUZAKA
But to ask the Emperor to stand and speak into a microphone is...
But to ask the Emperor to stand and speak into a microphone is...
It is too much to ask.
But what else can we do?
How else can we announce the
end of the war to the people?
MINISTER OF FINANCE HIROSE
MINISTER OF FINANCE HIROSE
But for His Majesty to stand directly in front of a mike is...
But for His Majesty to stand directly in front of a mike is...
...just too much.
IMPERIAL GUARD HQ: STAFF ROOM
How are we to protect the nation if he has
accepted the Potsdam Declaration?
If a disarmament is required,
what good is the military?
STAFF OFFICER KOGA
STAFF OFFICER KOGA
Annihilation or victory,
STAFF OFFICER KOGA
STAFF OFFICER KOGA
this war has never held any other possibilities.
this war has never held any other possibilities.
What do those "elder statesmen"
think they're doing?!
STAFF OFFICER ISHIHARA
STAFF OFFICER ISHIHARA
Everything gets selfishly decided by those defeatist politicians.
Everything gets selfishly decided by those defeatist politicians.
They caught the Emperor
and Empress at...
...a weak moment, and convinced
them to give up.
And all our general officers
just prattle over and over...
..."Imperial Rescripts are absolute,
Imperial Rescripts are absolute."
Have they grown tired of war? Do
they value their lives that much?!
Don't they care that our sweet Japan could
be wiped from the face of the Earth?!
This is no time for talking.
It's pointless.
Now is the time
to take action.
Never mind if we don't succeed; let us show
them, by our deaths, the true Japanese way.
That's all we've got to give.
YOKOHAMA CITY
YOKOHAMA CITY
Tools down! Gather together!
Tools down! Gather together!
Flag Caption: "Onward to Victory,
Student Association!"
Flag Caption: "Onward to Victory,
Student Association!"
Ten-hut!
Flag Caption: "Onward to Victory,
Student Association!"
Flag Caption: "Onward to Victory,
Student Association!"
Stand in attention!
YOKOHAMA GUARDS COMMANDER:
CAPTAIN SASAKI
YOKOHAMA GUARDS COMMANDER:
CAPTAIN SASAKI
Men!
YOKOHAMA GUARDS COMMANDER:
CAPTAIN SASAKI
YOKOHAMA GUARDS COMMANDER:
CAPTAIN SASAKI
That which we have always feared is finally upon us!
That which we have always feared is finally upon us!
THE CAPTAIN'S SUBORDINATES:
YOKOHAMA'S HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS
THE CAPTAIN'S SUBORDINATES:
YOKOHAMA'S HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS
I've now been told that...
THE CAPTAIN'S SUBORDINATES:
YOKOHAMA'S HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS
THE CAPTAIN'S SUBORDINATES:
YOKOHAMA'S HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS
...those spineless cabinet bastards are plotting...
THE CAPTAIN'S SUBORDINATES:
YOKOHAMA'S HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS
THE CAPTAIN'S SUBORDINATES:
YOKOHAMA'S HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS
...to implement a despicably contemptible plan!
...to implement a despicably contemptible plan!
In order that the war may be continued,
we must strike a decisive blow!
And it won't just be you of
the Yokohama Guards...
...who will be heading
off to Tokyo!
We seek the participation
of loyal civilians...
...eager to give their support!
The assembly time will be
announced soon! Dismissed!
Salutations to the Captain!
Ten-hut!
Book Title: "The Priest and His Apprentice,"
by Kurata Hyakuzo
PRIVATE SECRETARY OF THE
INFORMATION BUREAU KAWAMOTO
PRIVATE SECRETARY OF THE
INFORMATION BUREAU KAWAMOTO
Chairman Ohashi of the Broadcasting Network is on the line.
Chairman Ohashi of the Broadcasting Network is on the line.
It's been decided to use
a recording... Correct.
Not a live broadcast,
but a recording.
The recording will be made at the
Imperial Household Agency.
Please have the recording engineers
report there by 3:00 p.m.
Imperial Household Agency,
3:00 p.m. Yes, sir.
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY:
AUDIENCE ROOM
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU DIRECTOR KATO
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU DIRECTOR KATO
It's roomy enough; this would be the best place.
It's roomy enough; this would be the best place.
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU
SECTION CHIEF KEN
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU
SECTION CHIEF KEN
Yes... As for the preparations,
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU
SECTION CHIEF KEN
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU
SECTION CHIEF KEN
shall we begin after the engineers arrive?
shall we begin after the engineers arrive?
I will now announce
the words of...
...Household Minister Kido and Military
Aide-de-Camp Hasunuma...
...who have been entrusted
with His Majesty's will.
In order to facilitate calm...
...His Majesty desires to personally
visit the Army and Navy Ministries.
Please make the necessary preparations.
No, we should not trouble
His Majesty any further.
I will take responsibility for
keeping the Navy in order.
And I shall do the same
for the Army.
Please inform His Majesty
accordingly.
ARMY MINISTRY: WAR MINISTER'S RECEPTION ROOM
DEPUTY MINISTER OF WAR WAKAMATSU
In order that the news of the ending
of the war shall cause no disorder...
...we ask that the elders of the
Army address the troops.
1ST GENERAL ARMY COMMANDER:
FIELD MARSHAL SUGIYAMA
1ST GENERAL ARMY COMMANDER:
FIELD MARSHAL SUGIYAMA
Who proposed this?
Who proposed this?
On instructions from Deputy
Chief of Staff Kawabe...
...and the Minister of War, currently
in a cabinet conference...
...I drafted this statement.
2ND GENERAL ARMY COMMANDER:
FIELD MARSHAL HATA
2ND GENERAL ARMY COMMANDER:
FIELD MARSHAL HATA
Then the Minister of War will be returning here, will he not?
Then the Minister of War will be returning here, will he not?
Yes. He is at a Cabinet meeting,
but he should be here shortly.
FORCE DEPLOYMENT PLAN
Firstly, we require the Minister
of War's consent for our plan.
Do you think you can
convince him?
No. At this stage, it
would be difficult.
But if the plan goes smoothly, the Minister
of War will be forced to support us.
Next, if we want to mobilize
the Eastern District Army...
No...
I'll go straight to Army Commander
Tanaka to convince him.
Eventually we must storm
the palace and take over.
We'll cut off all outside
communication.
The first step is to win
over and mobilize...
...the Imperial Guard.
Make the necessary arrangements.
Regarding the recording...
Yes?
Is it possible for His Majesty to listen
to it immediately after it is made?
Well...
...we didn't bring a playback system
with us. Do we need one?
At this point,
I cannot say.
But His Majesty may
so desire...
Yes, sir. Nagatomo, we need a playback
system set up right up away.
TECHNICIAN NAGATOMO
TECHNICIAN NAGATOMO
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
This will set the course for the Army.
Which means that...
...anyone who opposes these orders
would be guilty of treason...
...and dealt with
as a traitor.
ARMY MINISTRY: HALLWAY
ARMY MINISTRY: HALLWAY
All division members,
ARMY MINISTRY: HALLWAY
ARMY MINISTRY: HALLWAY
assemble immediately in conference room one.
assemble immediately in conference room one.
At 15:15, the Minister will
make an address.
Repeat...
ARMY MINISTRY: REAR COURTYARD
ARMY MINISTRY: REAR COURTYARD
All division members,
ARMY MINISTRY: REAR COURTYARD
ARMY MINISTRY: REAR COURTYARD
assemble immediately in conference room one.
assemble immediately in conference room one.
At 15:15, the Minister will
make an address.
What's the point of hearing the
Minister's address now?
All is lost.
Let it all burn.
All of it.
And when this is done, we
Army officers, all of us...
... Will gloriously commit
seppuku together.
The Great East Asian War has
come to a meaningless end.
But this one thing shall be
carved into eternity...
... that every officer of the Army Ministry
and Staff Office committed seppuku.
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY HQ
Army Ministry, Major Hatanaka!
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY COMMANDER:
ADMIRAL TANAKA
Your Excellency, please, you
should not meet him.
Your Excellency!
No. I want to see him,
and have a few words.
Enter.
Army Ministry, Military Affairs Section,
Major Hatanaka entering!
What business do you
have with me?
I know what you're all up to!
No need to say it!
Now get out!
What's taking Hatanaka so long?
We're at a crossroads now;
things could go either way.
Will Hatanaka be able to sway
the Eastern District Army?
No...
At this point, it may
not be possible.
They might not be able to act now, but
eventually they won't have any choice.
I know that!
But... but!
3:50, going on 4:00...
Palace security is
changing shifts.
Regiment One takes over, then Regiment
Two, under Colonel Haga, raises the flag.
Right now they should be marching
through the northwest gate.
IMPERIAL PALACE: NORTHWEST GATE
IMPERIAL GUARD 2ND REGIMENT COMMANDER:
COLONEL HAGA
DRAFT OF THE IMPERIAL RESCRIPT ENDING THE WAR
The Cabinet has commenced deliberations
over the draft of the Imperial Rescript.
It's expected they'll take about an hour,
so recording will begin around 6:00.
So it'll be around 6:00?
Yes. As per protocol, after
the draft is completed...
...it must then be presented to His
Majesty by Prime Minister Suzuki...
...whereupon the Imperial signature
and seal will be affixed.
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
UNDERSECRETARY'S OFFICE
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
UNDERSECRETARY'S OFFICE
So it'll be at 6:00?
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
UNDERSECRETARY'S OFFICE
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
UNDERSECRETARY'S OFFICE
We should be done with the formalities by then.
We should be done with the formalities by then.
Nah, we're in a serious crunch here. We still
need to send telegrams to the Allied nations.
ARMY MINISTRY: LECTURE HALL
So Ichigayadai's officers are
all going to commit suicide.
I understand,
that will be glorious.
But that's the very last of the
final measures to be taken.
Because we still have some
duties to undertake first.
Will the war be terminated by an
absolute Imperial Rescript...
...or will we battle
to the last man?
It's either one or the other!
But, Ida. Which of these two choices
will best serve the nation?
No one will know until
everything unfolds.
No one can predict which
will be better or worse.
So we might as well leave
our fate to the heavens...
...and if we are to leave our
fate to the heavens...
...we must do so
as soldiers!
Let them accuse us of insurrection...
No, let them revile us as traitors!
Should we not immediately enter the
palace, dissuade His Majesty...
...and take the honorable path
of resolute resistance?
Of course, we don't know which
decision the heavens will favor.
But it doesn't matter
either way.
That judgment will be
made by history.
Ida. I want to lay everything
on the line, this very night.
I believe that we must act, and
that acting is far more...
...far more righteous than the seppuku
of the officers of Ichigayadai.
We have already contacted the Imperial Guard;
all the arrangements have been made.
By virtue of our actions, the
Eastern District Army...
...and the Armed Forces in their entirety
will assuredly rise in support!
And yet...
I wonder if we can defeat such
a powerful enemy...
And what if...
Lt. Colonel Ida! Sir, you're still
thinking in terms of success or failure!
It's the same way with
the Imperial Rescript!
Will it preserve our nation,
or destroy it?
Who knows the true path? The Prime Minister?
The Navy Minister? The Minister of War?
No one! That's why
we must rise up!
Ida, please approve
of our plans!
Ida, the fact is, the
war continues!
According to a message from
the Eastern District Army...
...a powerful enemy fleet is approaching
the Boso peninsula.
If we lose our will to fight, Japan will
be destroyed in a single blow.
Ida! Now is the time for us to stake our
lives and resolutely rise up for Japan!
Hatanaka.
A pure spirit burns
within you.
And I appreciate and
approve of this.
But we will take no action.
You guys can go
do it yourselves.
Either way, tomorrow, I, you, and the
rest of us are all going to die.
Personally, I can accept a declaration that
"we can no longer effectively wage war."
Militarily speaking, our
nation has crumbled.
We've lost some battles, but the
final verdict is not yet in.
Not yet in?
The Army and Navy have differing perspectives
regarding the matter.
If we have lost, then it was because
of logistical problems.
What?
In the three years since
the start of the war...
...the Army has fought
only on small islands.
We haven't engaged
in a real battle.
Only a decisive battle on home soil
could have rendered a true verdict.
So, Minister of War, are you
saying that the war so far...
...has been nothing but a series
of minor skirmishes?
We sent 205,000 soldiers into battle,
and lost 200,000 of them!
Do you dare dismiss tragic defeats like
Leyte as mere "logistical problems"?!
Minister of War, are you passing the
blame to another department?
Consider our casualties: Of 236,000 men
sent to Burma, 164,000 were lost.
We sent 102,000 brave men to Okinawa,
and 90,000 of them were Killed.
And in Okinawa, it wasn't just soldiers;
92,000 civilians were also slain!
That's the very point
that I am making!
What?
Why have so many of us
swallowed our tears and died?
It is easy to complain about
how things turned out.
But they all did it out
of love for Japan...
...firmly believing
in our victory.
Thus, if we have lost, and we can
no longer effectively wage war...
...then 3,000,000 people have
given their lives for nothing!
As we speak, 7 million men
are still out there fighting.
If they are to be defeated, should not
their defeat be a glorious one?
Is that not our obligation
to them?
I believe that we should not say that "we
can no longer effectively wage war."
We absolutely must revise that and say that
the "fortunes of war have not favored us."
No. That is your position.
I maintain a different opinion.
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY:
GENERAL BUREAU MANAGER'S OFFICE
So it can't be done
at 6:00?
When will it be, then?
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
CABINET GENERAL AFFAIRS SECTION
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
CABINET GENERAL AFFAIRS SECTION
7:00. I think it can be done by 7:00.
Yes, 7:00 it is. Bye.
Sure, 7:00 my foot. We'll never
get it done by 7:00.
Chief, what's wrong?
It's difficult. It's not just
about ending the war...
...it's about how we're going
to handle the Army.
Chief, I have urgent business and
must return to the Navy Ministry.
I must leave, but you must ensure that it reads
"we can no longer effectively wage war."
Our defeat must be announced to
the people in an honest way.
Do you understand? We are where we are
now; we must not lie to the people!
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY HQ:
REGIONAL COMMAND CENTER
Reports from Patrol Boats 17 and 23:
Reports from Patrol Boats 17 and 23:
The disposition of the enemy forces
approaching Boso are as follows:
One Enterprise-type aircraft carrier,
two Hornet-type aircraft carriers...
... Seven cruisers and nineteen destroyers
headed north in fleet formation.
Repeat...
Deputy Commander, sir.
May I come in?
Yeah.
Commander... According
to a report from Yokochin...
...a final decision has been
reached to end the war.
Well, that's a gift from
heaven, indeed.
Sir?
How rare... my malaria
isn't acting up today.
I'll be speaking tonight to an assembly
of all the division managers.
I'm drafting the address but
am having a hard time of it.
Deputy Commander... Don't worry about
our wishy-washy superiors.
But...
Any news about the enemy fleet
headed for the Boso peninsula?
It's a fleet, with three
aircraft carriers.
Squadron 207 out of Kodama has
been ordered to intercept them.
Three aircraft carriers, eh?
That's no small school of fish.
Well, they're Kodama's problem.
There's a million allied troops out there
trying to invade the homeland...
...seeking to destroy
our Atsugi Air Base.
I'll blow them all out of
the water! The war...
Deputy Commander, the war will
not be over until that's done.
You see, actually,
it's not ready...
It's not done yet? You got to be
kidding. It's way past 6:00.
It's no use talking
to you, Mr. Sato.
Please put the Cabinet General
Affairs Section Chief on.
If we don't know what time the recording's
taking place, what can we...
What? The Navy Minister left?
That's right. Both Navy and War Ministers
had urgent business and had to leave.
So deliberations over the draft of the
Imperial decree are going slowly.
Even now, the Navy Minister...
What... Huh?
An estimated time, hmmm...
Chief! The Navy Minister
has returned.
Chief, regarding the issue
of "annulment..."
...I have come to agree with the Minister
of War; it should read...
...the "state of the war will never turn
in our favor." Let's revise it like that.
But didn't you say...
Chief... Let us revise
it that way.
So the drafting deliberations
have picked up speed?
Well that's good news.
When do you think they'll be done?
Right now it's estimated they'll
finish by 7:00 or 7:30.
We'll talk in more
detail later. Bye.
Who would've thought that Admiral
Yonai would compromise?
That's quite a concession
on his part.
He must've been pressured by the Navy
Ministry when he went there.
Perhaps he now truly understands
General Anami's anguish.
Anyway, it should all
go smoothly now.
Let's not get overly optimistic.
Who knows what'll happen when Anami
gets back from the Army Ministry.
Until the Rescript is finalized,
we can't breathe easy.
An Imperial decree calling for an end to the war
without the Minister of War's signature...
...is just a scrap of paper
that can't be published.
YOKOHAMA GUARDS:
SHINKOYASU DORMITORY
YOKOHAMA GUARDS:
SHINKOYASU DORMITORY
The emergency assembly is scheduled for 12:00.
YOKOHAMA GUARDS:
SHINKOYASU DORMITORY
YOKOHAMA GUARDS:
SHINKOYASU DORMITORY
Before we depart for Tokyo...
Before we depart for Tokyo...
...we shall enlist the aid of the large
garrison at Tsurumi Sojiji...
...and thus reinforced, we
shall take united action.
Our goals are as follows!
Likened to Marshal Pietro Badoglio
of Italy, who schemed...
...unconditional surrender,
the ultimate of fools...
...Cabinet Member Prime
Minister Suzuki and...
...the rest of the "senior statesmen"
shall be attacked!
Deputy Minister, the draft of the Imperial
Rescript has just been completed.
It's done? So there is a Rescript
ending the war?
And? Uh huh...
Uh huh...
Well then.
We shall immediately...
...deliver this to the palace.
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU STAFF MEMBER:
SANO ESAKU
His Majesty will read this
at the recording session.
Please take it to him
immediately.
The recording crew has
been waiting all day.
- Hurry, OK?
- Yes, sir.
CABINET OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR:
SANO KOMONTA
It's an official document that requires
the Imperial autograph and seal...
...also, each minister
will receive a copy.
Make sure you make no errors.
Speed is of the essence.
We're running horribly late; I wonder
when they plan to broadcast this...
No, it's too late to broadcast
it tonight.
We haven't even made a public
announcement about it yet.
Too much time was spent
deciding on the wording.
Then how about 7:00
tomorrow morning?
The sooner we broadcast
it, the better.
No. I want you to wait
until the 16th.
This broadcast must be heard
by all of our troops.
The enemy will be demanding that
they lay down their arms...
...so those on the front
lines, in particular...
...will require some time
to become convinced.
We are telegraphing the allied nations
about our surrender, and yet...
...we should wait two more days
before telling our own people?
But if we do it tomorrow morning,
the audience will not be large.
Farm folk rise early; they'll already
be out in the fields.
Maybe it's not the appropriate
time for the broadcast.
Don't be ridiculous!
Don't be ridiculous.
Delaying until the 16th just means there's
more time for things to go horribly wrong.
Well, we could make a preliminary
announcement on tonight's news.
Then we can broadcast
it at noon tomorrow.
I believe that's the best
way to handle it...
- No, that would be...
- Yes, that would be best.
We shall settle on that as
the Cabinet's decision.
But Prime Minister!
The broadcast
will be tomorrow at noon.
The front lines must be
informed by then.
I trust the Minister of War will spare
no effort to ensure that happens.
I will be returning to Hiroshima with
His Excellency Hata tomorrow.
Thanks for your
hard work.
Can you tell me what the true
intent of the Army is?
True intent? There's no
such thing, particularly.
2ND GENERAL ARMY STAFF OFFICER:
LT. COLONEL SHIRAISHI
2ND GENERAL ARMY STAFF OFFICER:
LT. COLONEL SHIRAISHI
But the decision to surrender unconditionally seemed to come so easily...
2ND GENERAL ARMY STAFF OFFICER:
LT. COLONEL SHIRAISHI
2ND GENERAL ARMY STAFF OFFICER:
LT. COLONEL SHIRAISHI
There must be a reason for the Army's quick acceptance of it.
There must be a reason for the Army's quick acceptance of it.
Led by His Excellency, General Anami, the troops
will solemnly withdraw in an orderly manner.
So there is no hidden agenda?
It is as you say.
Understood. As to whether we
continue to fight or not...
...I believe that the best
path has been chosen.
Going back to
your quarters?
No, it's still early.
I'm going to visit Commander Mori at the Imperial
Guards; it's been a while since I last saw him.
We were told that His Majesty
is making a recording today.
At what time would that be?
Such an event might require the Imperial
Guard to be of service...
...hence we need to
know the details.
The recording has already
been made, hasn't it?
The Aide-de-Camp and the rest of us
heard that there's going to be one...
...but we weren't given
any details.
- But...
- Hold on.
I'm sure they really
don't know.
Such were the orders of the Navy Minister
regarding unconditional surrender. But...
...as for the attitude that we here at
Atsugi Air Base ought to take...
...let me be very
clear on this!
No matter what circumstances
may arise...
...I will resolutely
engage in battle.
And I expect my officers
to follow my example.
The Navy Minister's command
was that...
...there is to be absolute compliance
with the Imperial decree.
Are you suggesting that we act
contrary to these orders?
I'll answer that question.
It is impossible for our actions to
be contrary to the Imperial will.
An enemy fleet has arrived
off the Boso peninsula.
Squadron 207 of Kodama
Air Base in Saitama...
...is currently preparing
to attack.
The war is not over!
SQUADRON 207
SAITAMA PREFECTURE: KODAMA AIR BASE
AIR FORCE BRIGADE COMMANDER:
COLONEL YANAKA
AIR FORCE BRIGADE COMMANDER:
COLONEL YANAKA
Our target lies 400 kilometers off the Boso peninsula...
Our target lies 400 kilometers off the Boso peninsula...
...a fleet of about thirty ships, including
three aircraft carriers.
We launch with the aim of attacking
at dawn. Takeoff time...
Midnight!
In honor of this mission, the
loyal people of Kodama...
...have been permitted to give
you a special send-off.
For those who have been living under
the shadows of enemy bombers...
...for the people of the home-front who have
been gnashing their teeth in suffering...
...today is the day we paint the
rising sun on our wings...
...and show these good people our great
formation of thirty-six aircraft.
The war for the homeland has
now begun. The rise or fall...
...of our Empire is balanced on the
wings of you, our sallying heroes!
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY:
GENERAL BUREAU SECTION OFFICE
Hey...
Almost... I'm almost done.
The Emperor has read the Rescript, and
has made revisions in five places.
What?
But...
But it'll take me over an
hour to re-transcribe it.
We can't help it. Just patch paper over
the revised parts and redo them.
We just contacted the Cabinet about
it, and they're in a panic.
Then it can't be helped. I'd usually
never ask this, but...
...could you please have
someone help me?
"...the general trends of the world have
all turned against Japan's interest."
"Furthermore, the enemy has begun to
employ a new and most cruel bomb...
-"...to wreak devastation..."
- Hold it, hold it, hold it...
"...the enemy has begun to employ
a new and most cruel bomb...
-"...to wreak devastation..."
- That's not how it goes, come on!
"...the enemy has begun to employ
a new and most cruel bomb...
"...to slaughter the innocent." Then after
that, it's "and wreak devastation."
Well, we've got no time. Just write
it in small print next to the line.
Yes, sir.
I will now have an audience
with His Majesty...
...and will receive his Imperial autograph
and seal unto this Rescript.
The spirit of the wings of
our fearless cadets...
... is the spirit of victory
I wish I could send my
mother a picture...
... of the splendidly sinking
enemy-ship
The seven buttons worn by our
young-blooded cadets...
... are those of the cherry-blossom
and anchor
As always, today they fly,
they fly over Kasumigaura...
... over which clouds of
great hope emerge
IMPERIAL PALACE:
UNDERGROUND GOVERNMENT OFFICE
IMPERIAL PALACE:
UNDERGROUND GOVERNMENT OFFICE
The arms of our fiery and vibrant cadets...
The arms of our fiery and vibrant cadets...
... are metal triggers,
their hearts are balls of fire
"Hirohito"
Prime Minister...
Word has reached me that there has been some
unrest in the ranks of the Imperial Guard.
Have you heard of this,
Prime Minister?
I... have not, no one
has told me.
But that's silly.
Not the Imperial Guard.
They have pledged themselves
to protect His Majesty.
The Chief of Staff will have to obey
the Imperial Guard Commander...
...50 the problem is the
Commander himself.
But we have a lot of potential comrades
among the commanding officers.
If enough of them join us, eventually the
Commander will have to join as well.
No, it's not going
to be that easy.
Convincing him will be
extremely difficult.
We'll take on the job
of convincing him.
First, we'll hunt down Lt. Colonel
Ida of the Military Affairs Section.
No matter what, if the broadcast
is made, we've lost.
We have to move
tonight.
We have to get it done tonight,
no matter what.
By the way, I was able to contact
Kuroda at the flight school.
He should be showing
up any minute now.
Kuroda is going to take a squadron
and overfly the palace.
They'll give us cover
and encouragement.
And will inspire the Air Force
to rise up in support...
Quiet.
This announcement is for
everyone in the nation.
There is going to be an important broadcast
tomorrow at noon, August 15th.
Everyone in the nation
is to listen to it.
To repeat this message...
To repeat this message...
Fine, so we have until
noon tomorrow.
Fine, so we have until
noon tomorrow.
There is going to be an important broadcast...
Fine, so we have until
noon tomorrow.
There is going to be an important broadcast...
There is going to be an important broadcast...
Let's hurry up and convince Imperial
Guard Commander Mori.
Let's hurry up and convince Imperial
Guard Commander Mori.
... tomorrow at noon, August 15th.
Let's hurry up and convince Imperial
Guard Commander Mori.
... tomorrow at noon, August 15th.
... tomorrow at noon, August 15th.
And as for convincing
the Minister of War...
... tomorrow at noon, August 15th.
... tomorrow at noon, August 15th.
We have a suitable person for the job: Army
Affairs Section, Lt. Colonel Takeshita.
We have a suitable person for the job: Army
Affairs Section, Lt. Colonel Takeshita.
His sister is the Minister of War's wife;
they're brothers-in-law.
"The Imperial decision
has been made."
"All in the military are to
obey the Imperial will."
"Let no shame be cast upon our illustrious
traditions and brilliant deeds of arms...
"...even unto the very
last moment."
"Let not a single soldier commit
a rash or blind act."
"I earnestly desire that we all
demonstrate to all people...
"...the honor and glory of
the Imperial military."
"I humbly swallow
copious tears...
"...and thus instruct you all."
"The attached Imperial Rescript will be
announced tomorrow on the 15th...
"...at the stroke of noon...
"...when His Majesty's radio-broadcast
is scheduled to occur...
"...whereupon our wish is for thorough
empathy with the Imperial will."
This telegraph will be immediately
sent to all Army units.
- Arao.
- Yes?
I want the young military
officers to live.
Excuse me?
I want there to be a path for them... a
way for them to continue to serve...
...say, becoming a police
officer, for example.
Are you going back
to the Cabinet?
I've made my rounds today...
...like a postman, between the Prime Minister's
Residence and the Army Ministry.
It's been a busy day, but I believe I've done
everything there is to be done...
The Imperial decree has
been completed...
...the Emperor's sighed it and stamped the
imperial seal, so we're done, right?
You know, we...
No, you see,
it can't be announced...
...with just His Majesty's
autograph and seal.
The Prime Minister and his colleagues
have to countersign it...
Yes, they're about
to get started.
Just a little more time.
Just a little!
"Suzuki Kantaro"
IMPERIAL PALACE: IMPERIAL GUARD HQ
So this plan,
you say...
...has been authorized by the Minister
of War, the Chief of Staff...
...the Eastern District Army Commander, and
the Imperial Guard Commander, is that right?
That's right.
- Are you sure?
- Captain, sir!
Could we alone have drawn up
such an important plan?
"Anami Korechika"
His Majesty will soon be...
making his recording.
I will now depart for the Imperial
Household Agency.
Convince Imperial Guard
Commander Mori?
Everyone except the Imperial Guard
Commander is with us.
Now is the time for you to become
involved, Lt. Colonel Ida!
Imperial Guard Commander Mori was
our instructor at Army College.
He'd treat us like we were kids;
we can't persuade him.
I wonder if I would
fare any better...
No, ho matter who goes,
he'd probably...
If the Commander opposes
the plan, then what?
If you go to him, Ida, I'm
sure he'd approve of it!
If you decide to do this, and
he doesn't approve...
...then we'll have no choice
but to abandon the plan.
Ida! It's no longer an issue of
whether we'll succeed or fail.
I've already explained
that to you.
Is the Eastern District
Army mobilizing?
I went to persuade their
Commander...
...but so far we don't know
how many will join us.
But if the Imperial Guard revolts and besieges
the palace, the entire Army will follow!
But their Commander is...
That's why, that's why we
want you, Ida, to appeal to him!
If you do this and Imperial Guard
Commander Mori won't budge...
...then we'll manfully
abandon this plan.
Ida! Please!
Help us!
Hatanaka...
...there's almost no chance of
convincing Commander Mori.
But I'll do what I can.
Yes?
Hatanaka.
I was sure that every officer here at Ichigadai
ought to bravely commit suicide.
But that's easier
said than done.
However...
I've been struck by your
singular passion.
I'm going to lay it all
on the line for you.
- Then you will, Ida...
- However, Hatanaka...
If I can't convince the Commander,
you really will abort this plan, right?
Yes, sir!
YOKOHAMA GUARDS:
TSURUMI SOJI TEMPLE
The word "surrender" is not in the
dictionary of the Imperial Army!
We must fight,
down to the last man!
- Therefore, you bastards...
- But sir...
...there's been no orders, no command to
mobilize from Shibuya headquarters.
Don't get wishy-washy on me!
You guys heard the news. There's going to be
an important broadcast at noon tomorrow!
We don't have a moment to lose!
Immediately, let us unite in action!
The countersigning by all
the ministers is complete.
Then, Mr. Sato,
we can begin.
We're going to transmit the telegrams
now. To all the Allied nations.
All right?
Bye now.
-Do we...
- Send them.
Understood.
It's all over now...
11:00...
It's been a long day...
Can't think of a longer one.
The Cabinet ministers, having met
constantly since the 9th...
...were as one overcome by a deep
physical and mental fatigue.
Most of them fell into a state
of near despondency.
All kinds of tangled thoughts came
and went in their torpor.
Some struggled to comprehend the meaning of
the nation's first defeat in its long history...
Some could not stop thinking of the
consequences of not ending the war...
Atomic bombs destroying city
after city, one after another...
One million Allied troops flooding onto
Kyushu's Satsuma Peninsula...
...and Kanto's Kujukuri-hama Bay.
The Soviet Union in Hokkaido... no,
the Soviet Union marching south...
...into the Korean Peninsulas, into northern
Kyushu, even as far as Chugoku.
Japan getting divided into parts... men,
women, even children and the elderly...
...all falling and dying amidst horrid
plumes of gunpowder smoke...
...the isles of Japan becoming isles of death,
mountains built of 80-million corpses...
But physical exhaustion overwhelmed
these vague thoughts.
As these thoughts faded, they
were replaced by one last one:
"I'm tired. It was a long day.
It was a truly long day...
"...but this long day
is finally over."
In this thought they were united,
and they were all wrong.
The long day was far from over;
only half of it had elapsed.
The Commander of the
Guard is with a guest?
What guest?
Lt. Colonel Shiraishi, from
from the 2nd General Army Staff Office.
Colonel Shiraishi... isn't Colonel Shiraishi
the Guard Commander's...
- ...brother-in-law. Yes.
- We don't have time for this!
Ida! While you're here, I'll go to the
Shibui Barracks in Surugadai.
The barracks in Surugadai?
Yes! I'm going to appeal to Lt. Colonel Takeshita
of the Military Affairs Section.
...and ask him to have the Minister
of War take decisive action!
I am much obliged to
you for many things.
No...
I'm just very glad that things
resolved uneventfully.
Excuse me.
All during these meetings
about ending the war...
...I have spoken as a representative
of the Armed Forces...
...and have been quite obstinate
in expressing my opinions.
I now want to humbly express
my apologies.
My honest intent was a simple one, namely, to
protect the nation. I had no other agenda.
Please understand,
and forgive me.
I understand very well.
I want to thank you with all my
heart for your frank opinions.
Whatever was said, it came from your
passionate concern for the nation.
But, General Anami...
The nation of Japan
is at peace.
I do not feel much anxiety
about its future.
I, too, believe the same.
This was sent to me from
the Southern front.
I do not smoke, so I brought them, hoping
that they might give you pleasure.
Anami, my friend, you have an eloquent
way of saying farewell.
How loud should
my voice be?
Your normal tone of
voice would be fine.
We, after greatly considering the general state of the
World, and the specific conditions of our Empire...
...have decided that the settlement of the situation
requires an extraordinary measure...
...which we now announce to
our good and loyal subjects.
Holding our senior cadets
in high esteem...
Every time we hear of their distinguished
deeds, it gives us a thrill
Firmly work up, work up
the spirit of attack
No enemy is a match
for the Yamato spirit
However, the conflict has now
lasted for nearly four years.
The officers of the Army and Navy
have lead a valiant war effort.
They have been diligently supported
by our Servants in the Government.
They have been devotedly served
by Our hundred million Subjects.
Despite the fact that each has
done his very, very best...
...the war situation has developed in a
manner not to the Nation's advantage.
I wish I could send my
mother a picture...
... of the splendidly sinking
enemy-ship
And furthermore, should
we continue to fight...
...not only would our Nation be destroyed
and our Subjects obliterated...
...but eventually, all of human civilization
would vanish from the Earth.
This being the case, how can we preserve
the multitudes of our people...
The final Attack Squadron,
#12, is departing, sir!
Your Excellency.
The second infantry regiment
of the Imperial Guard...
...is already in the palace compound,
with military banners raised.
They are going to revolt at 2:00
and besiege the palace.
We are against the government defeatists
who hope that we can arrange...
...for the Emperor to be retained
as a mere figurehead.
Our Emperor a puppet?!
Our people totally demoralized?!
Our homeland devastated?!
Does this sit well with you?
To put it bluntly, they're letting His Majesty
clean up the mess of the war they lost...
...while they themselves are trying
to shirk responsibility.
That's what the current
Ministers are doing.
You can argue all you want, but now that
the Emperor has made his decision...
...I cannot agree with any action that
opposes the will of His Majesty.
But, Your Excellency!
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY:
CHAMBERLAIN'S OFFICE
It would be unfortunate if the lid came off...
do you have an appropriate container?
I think something
can be found...
We'd really appreciate it if you could
find an appropriate container.
How about something
like this?
Yes, that would do just
fine. Thank you.
The broadcast will be at noon... Where
should this be placed to keep it safe?
SURUGADAI, KANDA (EAST OF IMPERIAL PALACE):
SHIBUI BARRACKS
SURUGADAI, KANDA (EAST OF IMPERIAL PALACE):
SHIBUI BARRACKS
The Commander?
SURUGADAI, KANDA (EAST OF IMPERIAL PALACE):
SHIBUI BARRACKS
SURUGADAI, KANDA (EAST OF IMPERIAL PALACE):
SHIBUI BARRACKS
He's raised a military flag inside of the palace grounds?
He's raised a military flag inside of the palace grounds?
So Colonel Haga has agreed?
Yes. They're going to rise up at 2:00 a.m.
And besiege the palace.
In addition, four other commanders have also
given proactive consent to our plan!
What about Guard
Commander Mori?
No, the Guard Commander
alone has not agreed.
Ida and Shiizaki are even now
trying to convince him...
...and that's just
a matter of time.
Col. Takeshita, we want to ask of you
to persuade Minister of War Anami.
No one else can
do that but you.
But even if I explained everything to him,
at this stage the Minister probably won't...
No, it will work!
As long as you're the one who goes
to him, Col. Takeshita. Please!
There's no time, I have to get
back to the Imperial Guards.
We've come this far, we'll do it by
brute force alone if we have to.
Col. Takeshita.
We're not asking for you to
agree right this minute.
But if everything goes according
to plan, then please, join us!
Hatanaka. I'll go and see the
Minister immediately.
Yes?
I don't know if I'll ask him to take action.
But I'm a little concerned about him.
The broadcasting station
is going to take it?
Yes, since the broadcast will
be made from the station...
...I think that it is the
obvious choice.
But...
...there is much cause
for concern...
...in taking this record with us in the
middle of the night. Besides...
...we heard that there is unrest
among elements of the Army.
If that's the case, it might be best to keep
it here, in the Imperial Household.
But there is no appropriate place
here in which to keep it safe.
Maybe the Chamberlain and his men should
care for it, as they attend upon His Majesty.
CHAMBERLAIN TOKUGAWA
CHAMBERLAIN TOKUGAWA
I see.
CHAMBERLAIN TOKUGAWA
CHAMBERLAIN TOKUGAWA
In that case, I see no problem with taking custody of it.
In that case, I see no problem with taking custody of it.
Your Excellency...
I have said everything
that I wanted to say.
No...
...one last thing.
If there is to be no decisive battle on home
soil... if the war ends so ignominiously...
...wouldn't that be a craven betrayal
of the heroic spirits...
...of the three-million and more who have
given their lives at the front lines?
Even now as we speak, kamikaze
pilots are headed out...
...launching an attack against
an enemy fleet.
Instead of fighting to
the last soldier...
...if we lay down our arms by
command of the Emperor...
It sounds dutiful, but it's just
a shirking of responsibility!
What will the people think
of the military then?
Will they not consider us to be self-
serving, double-dealing cowards?
Your Excellency.
I will say no more.
Now is the time for all military
men to stake their lives...
...and the Imperial Guard ought
to be in the vanguard.
Please...
...if may have Your Excellency's resolution.
I now have a sufficient understanding
of what you're all aiming at.
Frankly speaking,
I'm impressed.
I will now go to the
Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Yes?
As just a simple Japanese man...
...I'm going to bow down in front
of the Meiji Jingu shrine...
...and decide on the
path I am to take.
While I'm at it, I will also hear what
Chief of Staff Mizutani has to say.
Yes sir! Goodbye!
We have with us Captain Kuroda
of the pilot school.
How did it go?
I think he will take action. He's going
to talk to Chief of Staff Mizutani.
Then he will...
I'll give you the details later. Shiizaki's
here, too, go wait in there with them.
Very good, Sir!
Army Lt. Colonel Hatanaka
entering!
Mr. Shiizaki...
What is happening?
His Excellency will be
going to Meiji Jingu.
You're not going to Meiji Jingu,
you're going to the palace!
What?
Who the hell are you?
Captain Kuroda of
the pilot school.
I have come upon hearing the news
of the Imperial Guard's uprising.
What uprising?
Your Excellency! With respect to
rising up, what is your intent?
I have none!
Lt. Colonel Hatanaka, this
is our last chance.
We can't just linger, we're
running out of time.
Your Excellency! We implore you!
Reconsider! Please reconsider!
Importunate puppy!
Your Excellency!
Insolence!
Your Excellency!
You bastards...
Hatanaka! What have you done?!
I couldn't convince the Commander...
no... there was no time...
...I had no time... so
I had to do it...
Ida! Together, quickly...
IMPERIAL GUARD CHIEF OF STAFF MIZUTANI
Ida! Together, quickly...
Ida! Together, quickly...
As fast, fast as possible, at once, we must
go to the Eastern District Army...
Ida, please!
As fast as possible, go and convince the
Eastern District Army to rise... Please!
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY: OFFICE OF
THE PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE EMPRESS
Orders for the Imperial
Guard, August 15, 2:00.
One: The Imperial Guards are to
destroy the plot of the enemy...
...support the Emperor,
and protect the nation.
Two: The commander of the
First Infantry Regiment...
...will take command of the troops stationed
in the 2nd and 3rd parade grounds...
...then proceed to and occupy the main
castle's equestrian grounds.
They are to defend the Emperor's apartments
against outside intrusion.
Also, a company shall occupy
the Tokyo Broadcast Bureau...
...and put a stop to all
broadcasting activity.
Three...
Hurry! Go faster!
Faster!
The Imperial Guard Artillery Commander
is to be on alert.
Eight: The Imperial Guard Commander
of Technical Affairs is to be on alert.
Nine: The Captain of the Imperial Guard
Artillery is to guard the palace.
Ten: The Imperial Guard Communications
Chief shall cut...
...all lines of communications
into and out of the palace...
...except for those going
to Imperial Guard HQ.
Eleven: These orders are issued
from Imperial Guard HQ...
...signed: Imperial Guard Commander,
Mori Takeshi.
We two from the Army Ministry,
by order of Imperial Guard HQ...
...have been seconded as staff
officers to the Imperial Guard.
The command to secure the palace should
be formally delivered in the near future.
Therefore, deploy the
troops immediately!
The Minister of War will be coming
as scheduled, correct?
Yes sir, shortly!
- Very well. Third Captain.
- Yes, sir!
Command!
The regiment shall immediately occupy
the palace, and secure it!
Fall in!
- Load guns!
- Bear swords!
- Take them away!
- Get in position, on the double!
YOKOHAMA GUARDS:
DORMITORY FOR NEW GUARDS
Attention!
Salute the Captain!
Heads right!
Forward!
After the emergency call, when we're
ready, we will depart for Tokyo!
The nation is in grave danger, and yet,
only a few will stand up to save her!
As your Captain, I want to thank
all of you with all my heart...
...that though you are civilians, you have
nonetheless chosen the path of honor!
MINISTER OF WAR'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE
It is I, Takeshita.
What are you doing here?
Never mind,
come in.
Yes, sir.
"The compassion of His Majesty is profoundly
moving; My heart touched, I am struck dumb.
- 23 Showa, August 14th, Evening,
General Korechika (Anami)"
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY
Find the switchboard! Cut all the phone lines!
Find the switchboard! Cut all the phone lines!
Hurry!
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU
Go!
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU
SWITCHBOARD ROOM
Break it!
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
Cut those phone lines!
Over here, this way!
IMPERIAL PALACE: SAKASHITA GATE
IMPERIAL PALACE: SAKASHITA GATE
Stop!
IMPERIAL PALACE: SAKASHITA GATE
IMPERIAL PALACE: SAKASHITA GATE
Stop!
Who are you?
It's the Information Bureau Director.
Back it up! Back up the car!
Back it up!
What? The Information Bureau
Director is here?
Yes sir, we just took
him prisoner.
He's connected to the recording.
We caught ourselves a fine fish.
Well done! Now don't
let down your guard.
Yes, sir.
I wonder how Ida is doing at the Eastern
District Army. Well, I hope.
Yeah. If they don't mobilize soon,
there's a danger that we'll be exposed.
They'll uncover our forged orders.
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY HQ: STAFF ROOM
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY HQ: STAFF ROOM
An uprising?
An uprising?
The Imperial Guards
have revolted?
That's... that's right.
We got a phone call from the Imperial
Guard Staff Office making that claim.
What do they mean
by "uprising?"
Imperial Guard Commander
Mori has been... killed!
What?!
STAFF OFFICER ITAGAKI
As we have said, the aim of the uprising
of the Imperial Guard...
...is strictly in interests of
protecting the nation.
We will be offering His Majesty a final report
of our views; there is no other agenda.
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY
CHIEF OF STAFF TAKASHIMA
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY
CHIEF OF STAFF TAKASHIMA
What?
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY
CHIEF OF STAFF TAKASHIMA
Chief of Staff... If the Eastern District
Army will take a stand...
...surely the entire Home Army
will also take action!
If that happens, His Majesty might change
his mind, too... we implore you!
If we don't act immediately,
it will all be for nothing.
If His Majesty's recording is
broadcast, all will be lost!
Now is the time to resolutely rise
in defense of the nation!
Your Excellency!
A ROOM AT IMPERIAL GUARD HQ
A ROOM AT IMPERIAL GUARD HQ
Get in!
Get in!
- Bureau chief!
- Oh!
No talking!
Talking and smoking
are prohibited!
All of you will write down your names,
ranks and honors on this paper.
It's very hot in here; may
we take off our jackets?
No, and that's an order!
I'm going to the palace right away
to suppress this rebellion!
Sir, please wait until we find out more...
until we know what we're up against.
We don't know what the situation is.
All we know is that a group of armed
Imperial Guards have revolted.
We must first investigate
the situation.
Can you contact the palace?
Sir, we're doing everything we can...
...but it seems they've
cut the phone lines.
So the recording was done late
tonight inside the palace?
Yes.
Where is the recording?
We have given it to the Imperial
Household Agency.
The Imperial Household Agency?
To whom at the Imperial
Household Agency?
I don't know his name.
He is a Chamberlain.
A Chamberlain, you say?
We're done. Take them away.
Yes, sir!
The record is within our reach.
All that's left now is...
The uprising of the Eastern District Army, and
having the Minister of War take action.
Has the Minister of War arrived yet?
Lt. Colonel Takeshita has
gone to fetch him.
He will be here shortly.
This is Captain Kuroda
of the pilot school.
I have come to deliver a message
to Lt. Colonel Takeshita.
What?!
They've killed Commander Mori?
Hatanaka.
It's no good.
The Eastern District Army
is frozen in place.
There's no indication
they'll rise.
Give up and withdraw
the troops.
If we continue the siege, it'll
become a national calamity.
Then we'll have to battle the
Eastern District Army.
I have no fear of battle! We have control
of both the palace and the Emperor!
We also have many prisoners, such
as broadcast president Shimomura!
Don't be stupid!
How long will the Imperial Guards stand with
us, how that you've killed their commander?!
Without their solidarity,
how can we stand in battle?
When they find out about the Commander's
death, their morale will plummet!
Don't you understand?
Withdraw the troops
before dawn.
As for what happened tonight...
...we'll take the blame
for it ourselves.
Hatanaka.
Just let it be.
What happened
here tonight...
...the people of the world will probably laugh
at us bitterly, and think of it as...
...a fleeting, final struggle
by the Japanese Army.
A midsummer night's dream.
Now, I'm going to go and report the
situation to the Minister of War.
Okay, Hatanaka?
You must withdraw the
troops before dawn.
A bump in the road; looks like this
might take longer than we thought.
The Eastern District Army is going
to fight us? Don't make me laugh.
We have the Emperor; do you think they'll
attack us with tanks and planes?
"2.26 Incident." an attempted coup d'etat by young
military officers on February 26, 1936.
The men who launched the 2.26 Incident
were reviled as traitors...
"2.26 Incident." an attempted coup d'etat by young
military officers on February 26, 1936.
"2.26 Incident." an attempted coup d'etat by young
military officers on February 26, 1936.
...because they didn't have the
Emperor in their custody.
But...
...our situation is the exact opposite.
Those who attack us will be the rebels.
Besides, our orders
remain in force.
If we can hold out
long enough...
...the entire Army will eventually hear about
it, and they will certainly side with us.
The final victory will be ours,
no matter what happens.
And if anyone gets
in our way...
That's right... That record... If that ever
got broadcast, all would be lost.
We must find that record as soon as possible;
every second, every minute counts!
Guards! Bring those broadcast
people out here!
Hurry up! Quickly!
Hurry!
Hurry!
Hurry it up!
Hurry!
- Hurry!
- Hurry!
- Hurry!
- Hurry!
Go!
All right, charge!
So you are certain that the record was
given to one of the Chamberlains?
That's right.
What was the name of
the Chamberlain?
Tonight was the first time I'd met him.
I didn't get his name.
Then...
...could you identify him
if you saw his face?
Yes. I think so.
- Second Captain!
- Yes, sir!
Take this man to the Imperial Household
Agency and find that record.
It's a precious item, so
exercise extreme care!
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY
Squad... Halt!
Load guns!
Begin the search
for the record!
Where do we go?
Hurry up!
- Stop! Who is it?
- Ignore him! Forward!
Stop! Who goes there?!
I'm an Eastern District Army Staff Officer.
I'm here to meet my Imperial Guard counterparts.
Staff Officer Fuha, Eastern District Army.
Itagaki, of the same.
What kind of stupidity are
you bastards up to?
We've come to find out what's going on.
Officer, name yourself!
We better see how the
Commander is doing.
As for the forged orders, you've got a
lot of detailed explaining to do later.
- Move!
- Move, out of the way!
It's all right, let them see.
Let them see the fate of cowards who refuse
to rise in the face of national danger.
Let these gutless officers of the Eastern
District Army have a good look.
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY
Alright!
Alright!
GENERAL MANAGEMENT DIVISION
All right, that's enough.
Is this the fellow you
gave the record to?
No, he was taller. Oh yes,
he had a big nose, too.
CHAMBERLAIN TODA
CHAMBERLAIN TODA
I must ask you to excuse me;
I must ask you to excuse me;
His Majesty may require me to attend upon him.
What? You haven't
found it yet?
We're searching as
fast as we can...
...but there are so many rooms, the
whole building is like a labyrinth.
Put more men on it.
Order! Add the reserve medium
platoon to the search team.
Make every effort to
find the record.
Get it quickly!
Pass on the order.
Yes, sir.
The Minister of War is late,
what is going on?
We'll make another call to
see if he has left yet.
You boys keep saying
the same thing.
And why haven't you contacted the
Commander of the Guards yet?
Colonel, sir...
the Commander is dead.
What?
Colonel, we would have you
assume his role and take command.
The Commander has died?
The Commander of the Guards is dead...
What the hell's going on around here?!
You're an Imperial Guard Staff Officer,
you must know something!
The Minister of War will
be here shortly.
Until then, Sir, you must assume
command of the Imperial Guard.
We are all familiar with
the details of the plan.
Your Excellency...
Your Excellency...
Ida. You needn't say anything.
I'm aware of some
of the details.
I also know about the killing
of Commander Mori.
You're here to apologize.
As long as the Eastern District Army
doesn't revolt, it'll all be over soon.
KYOHAMA HIGHWAY: GREAT BRIDGE
OVER THE TAMAGAWA RIVER
We're now entering Tokyo!
Our first target:
Prime Minister Suzuki!
They haven't found it yet?
Kill anyone who gets in the way!
Slay them without mercy!
Find that record immediately!
Yes, sir.
We've searched high and low, and
it's nowhere to be found...
Maybe... the record is being
kept close to His Majesty?
I know what you're all up to!
Now... Now I know
what you're up to!
You're rebelling!
That's why Minister Anami and the Commander
of the Eastern District Army haven't arrived.
And maybe, it was you who
murdered our Commander!
You have been
deceiving me!
I will take no further orders from any of
you. Get the hell out of the palace!
If you intend to continue,
then you'll have to kill me!
You'll do this over
my dead body!
We require that you
follow our orders.
What?
You must obey the orders
of your Commander.
Unfortunately, your Commander
is dead...
...but his orders live on.
But... you probably made
up those orders!
The military acts on
orders alone.
Orders from superior officers
cannot be questioned!
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY
Go!
Go!
COURT CEREMONIES AFFAIRS OFFICE
OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS MANAGER'S OFFICE
IN-HOUSE OFFICIALS' ROOM
FAMILY MEMBERS' HOUSING
SEWING ROOM
SEWING ROOM
Tear it apart!
LADY'S ITEMS ROOM
CEREMONIAL ITEMS STORAGE
OFFICE OF PALACE AFFAIRS
FOR EMPEROR AND EMPRESS
We want the record and the Household
Minister. Tell us where they are!
How would I know?
Is he resisting us? Kill him!
Kill me if you must.
But Killing me won't solve anything.
Killing gutless worms like you
will only rust my sword.
Instead, I'll show you the true
meaning of Japanese spirit!
Japanese spirit? You people aren't
the only guardians of Japan!
Only if we are united
can we be strong!
FIRE!
Charge!
Open it!
Open up! Open up! Open up!
The Prime Minister is not here.
He's not in here.
What? Liar!
No.
I agree with you.
How could they unconditionally
surrender?
We must put an end to the
treachery of the ministers!
The Prime Minister is at his home in Maruyama!
That's the place to attack!
Maruyama, is it?
Thank you.
Platoon!
IMPERIAL PALACE: LIBRARY FORECOURT
Platoon!
IMPERIAL PALACE: LIBRARY FORECOURT
IMPERIAL PALACE: LIBRARY FORECOURT
Halt!
Halt!
CHAMBERLAIN IRI-E
We've never had to shut this window,
even for enemy air raids.
Stupid window...
Platoon, attention!
Ah... How is the Emperor?
CHAMBERLAIN MITSUI
Ah... How is the Emperor?
CHAMBERLAIN MITSUI
CHAMBERLAIN MITSUI
He's awake.
He's awake.
We've thoroughly searched
and come up empty...
Maybe the record is at the
broadcast bureau...
But then again...
But then again...
Shiizaki...
The Minister of War will not stir.
The Eastern District Army will not mobilize.
And on top of all that,
we can't find the record.
There's nothing more we
can do... nothing more!
Don't panic!
We can still do this.
Huh?
Go now to the occupied
broadcast bureau.
And just at the break of dawn,
broadcast to all of Japan:
"We must not accept the Declaration.
Japan shall fight a war of total resistance.
"If you hear a broadcast of the Emperor
accepting the Potsdam Declaration...
"...know it to be a trick of cowardly
senior statesmen.
"The genuine will of His Majesty is
that his glorious Army and Navy...
"...should defend the nation
to the last man!"
Your Excellency!
Let me go with you!
You fool! What are you saying?!
The only one who will
die tonight is me.
Don't you know that it takes more
courage to live than to die?
When you're as old as I am,
it isn't that hard to cut your belly.
What is difficult is that task that
awaits all of you young people.
But what good can
we do by living?
Minister... Minister, do you believe
that the nation can be rebuilt?
It must be rebuilt.
All kinds of hardship await
those who will live on.
However...
However, from this day onward...
...Japan's path through history
is going to change.
As to how it will change,
how it must be changed...
...I no longer have any idea,
whatsoever.
But no matter what the
future has in store...
...each and every Japanese must
stand by their station...
...live on, endure, and
work earnestly.
In no other way can the
nation be rebuilt.
And not only that...
Those who live on must
build a Japan...
...that will never have to face
such a miserable day again.
I want you to make every effort
to create that kind of Japan.
Day will be breaking soon.
It's August 15th, 1945.
First platoon, forward march!
IMPERIAL GUARD 1ST INFANTRY REGIMENT
March!
Keep cadence!
Second platoon,
forward march!
IMPERIAL GUARD 1ST INFANTRY REGIMENT
COMMANDER: COLONEL WATANABE
It's His Excellency, Commander
of the Eastern District Army!
Right!
Who's in command here?
This is an Imperial Guard
detachment, sir.
We have been summoned to the
palace by Major Ishihara!
That's a false order!
Huh?
They've killed your Commander
and fabricated false orders!
Where is this Ishihara?
What the hell have you done?!
This is insurrection!
Arrest him!
Yes, sir!
TOKYO BROADCAST BUREAU
STUDIO 1
STUDIO 12
You can't broadcast?
BROADCAST BUREAU STAFF:
TATENO MORIO
BROADCAST BUREAU STAFF:
TATENO MORIO
We're current under security alert.
BROADCAST BUREAU STAFF:
TATENO MORIO
BROADCAST BUREAU STAFF:
TATENO MORIO
We cannot broadcast anything
We cannot broadcast anything
without the Eastern District Army's authorization.
I am now going to announce the genuine
will of the military to all the people!
Get everything ready
immediately!
No, no matter what you say, we cannot broadcast
without proper authorization.
Oh yeah?!
IMPERIAL PALACE: LIBRARY FORECOURT
What a mess. They're supposed
to guard His Majesty...
...and yet look what these Imperial
Guards are doing.
What does the Emperor say?
He said, "I'm going out there. Assemble
the troops in the garden.
"I'm going to speak to the
troops from my heart.
"Also, please ask the Military Liaison
Chamberlain to attend upon me."
But he's at the administration office
barracks, under house arrest.
And it would be like walking
out into a pack of wolves.
Bring the machine guns forward!
Hurry up!
First and third squads,
spread out!
Message! Message!
Stop! Stop!
Who is it?
I'm the Eastern District Army
Commander. Open the gate!
The orders to the Imperial Guard
were fabricated by insurgents...
They are false orders!
From here on, I, Tanaka, will assume
command of the Imperial Guard!
Sir!
Quickly withdraw the troops and
return to your original posts.
When that is done,
immediately report back to me!
Yes? What?! Yes!
It's from the Eastern District Army.
Yes, Major Hatanaka speaking!
"I offer my life in atonement for my supreme
crime."...Anami Korechika, Minister of War.
"Our sacred nation shall never perish."
PRIME MINISTER SUZUKI'S
PRIVATE RESIDENCE
Book Title: "The Priest and His Apprentice,"
by Kurata Hyakuzo
Our target is Prime Minister Suzuki Kantaro!
Nobody else is to be harmed!
What? Not here?
The Prime Minister isn't here?!
Y... yes. We got a call from the official residence
about you, so everyone left.
Where did they go?!
I... I wasn't told.
Burn it! The house of a national traitor
is defiled! Burn it to the ground!
Yes, sir!
Fire!
But I'm begging you!
No, we won't authorize
a broadcast.
I won't say anything about not
accepting the Declaration!
Please, please, let me speak for the young
officers who took a stand this night!
Just let me speak for five minutes,
no, just three minutes only!
Hatanaka, that's enough.
You're obsessed.
"Obsessed?"
Right, we're done here!
Next, we go after the traitor who favors
the U.S. and Great Britain...
...Privy Council President
Hiranuma Ki-ichiro!
Minister! Let me
be your second!
Unnecessary.
Stand back!
- Minister!
- Your Excellency!
Water... let me have
a glass of water!
We humbly and respectfully announce that
an Imperial Decree will soon be broadcast.
We have the honor to announce
that His Majesty, the Emperor...
...has chosen to address the
nation at noon today...
...and we are sincerely grateful for the
honor of broadcasting his words.
Let each and every citizen of the nation
attend to the voice of the Emperor.
Good morning!
CHAMBERLAIN OKABE
Good morning!
CHAMBERLAIN OKABE
Did I miss something?
To protect the nation, we soldiers who
have risen up today, on August 15th...
...are making an announcement to all the
soldiers and people of the nation.
We will protect the Emperor from
the plots of the enemy...
...and keep the nation safe.
We don't care if we win or lose;
we don't do this for ourselves!
We only wish to live in the righteous
state of genuine loyalty!
ENSIGN KORE-AKIRA: 2ND SON
OF MINISTER OF WAR ANAMI
RECORD OF THE EMPEROR'S VOICE (COPY)
RECORD OF THE EMPEROR'S VOICE (ORIGINAL)
PROVISIONAL RESIDENCE OF GENERAL TAKAO,
YOUNGER BROTHER OF THE PRIME MINISTER
Ah...
I'm so glad... so glad
that you're safe.
Mr. Sakomizu, does today's Privy Council
meeting at the palace start at 11:00?
Yes.
After that meeting, I want to
hold a Cabinet meeting...
...and call for the mass resignation
of all Cabinet members.
It's time for us elders
to step down.
From now on, Japan must be lead
by much younger people.
All officers of the military and
people of all stations!
We ask you to take to heart the original
intent of our uprising...
...which was to expose the treachery of the
ministers, to destroy conspiracies...
...and to protect the nation, defending
it to the last man!
To protect the nation, we soldiers who
have risen up today, on August 15th...
...are making an announcement to all the
soldiers and people of the nation.
Hello, Mr. Togo? At 11:00 today there will
be a Privy Council meeting at the palace.
Inasmuch as the end of the war
has been officially decided...
Yes, I heard about it yesterday.
Yes, but afterward, the Cabinet will meet
in order that they might resign.
That's correct, a mass resignation.
Thank you.
The broadcast bureau?
Yes, we can deploy troops right away.
Huh? What?! The record got there?!
Both the original and
copy, you're sure?
I'm going to the Parliamentary
Affairs Room.
Mr. Shimomura, I know you'll be able
to coordinate the resignations.
I must go to the Palace to prepare for
the Privy Council meeting at 11:00.
The Secretary General
is very busy.
These last 24 hours, even two or three
of him would not have been enough.
But why would they have a Privy Council
meeting to decide to end the war again?
After all, the fact of the matter is that
the decision has already been made.
No, not necessarily.
Yes?
It requires all kinds of formalities. It may
be more accurate to call them "ceremonies."
After all, it's the funeral of
the Japanese empire.
We don't care if we win or lose;
we don't do this for ourselves!
We only wish to live in the righteous
state of genuine loyalty!
All officers of the military and
people of all stations!
We ask you to take to heart the original
intent of our uprising...
...which was to expose the treachery of the
ministers, to destroy conspiracies...
...and to protect the nation,
defending it to the last man!
With respect to the conclusion
of the war...
...starting today at noon...
...His Majesty's voice will be...
...broadcast to all the people
over the radio.
BROADCAST BUREAU: STUDIO 8
BROADCAST BUREAU STAFF:
WADA NOBUKATA
What a horrible time for
my malaria to flare up...
...at a time of emergency...
...but...
...Atsugi Air Base will resist...
resist to the very end!
Atsugi Air Base... to the very
end! To the very end!
Everyone is assembled to listen
to the Emperor's broadcast.
Since our kamikaze attack
was unsuccessful...
...and the city of Kumagaya has been
destroyed by B-29 firebombing...
...there are many who think that that's
what the broadcast will be about.
That the Emperor is going to admonish
and encourage us...
...to keep on fighting.
BROADCAST BUREAU: OUTSIDE STUDIO 8
His Excellency, the Commander
of the Eastern District Army...
...will be entering to witness
the broadcast.
His Majesty's broadcast
will finally be made...
Be sure to maintain
your vigilance.
I can't let them broadcast
the end of the war!
I'll kill them all!
Stop!
- Let me go! Let me go!
- Stop!
How could they end the war?!
Who cares about a broadcast?!
How could they end the war?!
If he acts up again,
just cut him down!
No! Let me go!
Let me go!
How could they end the war?!
How could they end the war?!
There will now be an
important broadcast.
We ask for everyone listening
to please stand.
His Majesty, the Emperor,
will now address the nation...
...and pronounce his great Rescript.
And now, with deep respect,
we convey to you the Emperor's voice.
We, reflecting profoundly on
the state of the world...
... and the prevailing condition
of Our Empire...
... have decided that extraordinary measures
are required to effect a settlement...
... and hereby announce
to our loyal citizens...
... that we have ordered our Government
to communicate to the Governments...
... of the United States, Great Britain,
China, and the Soviet Union...
... that our Empire accepts the provisions
of their joint Declaration.
It was a long, long 24 hours.
But finally,
Japan's longest day was over.
August 15th, 1945.
The day that the Pacific War ended.
JAPANESE WHO FOUGHT AS SOLDIERS
IN THE PACIFIC WAR:
10,000,000 (1/4 OF ALL JAPANESE MEN)
MILITARY DEATHS: 2,000,000
MILITARY DEATHS: 2,000,000
The thought of our soldiers,
MILITARY DEATHS: 2,000,000
who have fallen in the fields of battle...
... who have sacrificed themselves
at their posts of duty...
CIVILIAN DEATHS: 1,000,000
CIVILIAN DEATHS: 1,000,000
... and those who have otherwise met death,
and their bereaved families...
TOTAL: 3,000,000
(ONE IN FIVE HOUSEHOLDS HAS LOST A PARENT)
TOTAL: 3,000,000
(ONE IN FIVE HOUSEHOLDS HAS LOST A PARENT)
... is a ceaseless heartache to us.
TOTAL: 3,000,000
(ONE IN FIVE HOUSEHOLDS HAS LOST A PARENT)
TOTAL: 3,000,000
(ONE IN FIVE HOUSEHOLDS HAS LOST A PARENT)
Hereafter,
TOTAL: 3,000,000
(ONE IN FIVE HOUSEHOLDS HAS LOST A PARENT)
NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHOSE HOMES
OR PROPERTY WERE DESTROYED:
NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHOSE HOMES
OR PROPERTY WERE DESTROYED:
our nation will be subjected
NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHOSE HOMES
OR PROPERTY WERE DESTROYED:
NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHOSE HOMES
OR PROPERTY WERE DESTROYED:
to great hardship and suffering.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHOSE HOMES
OR PROPERTY WERE DESTROYED:
15,000,000
15,000,000
We are keenly aware of the
pain each of you feels...
We are keenly aware of the
pain each of you feels...
We must all remember that the peace
we now enjoy was purchased...
...with the blood, sweat, and tears
of countless comrades.
Our only wish is that never again shall such a
day as this dawn upon Japan and its people.
That is our only wish.
Produced by Fujimoto Sanezumi
and Tanaka Tomoyuki
Screenplay by Hashimoto Shinobu
Based on the original work by Oya Soichi,
"Nippon no Ichiban Nagai Hi (Japan's Longest Day)"
Bungei Shunjyu War History Research Society
Bungei Shunjyu Co. Ltd. Version
Directed by Okamoto Kihachi
Cinematography by Murai Hiroshi
Art by Akune Iwao
Sound Recording by Watarai Shin
Lighting by Nishikawa Tsuruzo
Music by Sato Masaru
Sound Arrangement by Shimonaga Sho
Assistant Directors: Yamamoto Michio
and Watanabe Kunihiko
Edited by Kuroiwa Yoshitami
Film Development by Kinuta Laboratory
Production Supervisor: Suzuki Masao
Source Materials:
Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK)
Columbia Records
Mainichi Shimbun Company,
Publishing & Photographs Division
Yomiuri Shimbun Archive Division
Kobunsha edition,
"Taiheiyo Sensoshi" ("History of the Pacific War")
Yamahashi Yosuke, Yanagida Fumio,
Kageyama Mitsuhiro, Ishikawa Mitsuaki
Cast (in Order of Appearance):
Miyaguchi Seiji
Toura Mutsuhiro
Ryu Chishu
Yamamura So
Mifune Toshiro
Kosugi Yoshio
Shimura Takashi
Takahashi Etsushi
Inoue Takao
Nakamaru Tadao
Kurosawa Toshio
Kitchoji Akira
Yamada Haruo
Kagawa Ryosuke
Akashi Ushio
Tamagawa Isao
Nihonyanagi Hiroshi
Takeuchi Touru
Kato Takeshi
Kawabe Kyuzo
Ehara Tatsuyoshi
lida Kakuzo
Kida Shiro
Tanaka Shiyuki
Yamada Keisuke
Mitsui Koji
Tsuchiya Yoshio
Shimada Shogo
Morino Goro
Tsutsumi Yasuhisa
Takada Minoru
Kato Daisuke
Ishida Shigeki
Tazaki Jun
Hirata Akihiko
Sakai Sachio
Nakamura Nobuo
Tatsuoka Shin
Kita Ryuji
Nomura AKiji
Fujiki Yu
Kitamura Kazuo
Murakami Fuyuki
Kitazawa Hyo
Imafuku Masao
Amamoto Hideyo
Koyama Shigeru
Hamamura Jun
Kose Itaru
Sato Makoto
Kubo Akira
Kusakawa Naoya
Akitsuki Masao
Nomura Seiichiro
Kirino Hiro-o
Araki Yasuo
Ishiyama Kenjiro
Taki Keiichi
Fujita Susumu
Tanaka Hiroshi
Sada Yutaka
Ueda Tadayoshi
Katsube Nobuyuki
Ito Yunosuke
Hasegawa Hiroshi
Aono Hirayoshi
Kodama Kiyoshi
Hamada Torahiko
Fukuro Tadashi
Kobayashi Keiju
Nakatani Ichiro
Wakamiya Chuzaburo
Yamamoto Ren
Nakayama Yutaka
Mori Kanta
Ibuki Toru
Kuno Seishiro
Ogawa Yasuzo
Tajima Yoshifumi
Kayama Yuzo
Aratama Michiyo
Miyabe Akio
Sekiguchi Ginzo
Sekida Yu
Igawa Hisashi
Koizumi Hiroshi
Matsumoto Koshiro
Narrator: Nakadai Tatsuya
THE END
The Toho Co. Ltd.
(Japanese translation of the Potsdam Declaration)
OWADA, SAITAMA PREFECTURE:
OVERSEAS BROADCAST MONITORING STATION
OWADA, SAITAMA PREFECTURE:
OVERSEAS BROADCAST MONITORING STATION
The Potsdam Declaration, a demand by...
OWADA, SAITAMA PREFECTURE:
OVERSEAS BROADCAST MONITORING STATION
OWADA, SAITAMA PREFECTURE:
OVERSEAS BROADCAST MONITORING STATION
...the United States, China,
OWADA, SAITAMA PREFECTURE:
OVERSEAS BROADCAST MONITORING STATION
OWADA, SAITAMA PREFECTURE:
OVERSEAS BROADCAST MONITORING STATION
and Great Britain, for Japan's surrender...
and Great Britain, for Japan's surrender...
...was intercepted by the Overseas Broadcast Station
at 6:00 a.m. on July 26th, 1945.
JULY 26
at 6:00 a.m. on July 26th, 1945.
at 6:00 a.m. on July 26th, 1945.
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:
MINISTER'S OFFICE
FOREIGN MINISTER TOGO
FOREIGN MINISTER TOGO
This could be an opportunity...
DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MATSUMOTO
DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MATSUMOTO
Yes, it is considerably different from their Cairo Declaration.
DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MATSUMOTO
DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MATSUMOTO
It no longer demands absolute and
It no longer demands absolute and
unconditional surrender, but presents...
...in eight articles, specific conditions for
the establishment of peace. Therefore...
Yes, I am aware of the
implications...
...but the armed forces,
and in particular...
...the Army, will
never accept it.
JULY 27
JULY 27
On the next day, July 27th...
On the next day, July 27th...
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
CONFERENCE ROOM
On the next day, July 27th...
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
CONFERENCE ROOM
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
CONFERENCE ROOM
...the cabinet met to discuss the Potsdam Declaration.
...the cabinet met to discuss the Potsdam Declaration.
At present, the Soviet Union is acting
as our emissary to the Allies.
Until we hear from them, we shouldn't
reject the declaration outright.
I believe that it's in our best
interest to be patient.
No one opposed the Foreign
Minister's counsel.
It was decided that a "wait and
see" policy would be adopted.
But disagreements arose about how to
present this decision to the public.
WELFARE MINISTER OKADA
WELFARE MINISTER OKADA
As the Declaration has been made public overseas, word of it...
As the Declaration has been made public overseas, word of it...
...will soon reach the people. Thus,
we must quickly make a statement.
CABINET INFORMATION BUREAU DIRECTOR
SHIMOMURA
CABINET INFORMATION BUREAU DIRECTOR
SHIMOMURA
If we wait too long before making our response...
CABINET INFORMATION BUREAU DIRECTOR
SHIMOMURA
CABINET INFORMATION BUREAU DIRECTOR
SHIMOMURA
...there's a danger that we'll be perceived as being indecisive.
...there's a danger that we'll be perceived as being indecisive.
MINISTER OF WAR: GENERAL ANAMI
MINISTER OF WAR: GENERAL ANAMI
If we must announce it,
If we must announce it,
then we must also completely reject it!
We have not accepted this
"Potsdam Declaration."
And thus, if we do not emphasize
our opposition to it...
...we run the risk of implying
that we accept it.
Such an implication would
deal a crushing blow to...
...military and general
public morale.
The cabinet meeting was
thrown to confusion.
Knowing that total secrecy was impossible,
they opted to exercise prudence.
It was decided not to announce
any official opinion.
Newspapers were instructed
to downplay the Declaration.
PRIME MINISTER SUZUKI
PRIME MINISTER SUZUKI
They were not going to object if it was assumed...
They were not going to object if it was assumed...
...that the administration was
ignoring the Declaration.
On this, they were unanimous.
The newspapers soft-pedaled
the Potsdam Declaration.
Some of them even ridiculed it.
For the most part, it was
ignored by the public.
ICHIGAYADAI BLUFF, TOKYO:
ARMY STAFF HEADQUARTERS
ICHIGAYADAI BLUFF, TOKYO:
ARMY STAFF HEADQUARTERS
But front-line military personnel...
ICHIGAYADAI BLUFF, TOKYO:
ARMY STAFF HEADQUARTERS
ICHIGAYADAI BLUFF, TOKYO:
ARMY STAFF HEADQUARTERS
...began to inquire as to why...
...began to inquire as to why...
...there had been no explicit denouncement
of the Potsdam Declaration.
Although the public had
been left in the dark...
...the 272,000 troops serving
on the front lines...
...dispersed throughout
Asia and the Pacific...
...through military transmissions, radio,
and other means of communication...
...had already become well-informed
about the Potsdam Declaration.
MINISTER OF WAR'S OFFICE
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
MAJOR HATANAKA
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
MAJOR HATANAKA
Your Excellency,
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
MAJOR HATANAKA
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
MAJOR HATANAKA
how can our men hold the line under these circumstances?
how can our men hold the line under these circumstances?
I know.
However... we face a grave
national crisis.
We must not act recklessly.
I expect each of you to follow my lead,
whether it be in advance or retreat.
Is this understood?
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
PRIME MINISTER'S PRIVATE OFFICE
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
PRIME MINISTER'S PRIVATE OFFICE
The front lines will waver?
Yes, sir.
If we continue to remain silent
about this Declaration...
...it will greatly affect the
morale of our officers...
...which will make it difficult for
them to hold their positions.
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
MEETING HALL
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
MEETING HALL
The administration, accepting the Army's advice...
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
MEETING HALL
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
MEETING HALL
...decided that though it would not officially respond
...decided that though it would not officially respond
to the Potsdam Declaration...
...it would present
Japan's position...
...by answering questions
from the press.
Thus, Prime Minister Suzuki
held a press conference.
He stated:
"Since the Potsdam Declaration is only
a rehash of the Cairo Declaration...
...we do not attach any
importance to it."
But as he replied to questions
from reporters...
...as he repeatedly replied by saying, "we
do not attach any importance to it..."
...he finally used the word "mokusatsu," which
means "to remain in wise silence."
I see no need to reply
any further.
The newspapers changed
their editorial position...
...and widely commented on
the Potsdam Declaration...
...and that the lack of official comment
about it had been deliberate.
News of this soon spread
around the world.
In foreign countries, the word "mokusatsu”
was translated as "ignoring."
It was eventually reported
to mean "rejection."
As a result, public opinion in the U.S. and
Great Britain hardened against Japan.
On August 6th, the U.S. dropped
the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
HIROSHIMA
HIROSHIMA
200,000 lives were snuffed out in a single moment.
200,000 lives were snuffed out in a single moment.
The U.S. had warned that, if Japan refused
to accept the Potsdam Declaration...
...then "the alternative for Japan will
be prompt and utter destruction."
That warning had
become a reality.
It was stated that the atomic bomb would
have a revolutionary effect on warfare...
...and if Japan did not
surrender at once...
...then more Japanese targets
would be utterly destroyed.
SOVIET FRONTIER
SOVIET FRONTIER
Two days later, on August 8th, the Soviet Union entered the war.
Two days later, on August 8th, the Soviet Union entered the war.
The Japan-Soviet Nonaggression Pact
had been a one-sided promise.
AUGUST 9TH
AUGUST 9TH
10:30 AM, August 9th.
10:30 AM, August 9th.
IMPERIAL PALACE COMPOUND:
UNDERGROUND AIR-RAID SHELTER
IMPERIAL PALACE COMPOUND:
UNDERGROUND AIR-RAID SHELTER
At the underground air-raid shelter beneath the Imperial Palace Library...
IMPERIAL PALACE COMPOUND:
UNDERGROUND AIR-RAID SHELTER
IMPERIAL PALACE COMPOUND:
UNDERGROUND AIR-RAID SHELTER
...a discussion was held by the leaders of the war effort.
...a discussion was held by the leaders of the war effort.
It began as follows...
In light of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima
and the entry of the Soviets into the war...
...it has become impossible
to continue fighting.
I believe that we have no recourse but
to accept the Potsdam Declaration.
However, I would like to
hear from each of you.
With gloomy countenances, the
group sat in silence for a while.
MINISTER OF THE NAVY:
ADMIRAL YONAI
MINISTER OF THE NAVY:
ADMIRAL YONAI
We can't resolve anything by falling silent!
We can't resolve anything by falling silent!
Each of us must express
his opinions.
Each in his own way, they
began stating their views.
But there was much confusion and dissension,
and no consensus could be discerned.
And while the meeting
dragged on...
...a second atomic bomb
fell upon Nagasaki.
NAGASAKI
NAGASAKI
Just like Hiroshima,
NAGASAKI
NAGASAKI
Nagasaki was destroyed in the blink of an eye.
Nagasaki was destroyed in the blink of an eye.
Meanwhile, since the discussion was making
no progress, it was brought to a close.
Another cabinet meeting was convened at
the Prime Minister's official residence...
...in which they debated whether the
war should be continued or ended.
As I argued at the
Council of War...
First, we must demand that the Emperor
and his position be inviolate.
Second, that any occupational forces
that land in Japan are to be...
...those of a minor military power,
be grated limited authority...
...and also be permitted to remain
for only a short duration.
Third...
Japanese military disarmament
is to be undertaken...
...autonomously, by the
Japanese people.
Fourth...
Sanctions to be imposed against war criminals
are to be decided by the Japanese judiciary.
If our enemies do not accept
these four conditions...
...we must inevitably carry
on with the war.
This is the opinion
of the Army.
Regarding the terms related to our
Emperor, I am in agreement.
But as for the other
three conditions...
...the Allied nations will
most likely reject them.
Our circumstances are such that we must resist
the urge to make absolute demands.
If we miss this opportunity...
...we will lose any
chance for peace.
This is why it is necessary to have
a decisive battle on Japanese soil.
We should wait until the tide
of battle turns in our favor...
...and then proceed
to negotiate.
This will put us in a position to demand far
more favorable terms from our enemies.
Minister Anami, you keep repeating
"war for peace, war for peace..."
...and are emphatic about fighting
a decisive battle on home soil...
...but does Japan have the
resources left to do so?
We have already committed all of
our resources to this conflict.
Thus, I want to hear reports
from the other ministers.
Minister of Munitions
Toyoda Teijiro...
...Minister of Agriculture
Ishiguro Tada-atsu...
...and Minister of Transportation
Kohiyama Naotoro...
...took turns expressing
their views...
...regarding whether Japan had the
resources to continue fighting.
Newsflash, this just in.
Newsflash, this just in.
Imperial Army and Navy
headquarters...
... announced at 6 a.m.,
December 8th, 1941...
... that, as of the morning of the
8th, the Imperial Forces...
... have deployed themselves for war in the Western
Pacific Ocean with the U.S. and Great Britain.
For the first seven months
of the war...
...Japan was overwhelmingly dominant.
In the blink of an eye, the Imperial Forces
gained complete ascendancy...
...in the Pacific, the Indian Ocean...
...and projected their immense military
might as far south as Australia.
But in the Pacific Theatre,
a crucial strategic battle...
...was lost at Midway.
From that day forward...
...the power of the Imperial Forces
gradually began to wane.
It became impossible to maintain the
strength of the front-line troops.
Eventually, the island of Okinawa
was lost to the Allies.
B29's flew from bases at Tenian and
Saipan and dropped bombs...
...on 92 cities, starting with Tokyo, reducing
them to smoldering plains of rubble.
Munitions factories were destroyed
one after another.
3,600,000 soldiers had been killed
or wounded in the war.
1,470,000 civilians had suffered
death or injury at home.
The victims of the war, on all
sides, exceeded 10,000,000.
Japan's days as a conquering
nation were numbered.
Plans for the so-called
"Operation Olympic..."
...which called for deploying a million
Allied troops on Japanese soil...
...were well underway.
And furthermore...
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
AND COMMERCE ISHIGURO
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
AND COMMERCE ISHIGURO
This autumn, we expect the worst harvest since 1931.
This autumn, we expect the worst harvest since 1931.
Except for our farmers, most Japanese are
on the brink of death from starvation.
Japan has no strength
to continue the fight!
All of us are well aware of
the current situation!
Nevertheless, we shall
continue to fight!
Such should be our
firm resolve!
The discussion lasted
about 3 hours...
...but they still could
reach no decision.
As a last resort, an Imperial
Council was held...
...in which they asked the Emperor
himself to decide the matter.
In the presence of the Emperor, starting at
11:50 p.m., the Imperial Council was held.
Even here, however, no easy
decision was to be found.
At the end of the meeting, the Emperor
made the following judgment:
"To continue the war
any further...
...would be to send the people
of our nation to their deaths."
"I desire a swift
end to the war."
At 6:00 a.m., August 10th...
AUGUST 10
At 6:00 a.m., August 10th...
...a telegram was transmitted
to the Allies...
...via the neutral countries of
Sweden and Switzerland.
"With the understanding that
the status of the Emperor...
"..will not in any way
be affected...
"..the terms of the Potsdam Declaration are acceptable."
TELEGRAPH BUREAU MANAGER OOE
"..the terms of the Potsdam Declaration are acceptable."
At 9:30 a.m. of the same day,
ARMY MINISTRY:
UNDERGROUND AIR-RAID SHELTER
At 9:30 a.m. of the same day,
ARMY MINISTRY:
UNDERGROUND AIR-RAID SHELTER
ARMY MINISTRY:
UNDERGROUND AIR-RAID SHELTER
Minister of War Anami summoned...
Minister of War Anami summoned...
...all of his officers above
the rank of captain...
...to a meeting in the underground
bomb-shelter.
Whether there is going
to be peace or war...
...depends on the response
of our enemies.
From here on, no matter
what our situation...
...we must not wander from the austere
path of military discipline.
We must steel ourselves against
acting out of self-interest.
One unruly man might bring
down ruin upon our nation.
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
LT. COLONEL SHIIZAKI
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
LT. COLONEL SHIIZAKI
Minister, you once told us,
Minister, you once told us,
"follow my lead, whether it be
in advance or retreat."
But have you even considered
retreating?
If you doubt me, slay
me where I stand!
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SAKOMIZU
INTERPRETER KIHARA
(PART-TIME CABINET AIDE)
INTERPRETER KIHARA
(PART-TIME CABINET AIDE)
It's potassium cyanide.
It's potassium cyanide.
For an emergency,
just in case.
We never know when the military
powers-that-be will do an about-face.
If that ever happens, we
could do this together.
If they decide to continue fighting,
it will be the ruin of everything.
I guess this will be
our only escape.
AUGUST 12
AUGUST 12
At 0:45 a.m., August 12th...
At 0:45 a.m., August 12th...
...the Overseas Broadcast Station intercepted
a transmission from San Francisco.
It concerned the question regarding Japan's
conditional acceptance of the Declaration...
...and contained the response
of the Allies.
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION COMMANDER:
COLONEL ARA-O
There's something fishy about
this response from the Allies.
It states that the Emperor and the
Japanese administration...
...will be "subject to" the Commander
of the Allied forces...
...which clearly implies our subordination.
We cannot accept this!
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
LT. COLONEL TAKESHITA
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
LT. COLONEL TAKESHITA
Minister, you must ensure that this proposal is not accepted!
Minister, you must ensure that this proposal is not accepted!
If that is not possible, we must commit seppuku
in protest. Honorable seppuku!
A meeting was immediately convened
to discuss the Allied response.
Well, as for the phrase
"subject to..."
...according to the interpretation of
the Department of Foreign Affairs...
...it does not refer to subordination,
but rather to delimitation.
That is far too obscure
for us to depend on.
Will the continuity of the Emperor's
sovereignty be assured?
I need this matter to
be reconfirmed.
Because if that is not the case,
we must fight to the last man.
If we try to change the terms, the
entire process will break down.
It also means going against
the will of the Emperor.
Amidst the clash of opinions,
no decision could be agreed upon.
So it was agreed that another Imperial
Council would be held...
...in order that the Emperor might
settle the matter once and for all.
WAITING ROOM
WAITING ROOM
After the meeting,
WAITING ROOM
WAITING ROOM
as Foreign Minister Togo was about to leave the building...
as Foreign Minister Togo was about to leave the building...
...Army and Navy generals
stopped him.
NAVY VICE-CHIEF OF STAFF: ADMIRAL ONISHI
(INVENTOR OF THE KAMIKAZE CONCEPT)
NAVY VICE-CHIEF OF STAFF: ADMIRAL ONISHI
(INVENTOR OF THE KAMIKAZE CONCEPT)
Foreign Minister!
NAVY VICE-CHIEF OF STAFF: ADMIRAL ONISHI
(INVENTOR OF THE KAMIKAZE CONCEPT)
NAVY VICE-CHIEF OF STAFF: ADMIRAL ONISHI
(INVENTOR OF THE KAMIKAZE CONCEPT)
Twenty million more!
If we deployed only another twenty
million kamikaze troops...
...Japan will assuredly...
most assuredly win!
Onishi... this is no longer
about winning or losing.
Our choice now is whether the Japanese
people live, or die; simply that.
No! Another twenty
million more!
If we resolve to launch half the men of our nation
against the enemy as kamikaze, we can win!
Foreign Minister!
Please excuse me.
AUGUST 13
AUGUST 13
On August 13th,
AUGUST 13
a plan was submitted
to the Minister of War.
It advocated isolating the pro-peace movement
that had accepted the Potsdam Declaration...
...and putting Tokyo
under martial law.
Two more days?
Yes.
The Imperial Council is tomorrow...
...but we must delay the
Emperor's decision...
...for two more days.
No, we cannot do that.
I am sorry.
NAVY SURGEON KOBAYASHI
NAVY SURGEON KOBAYASHI
Prime Minister...
NAVY SURGEON KOBAYASHI
...the Minister of War is under pressure
from his subordinates.
Not only that...
...there are some indications that the military
might take matters into their own hands.
Prime Minister, we need to keep
control of the military.
Perhaps we should wait...
Kobayashi, that simply
will not do.
If we miss this chance, the Soviets will overrun
us in Manchuria, Korea, Sakhalin...
...and not only there, but
even in Hokkaido.
No, this war must be ended...
...and must be ended now.
General Anami will
not survive this.
ENTRANCE TO THE UNDERGROUND
AIR RAID SHELTER
AUGUST 14
The second Imperial Council began
The second Imperial Council began
at 10:50 a.m., on August 14th.
Prime Minister Suzuki, relating that the Council
of War could reach no decision...
...after hearing divergent opinions regarding
the acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration...
...reiterated his support for the
Emperor's initial decision.
I speak as the representative
of the Armed Forces.
If we were to accept the Declaration
unconditionally...
...the fate of the Nation would
be at the whim of the enemy.
Therefore, we must make an
additional demand of them.
If they will not agree, then we must
commit ourselves to battle.
Our path should be to
seek life in death.
An eerie hush fell...
Eventually, the Emperor quietly
rose from his seat.
Thus began Japan's longest day.
JAPAN'S LONGEST DAY
I have listened attentively to the main
points of the opposing arguments.
However, my thoughts regarding
the matter have not changed...
...it is just as I had expressed
it the last time.
It is impossible to continue
to prosecute this war.
The officers and soldiers
of the Armed Forces...
...must think that disarmament and the surety
of occupation are unbearable burdens.
I understand how our people yearn for honorable
deaths as martyrs unto our nation.
However...
However, no matter what
happens to me...
...my people... save my people.
I can no longer endure...
...letting them suffer
any longer.
I will do everything that
is within my power.
If it is thought that I should speak
directly to the people...
...then I will stand in front
of the microphone.
Regarding the officers and soldiers
of the Armed Forces...
...if the Minister of War... or the Navy Minister...
have any difficulty with them...
...I will go anywhere I am needed,
in order to appeal to them.
Suzuki.
Have the Cabinet...
...immediately prepare
all the documents...
...required to bring
an end to the war.
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE
I'll draft the end-of-war Rescript.
You can draft the orders
for the Armed Forces.
We have no time to weep.
Get busy, we're out of time.
This is going to be unbelievably tough.
The will of the nation has
been clearly pronounced.
Clearly.
Now prepare this quickly...
no, immediately.
A telegram that we are accepting
the Potsdam Declaration.
When should we send it?
At the same time as we make
the public announcement.
For the U.S. and Chinese telegrams, use
Kase Shunnichi, our Swiss legate.
For the Soviet Union and Great Britain, use
Okamoto Suemasa, our Swedish legate.
The Minister has returned!
What, the Minister?
The Minister is back!
- Your Excellency!
- Minister!
- Minister!
- Minister!
Minister... Please tell us the results
of the Imperial Council.
The Emperor has issued
his decision.
The Declaration will be accepted without
conditions. So spake His Majesty.
We have no path left but to remain
loyal to his Imperial will.
His Majesty has decreed
such, only because...
...of his faith in the loyalty
of the Armed Forces.
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
LT. COLONEL IDA
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
LT. COLONEL IDA
Our plan was to continue the war!
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION:
LT. COLONEL IDA
I demand to know why Your Excellency
has changed his mind!
His Majesty spoke
thus unto me:
"I know well your feelings
of anguish...
Please endure." Thus he said
to me, with flowing tears.
As for me personally, I can
no longer oppose his will.
If any of you don't like it, you'll disobey
him over my dead body!
So what did His Majesty say
was to be the fate of Japan?
He said, "From now on,
I want Japan...
...to be rebuilt as a
peaceful nation."
"However, this is
a daunting task."
"It will also take
a long time."
"However...
"...if all our people unite
in cooperation...
"...I believe that we can assuredly
accomplish it."
"I, too, along with every
one of you...
...will exert myself
to the utmost."
Please, Minister. This is the moment
when you must decisively resign.
Please resign!
Minister, if you were to resign,
the Cabinet would crumble.
They would be unable to take the
steps needed to end the war.
A whole new state of affairs
could develop.
The military would assume
all political authority...
We could continue the war and fight
a decisive battle on home soil!
Minister!
IMPERIAL GUARD HQ
IMPERIAL GUARD COMMANDER'S OFFICE
IMPERIAL GUARD COMMANDER:
LT. GENERAL MORI
So what ails you?
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY
CHIEF OF STAFF FUHA
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY
CHIEF OF STAFF FUHA
Your Excellency,
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY
CHIEF OF STAFF FUHA
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY
CHIEF OF STAFF FUHA
we come from the same background in the cavalry.
we come from the same background in the cavalry.
You were my favorite instructor
at the Army university.
Yeah, I know.
So what, you're like my son, come
to get his dad's opinion?
Come on, just spit it out.
If His Majesty decides that
the war must end...
...I want to know what the Eastern District
Army's Strategy Council should do.
The Eastern District Army's Strategy
Council, eh? Hardly.
Look behind you.
Huh?
Though the Imperial Guard
is a separate entity...
...we're still under the Eastern District
Army's table of organization.
The Strategy Council is the central nervous
system of the Eastern District Army...
...50 how can you
be so spineless?
If it is decided that the war should end, we
will humbly submit to the Imperial will.
- Let there be no deluded actions.
- But...
Young 'uns from the Military Affairs Section
have been coming to me all morning...
...urging that the Imperial
Guard rise up...
...but I've sent them
all packing.
But it appears that the young 'uns are
hot ready to acknowledge reality.
Nonetheless, my resolve
is unshakable.
The Eastern District Army ought
to make up their minds as well.
We must never oppose
His Majesty's will.
That is, only if it's decided that
the war is to be ended.
NAVY 302ND FLIGHT CORPS
ATSUGI AIR BASE
COMMAND CENTER
COMMAND CENTER
Commander,
COMMAND CENTER
COMMAND CENTER
it seems that it has been decided that the war must end.
it seems that it has been decided that the war must end.
BASE COMMANDER: COLONEL KOZONO
BASE COMMANDER: COLONEL KOZONO
What? The war is to be ended?
DEPUTY COMMANDER:
LT. COLONEL SUGAWARA
DEPUTY COMMANDER:
LT. COLONEL SUGAWARA
Yes, we've received an urgent message...
That can't be true.
Anyway, it means nothing.
What?
Those cowardly old statesmen. No matter
what shameful decisions they make...
...none of it matters.
As long as I'm in command, Atsugi
Air Base will fight to the end!
Look! Just look at those finely forged
and well-preserved machines!
ARMY MINISTRY:
MILITARY AFFAIRS SECTION
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY:
MILITARY LIAISON OFFICE
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD LORD KEEPER OF
AGENCY: CHIEF THE PRIVY SEAL:
MINISTER ISHIWATARI MARQUIS KIDO
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD LORD KEEPER OF
AGENCY: CHIEF THE PRIVY SEAL:
MINISTER ISHIWATARI MARQUIS KIDO
The problem here is whether the Army and Navy...
The problem here is whether the Army and Navy...
...are going to accept the
news without reacting.
CHIEF MILITARY AIDE-DE-CAMP:
CHAMBERLAIN HASUNUMA
CHIEF MILITARY AIDE-DE-CAMP:
CHAMBERLAIN HASUNUMA
They've never had to surrender before.
They've never had to surrender before.
They will prefer death to
being taken captive...
...that's the way they've
been indoctrinated.
So they'll want a glorious victory...
a decisive battle on our own soil.
2,300,000 ground troops are
being prepared for it.
7,000 kamikaze planes... and
3,000 Navy kamikazes...
They're not going to
take it lying down.
Chief... His Majesty had stressed
this point as well.
In that case, send messengers to
the Army and Navy Ministers.
Let's see what they've
got to say.
JAPANESE BROADCASTING ASSOCIATION
TECHNICAL BUREAU CHIEF ARAKAWA
DOMESTIC BUREAU CHIEF YABE
DOMESTIC BUREAU CHIEF YABE
What's all this about broadcasting the "Emperor's Voice?"
What's all this about broadcasting the "Emperor's Voice?"
CHAIRMAN OHASHI
CABINET GENERAL AFFAIRS SECTION:
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE
CABINET GENERAL AFFAIRS SECTION:
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE
The war is over?
The war is over?
CABINET GENERAL AFFAIRS
SECTION DIRECTOR SATO
CABINET GENERAL AFFAIRS
SECTION DIRECTOR SATO
Yes. There's going to be an Imperial Rescript ending the war.
CABINET GENERAL AFFAIRS
SECTION DIRECTOR SATO
CABINET GENERAL AFFAIRS
SECTION DIRECTOR SATO
Whether it's going to actually be His Majesty's voice or a recording...
Whether it's going to actually be His Majesty's voice or a recording...
...is currently being decided
at a Cabinet meeting.
When it's decided which it'll be,
we'll let you know.
Please make the necessary preparations.
Hello, Sato speaking.
No, no decision
either way yet...
MINISTER OF JUSTICE MATSUZAKA
MINISTER OF JUSTICE MATSUZAKA
But to ask the Emperor to stand and speak into a microphone is...
But to ask the Emperor to stand and speak into a microphone is...
It is too much to ask.
But what else can we do?
How else can we announce the
end of the war to the people?
MINISTER OF FINANCE HIROSE
MINISTER OF FINANCE HIROSE
But for His Majesty to stand directly in front of a mike is...
But for His Majesty to stand directly in front of a mike is...
...just too much.
IMPERIAL GUARD HQ: STAFF ROOM
How are we to protect the nation if he has
accepted the Potsdam Declaration?
If a disarmament is required,
what good is the military?
STAFF OFFICER KOGA
STAFF OFFICER KOGA
Annihilation or victory,
STAFF OFFICER KOGA
STAFF OFFICER KOGA
this war has never held any other possibilities.
this war has never held any other possibilities.
What do those "elder statesmen"
think they're doing?!
STAFF OFFICER ISHIHARA
STAFF OFFICER ISHIHARA
Everything gets selfishly decided by those defeatist politicians.
Everything gets selfishly decided by those defeatist politicians.
They caught the Emperor
and Empress at...
...a weak moment, and convinced
them to give up.
And all our general officers
just prattle over and over...
..."Imperial Rescripts are absolute,
Imperial Rescripts are absolute."
Have they grown tired of war? Do
they value their lives that much?!
Don't they care that our sweet Japan could
be wiped from the face of the Earth?!
This is no time for talking.
It's pointless.
Now is the time
to take action.
Never mind if we don't succeed; let us show
them, by our deaths, the true Japanese way.
That's all we've got to give.
YOKOHAMA CITY
YOKOHAMA CITY
Tools down! Gather together!
Tools down! Gather together!
Flag Caption: "Onward to Victory,
Student Association!"
Flag Caption: "Onward to Victory,
Student Association!"
Ten-hut!
Flag Caption: "Onward to Victory,
Student Association!"
Flag Caption: "Onward to Victory,
Student Association!"
Stand in attention!
YOKOHAMA GUARDS COMMANDER:
CAPTAIN SASAKI
YOKOHAMA GUARDS COMMANDER:
CAPTAIN SASAKI
Men!
YOKOHAMA GUARDS COMMANDER:
CAPTAIN SASAKI
YOKOHAMA GUARDS COMMANDER:
CAPTAIN SASAKI
That which we have always feared is finally upon us!
That which we have always feared is finally upon us!
THE CAPTAIN'S SUBORDINATES:
YOKOHAMA'S HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS
THE CAPTAIN'S SUBORDINATES:
YOKOHAMA'S HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS
I've now been told that...
THE CAPTAIN'S SUBORDINATES:
YOKOHAMA'S HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS
THE CAPTAIN'S SUBORDINATES:
YOKOHAMA'S HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS
...those spineless cabinet bastards are plotting...
THE CAPTAIN'S SUBORDINATES:
YOKOHAMA'S HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS
THE CAPTAIN'S SUBORDINATES:
YOKOHAMA'S HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS
...to implement a despicably contemptible plan!
...to implement a despicably contemptible plan!
In order that the war may be continued,
we must strike a decisive blow!
And it won't just be you of
the Yokohama Guards...
...who will be heading
off to Tokyo!
We seek the participation
of loyal civilians...
...eager to give their support!
The assembly time will be
announced soon! Dismissed!
Salutations to the Captain!
Ten-hut!
Book Title: "The Priest and His Apprentice,"
by Kurata Hyakuzo
PRIVATE SECRETARY OF THE
INFORMATION BUREAU KAWAMOTO
PRIVATE SECRETARY OF THE
INFORMATION BUREAU KAWAMOTO
Chairman Ohashi of the Broadcasting Network is on the line.
Chairman Ohashi of the Broadcasting Network is on the line.
It's been decided to use
a recording... Correct.
Not a live broadcast,
but a recording.
The recording will be made at the
Imperial Household Agency.
Please have the recording engineers
report there by 3:00 p.m.
Imperial Household Agency,
3:00 p.m. Yes, sir.
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY:
AUDIENCE ROOM
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU DIRECTOR KATO
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU DIRECTOR KATO
It's roomy enough; this would be the best place.
It's roomy enough; this would be the best place.
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU
SECTION CHIEF KEN
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU
SECTION CHIEF KEN
Yes... As for the preparations,
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU
SECTION CHIEF KEN
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU
SECTION CHIEF KEN
shall we begin after the engineers arrive?
shall we begin after the engineers arrive?
I will now announce
the words of...
...Household Minister Kido and Military
Aide-de-Camp Hasunuma...
...who have been entrusted
with His Majesty's will.
In order to facilitate calm...
...His Majesty desires to personally
visit the Army and Navy Ministries.
Please make the necessary preparations.
No, we should not trouble
His Majesty any further.
I will take responsibility for
keeping the Navy in order.
And I shall do the same
for the Army.
Please inform His Majesty
accordingly.
ARMY MINISTRY: WAR MINISTER'S RECEPTION ROOM
DEPUTY MINISTER OF WAR WAKAMATSU
In order that the news of the ending
of the war shall cause no disorder...
...we ask that the elders of the
Army address the troops.
1ST GENERAL ARMY COMMANDER:
FIELD MARSHAL SUGIYAMA
1ST GENERAL ARMY COMMANDER:
FIELD MARSHAL SUGIYAMA
Who proposed this?
Who proposed this?
On instructions from Deputy
Chief of Staff Kawabe...
...and the Minister of War, currently
in a cabinet conference...
...I drafted this statement.
2ND GENERAL ARMY COMMANDER:
FIELD MARSHAL HATA
2ND GENERAL ARMY COMMANDER:
FIELD MARSHAL HATA
Then the Minister of War will be returning here, will he not?
Then the Minister of War will be returning here, will he not?
Yes. He is at a Cabinet meeting,
but he should be here shortly.
FORCE DEPLOYMENT PLAN
Firstly, we require the Minister
of War's consent for our plan.
Do you think you can
convince him?
No. At this stage, it
would be difficult.
But if the plan goes smoothly, the Minister
of War will be forced to support us.
Next, if we want to mobilize
the Eastern District Army...
No...
I'll go straight to Army Commander
Tanaka to convince him.
Eventually we must storm
the palace and take over.
We'll cut off all outside
communication.
The first step is to win
over and mobilize...
...the Imperial Guard.
Make the necessary arrangements.
Regarding the recording...
Yes?
Is it possible for His Majesty to listen
to it immediately after it is made?
Well...
...we didn't bring a playback system
with us. Do we need one?
At this point,
I cannot say.
But His Majesty may
so desire...
Yes, sir. Nagatomo, we need a playback
system set up right up away.
TECHNICIAN NAGATOMO
TECHNICIAN NAGATOMO
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
This will set the course for the Army.
Which means that...
...anyone who opposes these orders
would be guilty of treason...
...and dealt with
as a traitor.
ARMY MINISTRY: HALLWAY
ARMY MINISTRY: HALLWAY
All division members,
ARMY MINISTRY: HALLWAY
ARMY MINISTRY: HALLWAY
assemble immediately in conference room one.
assemble immediately in conference room one.
At 15:15, the Minister will
make an address.
Repeat...
ARMY MINISTRY: REAR COURTYARD
ARMY MINISTRY: REAR COURTYARD
All division members,
ARMY MINISTRY: REAR COURTYARD
ARMY MINISTRY: REAR COURTYARD
assemble immediately in conference room one.
assemble immediately in conference room one.
At 15:15, the Minister will
make an address.
What's the point of hearing the
Minister's address now?
All is lost.
Let it all burn.
All of it.
And when this is done, we
Army officers, all of us...
... Will gloriously commit
seppuku together.
The Great East Asian War has
come to a meaningless end.
But this one thing shall be
carved into eternity...
... that every officer of the Army Ministry
and Staff Office committed seppuku.
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY HQ
Army Ministry, Major Hatanaka!
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY COMMANDER:
ADMIRAL TANAKA
Your Excellency, please, you
should not meet him.
Your Excellency!
No. I want to see him,
and have a few words.
Enter.
Army Ministry, Military Affairs Section,
Major Hatanaka entering!
What business do you
have with me?
I know what you're all up to!
No need to say it!
Now get out!
What's taking Hatanaka so long?
We're at a crossroads now;
things could go either way.
Will Hatanaka be able to sway
the Eastern District Army?
No...
At this point, it may
not be possible.
They might not be able to act now, but
eventually they won't have any choice.
I know that!
But... but!
3:50, going on 4:00...
Palace security is
changing shifts.
Regiment One takes over, then Regiment
Two, under Colonel Haga, raises the flag.
Right now they should be marching
through the northwest gate.
IMPERIAL PALACE: NORTHWEST GATE
IMPERIAL GUARD 2ND REGIMENT COMMANDER:
COLONEL HAGA
DRAFT OF THE IMPERIAL RESCRIPT ENDING THE WAR
The Cabinet has commenced deliberations
over the draft of the Imperial Rescript.
It's expected they'll take about an hour,
so recording will begin around 6:00.
So it'll be around 6:00?
Yes. As per protocol, after
the draft is completed...
...it must then be presented to His
Majesty by Prime Minister Suzuki...
...whereupon the Imperial signature
and seal will be affixed.
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
UNDERSECRETARY'S OFFICE
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
UNDERSECRETARY'S OFFICE
So it'll be at 6:00?
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
UNDERSECRETARY'S OFFICE
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
UNDERSECRETARY'S OFFICE
We should be done with the formalities by then.
We should be done with the formalities by then.
Nah, we're in a serious crunch here. We still
need to send telegrams to the Allied nations.
ARMY MINISTRY: LECTURE HALL
So Ichigayadai's officers are
all going to commit suicide.
I understand,
that will be glorious.
But that's the very last of the
final measures to be taken.
Because we still have some
duties to undertake first.
Will the war be terminated by an
absolute Imperial Rescript...
...or will we battle
to the last man?
It's either one or the other!
But, Ida. Which of these two choices
will best serve the nation?
No one will know until
everything unfolds.
No one can predict which
will be better or worse.
So we might as well leave
our fate to the heavens...
...and if we are to leave our
fate to the heavens...
...we must do so
as soldiers!
Let them accuse us of insurrection...
No, let them revile us as traitors!
Should we not immediately enter the
palace, dissuade His Majesty...
...and take the honorable path
of resolute resistance?
Of course, we don't know which
decision the heavens will favor.
But it doesn't matter
either way.
That judgment will be
made by history.
Ida. I want to lay everything
on the line, this very night.
I believe that we must act, and
that acting is far more...
...far more righteous than the seppuku
of the officers of Ichigayadai.
We have already contacted the Imperial Guard;
all the arrangements have been made.
By virtue of our actions, the
Eastern District Army...
...and the Armed Forces in their entirety
will assuredly rise in support!
And yet...
I wonder if we can defeat such
a powerful enemy...
And what if...
Lt. Colonel Ida! Sir, you're still
thinking in terms of success or failure!
It's the same way with
the Imperial Rescript!
Will it preserve our nation,
or destroy it?
Who knows the true path? The Prime Minister?
The Navy Minister? The Minister of War?
No one! That's why
we must rise up!
Ida, please approve
of our plans!
Ida, the fact is, the
war continues!
According to a message from
the Eastern District Army...
...a powerful enemy fleet is approaching
the Boso peninsula.
If we lose our will to fight, Japan will
be destroyed in a single blow.
Ida! Now is the time for us to stake our
lives and resolutely rise up for Japan!
Hatanaka.
A pure spirit burns
within you.
And I appreciate and
approve of this.
But we will take no action.
You guys can go
do it yourselves.
Either way, tomorrow, I, you, and the
rest of us are all going to die.
Personally, I can accept a declaration that
"we can no longer effectively wage war."
Militarily speaking, our
nation has crumbled.
We've lost some battles, but the
final verdict is not yet in.
Not yet in?
The Army and Navy have differing perspectives
regarding the matter.
If we have lost, then it was because
of logistical problems.
What?
In the three years since
the start of the war...
...the Army has fought
only on small islands.
We haven't engaged
in a real battle.
Only a decisive battle on home soil
could have rendered a true verdict.
So, Minister of War, are you
saying that the war so far...
...has been nothing but a series
of minor skirmishes?
We sent 205,000 soldiers into battle,
and lost 200,000 of them!
Do you dare dismiss tragic defeats like
Leyte as mere "logistical problems"?!
Minister of War, are you passing the
blame to another department?
Consider our casualties: Of 236,000 men
sent to Burma, 164,000 were lost.
We sent 102,000 brave men to Okinawa,
and 90,000 of them were Killed.
And in Okinawa, it wasn't just soldiers;
92,000 civilians were also slain!
That's the very point
that I am making!
What?
Why have so many of us
swallowed our tears and died?
It is easy to complain about
how things turned out.
But they all did it out
of love for Japan...
...firmly believing
in our victory.
Thus, if we have lost, and we can
no longer effectively wage war...
...then 3,000,000 people have
given their lives for nothing!
As we speak, 7 million men
are still out there fighting.
If they are to be defeated, should not
their defeat be a glorious one?
Is that not our obligation
to them?
I believe that we should not say that "we
can no longer effectively wage war."
We absolutely must revise that and say that
the "fortunes of war have not favored us."
No. That is your position.
I maintain a different opinion.
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY:
GENERAL BUREAU MANAGER'S OFFICE
So it can't be done
at 6:00?
When will it be, then?
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
CABINET GENERAL AFFAIRS SECTION
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:
CABINET GENERAL AFFAIRS SECTION
7:00. I think it can be done by 7:00.
Yes, 7:00 it is. Bye.
Sure, 7:00 my foot. We'll never
get it done by 7:00.
Chief, what's wrong?
It's difficult. It's not just
about ending the war...
...it's about how we're going
to handle the Army.
Chief, I have urgent business and
must return to the Navy Ministry.
I must leave, but you must ensure that it reads
"we can no longer effectively wage war."
Our defeat must be announced to
the people in an honest way.
Do you understand? We are where we are
now; we must not lie to the people!
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY HQ:
REGIONAL COMMAND CENTER
Reports from Patrol Boats 17 and 23:
Reports from Patrol Boats 17 and 23:
The disposition of the enemy forces
approaching Boso are as follows:
One Enterprise-type aircraft carrier,
two Hornet-type aircraft carriers...
... Seven cruisers and nineteen destroyers
headed north in fleet formation.
Repeat...
Deputy Commander, sir.
May I come in?
Yeah.
Commander... According
to a report from Yokochin...
...a final decision has been
reached to end the war.
Well, that's a gift from
heaven, indeed.
Sir?
How rare... my malaria
isn't acting up today.
I'll be speaking tonight to an assembly
of all the division managers.
I'm drafting the address but
am having a hard time of it.
Deputy Commander... Don't worry about
our wishy-washy superiors.
But...
Any news about the enemy fleet
headed for the Boso peninsula?
It's a fleet, with three
aircraft carriers.
Squadron 207 out of Kodama has
been ordered to intercept them.
Three aircraft carriers, eh?
That's no small school of fish.
Well, they're Kodama's problem.
There's a million allied troops out there
trying to invade the homeland...
...seeking to destroy
our Atsugi Air Base.
I'll blow them all out of
the water! The war...
Deputy Commander, the war will
not be over until that's done.
You see, actually,
it's not ready...
It's not done yet? You got to be
kidding. It's way past 6:00.
It's no use talking
to you, Mr. Sato.
Please put the Cabinet General
Affairs Section Chief on.
If we don't know what time the recording's
taking place, what can we...
What? The Navy Minister left?
That's right. Both Navy and War Ministers
had urgent business and had to leave.
So deliberations over the draft of the
Imperial decree are going slowly.
Even now, the Navy Minister...
What... Huh?
An estimated time, hmmm...
Chief! The Navy Minister
has returned.
Chief, regarding the issue
of "annulment..."
...I have come to agree with the Minister
of War; it should read...
...the "state of the war will never turn
in our favor." Let's revise it like that.
But didn't you say...
Chief... Let us revise
it that way.
So the drafting deliberations
have picked up speed?
Well that's good news.
When do you think they'll be done?
Right now it's estimated they'll
finish by 7:00 or 7:30.
We'll talk in more
detail later. Bye.
Who would've thought that Admiral
Yonai would compromise?
That's quite a concession
on his part.
He must've been pressured by the Navy
Ministry when he went there.
Perhaps he now truly understands
General Anami's anguish.
Anyway, it should all
go smoothly now.
Let's not get overly optimistic.
Who knows what'll happen when Anami
gets back from the Army Ministry.
Until the Rescript is finalized,
we can't breathe easy.
An Imperial decree calling for an end to the war
without the Minister of War's signature...
...is just a scrap of paper
that can't be published.
YOKOHAMA GUARDS:
SHINKOYASU DORMITORY
YOKOHAMA GUARDS:
SHINKOYASU DORMITORY
The emergency assembly is scheduled for 12:00.
YOKOHAMA GUARDS:
SHINKOYASU DORMITORY
YOKOHAMA GUARDS:
SHINKOYASU DORMITORY
Before we depart for Tokyo...
Before we depart for Tokyo...
...we shall enlist the aid of the large
garrison at Tsurumi Sojiji...
...and thus reinforced, we
shall take united action.
Our goals are as follows!
Likened to Marshal Pietro Badoglio
of Italy, who schemed...
...unconditional surrender,
the ultimate of fools...
...Cabinet Member Prime
Minister Suzuki and...
...the rest of the "senior statesmen"
shall be attacked!
Deputy Minister, the draft of the Imperial
Rescript has just been completed.
It's done? So there is a Rescript
ending the war?
And? Uh huh...
Uh huh...
Well then.
We shall immediately...
...deliver this to the palace.
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU STAFF MEMBER:
SANO ESAKU
His Majesty will read this
at the recording session.
Please take it to him
immediately.
The recording crew has
been waiting all day.
- Hurry, OK?
- Yes, sir.
CABINET OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR:
SANO KOMONTA
It's an official document that requires
the Imperial autograph and seal...
...also, each minister
will receive a copy.
Make sure you make no errors.
Speed is of the essence.
We're running horribly late; I wonder
when they plan to broadcast this...
No, it's too late to broadcast
it tonight.
We haven't even made a public
announcement about it yet.
Too much time was spent
deciding on the wording.
Then how about 7:00
tomorrow morning?
The sooner we broadcast
it, the better.
No. I want you to wait
until the 16th.
This broadcast must be heard
by all of our troops.
The enemy will be demanding that
they lay down their arms...
...so those on the front
lines, in particular...
...will require some time
to become convinced.
We are telegraphing the allied nations
about our surrender, and yet...
...we should wait two more days
before telling our own people?
But if we do it tomorrow morning,
the audience will not be large.
Farm folk rise early; they'll already
be out in the fields.
Maybe it's not the appropriate
time for the broadcast.
Don't be ridiculous!
Don't be ridiculous.
Delaying until the 16th just means there's
more time for things to go horribly wrong.
Well, we could make a preliminary
announcement on tonight's news.
Then we can broadcast
it at noon tomorrow.
I believe that's the best
way to handle it...
- No, that would be...
- Yes, that would be best.
We shall settle on that as
the Cabinet's decision.
But Prime Minister!
The broadcast
will be tomorrow at noon.
The front lines must be
informed by then.
I trust the Minister of War will spare
no effort to ensure that happens.
I will be returning to Hiroshima with
His Excellency Hata tomorrow.
Thanks for your
hard work.
Can you tell me what the true
intent of the Army is?
True intent? There's no
such thing, particularly.
2ND GENERAL ARMY STAFF OFFICER:
LT. COLONEL SHIRAISHI
2ND GENERAL ARMY STAFF OFFICER:
LT. COLONEL SHIRAISHI
But the decision to surrender unconditionally seemed to come so easily...
2ND GENERAL ARMY STAFF OFFICER:
LT. COLONEL SHIRAISHI
2ND GENERAL ARMY STAFF OFFICER:
LT. COLONEL SHIRAISHI
There must be a reason for the Army's quick acceptance of it.
There must be a reason for the Army's quick acceptance of it.
Led by His Excellency, General Anami, the troops
will solemnly withdraw in an orderly manner.
So there is no hidden agenda?
It is as you say.
Understood. As to whether we
continue to fight or not...
...I believe that the best
path has been chosen.
Going back to
your quarters?
No, it's still early.
I'm going to visit Commander Mori at the Imperial
Guards; it's been a while since I last saw him.
We were told that His Majesty
is making a recording today.
At what time would that be?
Such an event might require the Imperial
Guard to be of service...
...hence we need to
know the details.
The recording has already
been made, hasn't it?
The Aide-de-Camp and the rest of us
heard that there's going to be one...
...but we weren't given
any details.
- But...
- Hold on.
I'm sure they really
don't know.
Such were the orders of the Navy Minister
regarding unconditional surrender. But...
...as for the attitude that we here at
Atsugi Air Base ought to take...
...let me be very
clear on this!
No matter what circumstances
may arise...
...I will resolutely
engage in battle.
And I expect my officers
to follow my example.
The Navy Minister's command
was that...
...there is to be absolute compliance
with the Imperial decree.
Are you suggesting that we act
contrary to these orders?
I'll answer that question.
It is impossible for our actions to
be contrary to the Imperial will.
An enemy fleet has arrived
off the Boso peninsula.
Squadron 207 of Kodama
Air Base in Saitama...
...is currently preparing
to attack.
The war is not over!
SQUADRON 207
SAITAMA PREFECTURE: KODAMA AIR BASE
AIR FORCE BRIGADE COMMANDER:
COLONEL YANAKA
AIR FORCE BRIGADE COMMANDER:
COLONEL YANAKA
Our target lies 400 kilometers off the Boso peninsula...
Our target lies 400 kilometers off the Boso peninsula...
...a fleet of about thirty ships, including
three aircraft carriers.
We launch with the aim of attacking
at dawn. Takeoff time...
Midnight!
In honor of this mission, the
loyal people of Kodama...
...have been permitted to give
you a special send-off.
For those who have been living under
the shadows of enemy bombers...
...for the people of the home-front who have
been gnashing their teeth in suffering...
...today is the day we paint the
rising sun on our wings...
...and show these good people our great
formation of thirty-six aircraft.
The war for the homeland has
now begun. The rise or fall...
...of our Empire is balanced on the
wings of you, our sallying heroes!
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY:
GENERAL BUREAU SECTION OFFICE
Hey...
Almost... I'm almost done.
The Emperor has read the Rescript, and
has made revisions in five places.
What?
But...
But it'll take me over an
hour to re-transcribe it.
We can't help it. Just patch paper over
the revised parts and redo them.
We just contacted the Cabinet about
it, and they're in a panic.
Then it can't be helped. I'd usually
never ask this, but...
...could you please have
someone help me?
"...the general trends of the world have
all turned against Japan's interest."
"Furthermore, the enemy has begun to
employ a new and most cruel bomb...
-"...to wreak devastation..."
- Hold it, hold it, hold it...
"...the enemy has begun to employ
a new and most cruel bomb...
-"...to wreak devastation..."
- That's not how it goes, come on!
"...the enemy has begun to employ
a new and most cruel bomb...
"...to slaughter the innocent." Then after
that, it's "and wreak devastation."
Well, we've got no time. Just write
it in small print next to the line.
Yes, sir.
I will now have an audience
with His Majesty...
...and will receive his Imperial autograph
and seal unto this Rescript.
The spirit of the wings of
our fearless cadets...
... is the spirit of victory
I wish I could send my
mother a picture...
... of the splendidly sinking
enemy-ship
The seven buttons worn by our
young-blooded cadets...
... are those of the cherry-blossom
and anchor
As always, today they fly,
they fly over Kasumigaura...
... over which clouds of
great hope emerge
IMPERIAL PALACE:
UNDERGROUND GOVERNMENT OFFICE
IMPERIAL PALACE:
UNDERGROUND GOVERNMENT OFFICE
The arms of our fiery and vibrant cadets...
The arms of our fiery and vibrant cadets...
... are metal triggers,
their hearts are balls of fire
"Hirohito"
Prime Minister...
Word has reached me that there has been some
unrest in the ranks of the Imperial Guard.
Have you heard of this,
Prime Minister?
I... have not, no one
has told me.
But that's silly.
Not the Imperial Guard.
They have pledged themselves
to protect His Majesty.
The Chief of Staff will have to obey
the Imperial Guard Commander...
...50 the problem is the
Commander himself.
But we have a lot of potential comrades
among the commanding officers.
If enough of them join us, eventually the
Commander will have to join as well.
No, it's not going
to be that easy.
Convincing him will be
extremely difficult.
We'll take on the job
of convincing him.
First, we'll hunt down Lt. Colonel
Ida of the Military Affairs Section.
No matter what, if the broadcast
is made, we've lost.
We have to move
tonight.
We have to get it done tonight,
no matter what.
By the way, I was able to contact
Kuroda at the flight school.
He should be showing
up any minute now.
Kuroda is going to take a squadron
and overfly the palace.
They'll give us cover
and encouragement.
And will inspire the Air Force
to rise up in support...
Quiet.
This announcement is for
everyone in the nation.
There is going to be an important broadcast
tomorrow at noon, August 15th.
Everyone in the nation
is to listen to it.
To repeat this message...
To repeat this message...
Fine, so we have until
noon tomorrow.
Fine, so we have until
noon tomorrow.
There is going to be an important broadcast...
Fine, so we have until
noon tomorrow.
There is going to be an important broadcast...
There is going to be an important broadcast...
Let's hurry up and convince Imperial
Guard Commander Mori.
Let's hurry up and convince Imperial
Guard Commander Mori.
... tomorrow at noon, August 15th.
Let's hurry up and convince Imperial
Guard Commander Mori.
... tomorrow at noon, August 15th.
... tomorrow at noon, August 15th.
And as for convincing
the Minister of War...
... tomorrow at noon, August 15th.
... tomorrow at noon, August 15th.
We have a suitable person for the job: Army
Affairs Section, Lt. Colonel Takeshita.
We have a suitable person for the job: Army
Affairs Section, Lt. Colonel Takeshita.
His sister is the Minister of War's wife;
they're brothers-in-law.
"The Imperial decision
has been made."
"All in the military are to
obey the Imperial will."
"Let no shame be cast upon our illustrious
traditions and brilliant deeds of arms...
"...even unto the very
last moment."
"Let not a single soldier commit
a rash or blind act."
"I earnestly desire that we all
demonstrate to all people...
"...the honor and glory of
the Imperial military."
"I humbly swallow
copious tears...
"...and thus instruct you all."
"The attached Imperial Rescript will be
announced tomorrow on the 15th...
"...at the stroke of noon...
"...when His Majesty's radio-broadcast
is scheduled to occur...
"...whereupon our wish is for thorough
empathy with the Imperial will."
This telegraph will be immediately
sent to all Army units.
- Arao.
- Yes?
I want the young military
officers to live.
Excuse me?
I want there to be a path for them... a
way for them to continue to serve...
...say, becoming a police
officer, for example.
Are you going back
to the Cabinet?
I've made my rounds today...
...like a postman, between the Prime Minister's
Residence and the Army Ministry.
It's been a busy day, but I believe I've done
everything there is to be done...
The Imperial decree has
been completed...
...the Emperor's sighed it and stamped the
imperial seal, so we're done, right?
You know, we...
No, you see,
it can't be announced...
...with just His Majesty's
autograph and seal.
The Prime Minister and his colleagues
have to countersign it...
Yes, they're about
to get started.
Just a little more time.
Just a little!
"Suzuki Kantaro"
IMPERIAL PALACE: IMPERIAL GUARD HQ
So this plan,
you say...
...has been authorized by the Minister
of War, the Chief of Staff...
...the Eastern District Army Commander, and
the Imperial Guard Commander, is that right?
That's right.
- Are you sure?
- Captain, sir!
Could we alone have drawn up
such an important plan?
"Anami Korechika"
His Majesty will soon be...
making his recording.
I will now depart for the Imperial
Household Agency.
Convince Imperial Guard
Commander Mori?
Everyone except the Imperial Guard
Commander is with us.
Now is the time for you to become
involved, Lt. Colonel Ida!
Imperial Guard Commander Mori was
our instructor at Army College.
He'd treat us like we were kids;
we can't persuade him.
I wonder if I would
fare any better...
No, ho matter who goes,
he'd probably...
If the Commander opposes
the plan, then what?
If you go to him, Ida, I'm
sure he'd approve of it!
If you decide to do this, and
he doesn't approve...
...then we'll have no choice
but to abandon the plan.
Ida! It's no longer an issue of
whether we'll succeed or fail.
I've already explained
that to you.
Is the Eastern District
Army mobilizing?
I went to persuade their
Commander...
...but so far we don't know
how many will join us.
But if the Imperial Guard revolts and besieges
the palace, the entire Army will follow!
But their Commander is...
That's why, that's why we
want you, Ida, to appeal to him!
If you do this and Imperial Guard
Commander Mori won't budge...
...then we'll manfully
abandon this plan.
Ida! Please!
Help us!
Hatanaka...
...there's almost no chance of
convincing Commander Mori.
But I'll do what I can.
Yes?
Hatanaka.
I was sure that every officer here at Ichigadai
ought to bravely commit suicide.
But that's easier
said than done.
However...
I've been struck by your
singular passion.
I'm going to lay it all
on the line for you.
- Then you will, Ida...
- However, Hatanaka...
If I can't convince the Commander,
you really will abort this plan, right?
Yes, sir!
YOKOHAMA GUARDS:
TSURUMI SOJI TEMPLE
The word "surrender" is not in the
dictionary of the Imperial Army!
We must fight,
down to the last man!
- Therefore, you bastards...
- But sir...
...there's been no orders, no command to
mobilize from Shibuya headquarters.
Don't get wishy-washy on me!
You guys heard the news. There's going to be
an important broadcast at noon tomorrow!
We don't have a moment to lose!
Immediately, let us unite in action!
The countersigning by all
the ministers is complete.
Then, Mr. Sato,
we can begin.
We're going to transmit the telegrams
now. To all the Allied nations.
All right?
Bye now.
-Do we...
- Send them.
Understood.
It's all over now...
11:00...
It's been a long day...
Can't think of a longer one.
The Cabinet ministers, having met
constantly since the 9th...
...were as one overcome by a deep
physical and mental fatigue.
Most of them fell into a state
of near despondency.
All kinds of tangled thoughts came
and went in their torpor.
Some struggled to comprehend the meaning of
the nation's first defeat in its long history...
Some could not stop thinking of the
consequences of not ending the war...
Atomic bombs destroying city
after city, one after another...
One million Allied troops flooding onto
Kyushu's Satsuma Peninsula...
...and Kanto's Kujukuri-hama Bay.
The Soviet Union in Hokkaido... no,
the Soviet Union marching south...
...into the Korean Peninsulas, into northern
Kyushu, even as far as Chugoku.
Japan getting divided into parts... men,
women, even children and the elderly...
...all falling and dying amidst horrid
plumes of gunpowder smoke...
...the isles of Japan becoming isles of death,
mountains built of 80-million corpses...
But physical exhaustion overwhelmed
these vague thoughts.
As these thoughts faded, they
were replaced by one last one:
"I'm tired. It was a long day.
It was a truly long day...
"...but this long day
is finally over."
In this thought they were united,
and they were all wrong.
The long day was far from over;
only half of it had elapsed.
The Commander of the
Guard is with a guest?
What guest?
Lt. Colonel Shiraishi, from
from the 2nd General Army Staff Office.
Colonel Shiraishi... isn't Colonel Shiraishi
the Guard Commander's...
- ...brother-in-law. Yes.
- We don't have time for this!
Ida! While you're here, I'll go to the
Shibui Barracks in Surugadai.
The barracks in Surugadai?
Yes! I'm going to appeal to Lt. Colonel Takeshita
of the Military Affairs Section.
...and ask him to have the Minister
of War take decisive action!
I am much obliged to
you for many things.
No...
I'm just very glad that things
resolved uneventfully.
Excuse me.
All during these meetings
about ending the war...
...I have spoken as a representative
of the Armed Forces...
...and have been quite obstinate
in expressing my opinions.
I now want to humbly express
my apologies.
My honest intent was a simple one, namely, to
protect the nation. I had no other agenda.
Please understand,
and forgive me.
I understand very well.
I want to thank you with all my
heart for your frank opinions.
Whatever was said, it came from your
passionate concern for the nation.
But, General Anami...
The nation of Japan
is at peace.
I do not feel much anxiety
about its future.
I, too, believe the same.
This was sent to me from
the Southern front.
I do not smoke, so I brought them, hoping
that they might give you pleasure.
Anami, my friend, you have an eloquent
way of saying farewell.
How loud should
my voice be?
Your normal tone of
voice would be fine.
We, after greatly considering the general state of the
World, and the specific conditions of our Empire...
...have decided that the settlement of the situation
requires an extraordinary measure...
...which we now announce to
our good and loyal subjects.
Holding our senior cadets
in high esteem...
Every time we hear of their distinguished
deeds, it gives us a thrill
Firmly work up, work up
the spirit of attack
No enemy is a match
for the Yamato spirit
However, the conflict has now
lasted for nearly four years.
The officers of the Army and Navy
have lead a valiant war effort.
They have been diligently supported
by our Servants in the Government.
They have been devotedly served
by Our hundred million Subjects.
Despite the fact that each has
done his very, very best...
...the war situation has developed in a
manner not to the Nation's advantage.
I wish I could send my
mother a picture...
... of the splendidly sinking
enemy-ship
And furthermore, should
we continue to fight...
...not only would our Nation be destroyed
and our Subjects obliterated...
...but eventually, all of human civilization
would vanish from the Earth.
This being the case, how can we preserve
the multitudes of our people...
The final Attack Squadron,
#12, is departing, sir!
Your Excellency.
The second infantry regiment
of the Imperial Guard...
...is already in the palace compound,
with military banners raised.
They are going to revolt at 2:00
and besiege the palace.
We are against the government defeatists
who hope that we can arrange...
...for the Emperor to be retained
as a mere figurehead.
Our Emperor a puppet?!
Our people totally demoralized?!
Our homeland devastated?!
Does this sit well with you?
To put it bluntly, they're letting His Majesty
clean up the mess of the war they lost...
...while they themselves are trying
to shirk responsibility.
That's what the current
Ministers are doing.
You can argue all you want, but now that
the Emperor has made his decision...
...I cannot agree with any action that
opposes the will of His Majesty.
But, Your Excellency!
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY:
CHAMBERLAIN'S OFFICE
It would be unfortunate if the lid came off...
do you have an appropriate container?
I think something
can be found...
We'd really appreciate it if you could
find an appropriate container.
How about something
like this?
Yes, that would do just
fine. Thank you.
The broadcast will be at noon... Where
should this be placed to keep it safe?
SURUGADAI, KANDA (EAST OF IMPERIAL PALACE):
SHIBUI BARRACKS
SURUGADAI, KANDA (EAST OF IMPERIAL PALACE):
SHIBUI BARRACKS
The Commander?
SURUGADAI, KANDA (EAST OF IMPERIAL PALACE):
SHIBUI BARRACKS
SURUGADAI, KANDA (EAST OF IMPERIAL PALACE):
SHIBUI BARRACKS
He's raised a military flag inside of the palace grounds?
He's raised a military flag inside of the palace grounds?
So Colonel Haga has agreed?
Yes. They're going to rise up at 2:00 a.m.
And besiege the palace.
In addition, four other commanders have also
given proactive consent to our plan!
What about Guard
Commander Mori?
No, the Guard Commander
alone has not agreed.
Ida and Shiizaki are even now
trying to convince him...
...and that's just
a matter of time.
Col. Takeshita, we want to ask of you
to persuade Minister of War Anami.
No one else can
do that but you.
But even if I explained everything to him,
at this stage the Minister probably won't...
No, it will work!
As long as you're the one who goes
to him, Col. Takeshita. Please!
There's no time, I have to get
back to the Imperial Guards.
We've come this far, we'll do it by
brute force alone if we have to.
Col. Takeshita.
We're not asking for you to
agree right this minute.
But if everything goes according
to plan, then please, join us!
Hatanaka. I'll go and see the
Minister immediately.
Yes?
I don't know if I'll ask him to take action.
But I'm a little concerned about him.
The broadcasting station
is going to take it?
Yes, since the broadcast will
be made from the station...
...I think that it is the
obvious choice.
But...
...there is much cause
for concern...
...in taking this record with us in the
middle of the night. Besides...
...we heard that there is unrest
among elements of the Army.
If that's the case, it might be best to keep
it here, in the Imperial Household.
But there is no appropriate place
here in which to keep it safe.
Maybe the Chamberlain and his men should
care for it, as they attend upon His Majesty.
CHAMBERLAIN TOKUGAWA
CHAMBERLAIN TOKUGAWA
I see.
CHAMBERLAIN TOKUGAWA
CHAMBERLAIN TOKUGAWA
In that case, I see no problem with taking custody of it.
In that case, I see no problem with taking custody of it.
Your Excellency...
I have said everything
that I wanted to say.
No...
...one last thing.
If there is to be no decisive battle on home
soil... if the war ends so ignominiously...
...wouldn't that be a craven betrayal
of the heroic spirits...
...of the three-million and more who have
given their lives at the front lines?
Even now as we speak, kamikaze
pilots are headed out...
...launching an attack against
an enemy fleet.
Instead of fighting to
the last soldier...
...if we lay down our arms by
command of the Emperor...
It sounds dutiful, but it's just
a shirking of responsibility!
What will the people think
of the military then?
Will they not consider us to be self-
serving, double-dealing cowards?
Your Excellency.
I will say no more.
Now is the time for all military
men to stake their lives...
...and the Imperial Guard ought
to be in the vanguard.
Please...
...if may have Your Excellency's resolution.
I now have a sufficient understanding
of what you're all aiming at.
Frankly speaking,
I'm impressed.
I will now go to the
Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Yes?
As just a simple Japanese man...
...I'm going to bow down in front
of the Meiji Jingu shrine...
...and decide on the
path I am to take.
While I'm at it, I will also hear what
Chief of Staff Mizutani has to say.
Yes sir! Goodbye!
We have with us Captain Kuroda
of the pilot school.
How did it go?
I think he will take action. He's going
to talk to Chief of Staff Mizutani.
Then he will...
I'll give you the details later. Shiizaki's
here, too, go wait in there with them.
Very good, Sir!
Army Lt. Colonel Hatanaka
entering!
Mr. Shiizaki...
What is happening?
His Excellency will be
going to Meiji Jingu.
You're not going to Meiji Jingu,
you're going to the palace!
What?
Who the hell are you?
Captain Kuroda of
the pilot school.
I have come upon hearing the news
of the Imperial Guard's uprising.
What uprising?
Your Excellency! With respect to
rising up, what is your intent?
I have none!
Lt. Colonel Hatanaka, this
is our last chance.
We can't just linger, we're
running out of time.
Your Excellency! We implore you!
Reconsider! Please reconsider!
Importunate puppy!
Your Excellency!
Insolence!
Your Excellency!
You bastards...
Hatanaka! What have you done?!
I couldn't convince the Commander...
no... there was no time...
...I had no time... so
I had to do it...
Ida! Together, quickly...
IMPERIAL GUARD CHIEF OF STAFF MIZUTANI
Ida! Together, quickly...
Ida! Together, quickly...
As fast, fast as possible, at once, we must
go to the Eastern District Army...
Ida, please!
As fast as possible, go and convince the
Eastern District Army to rise... Please!
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY: OFFICE OF
THE PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE EMPRESS
Orders for the Imperial
Guard, August 15, 2:00.
One: The Imperial Guards are to
destroy the plot of the enemy...
...support the Emperor,
and protect the nation.
Two: The commander of the
First Infantry Regiment...
...will take command of the troops stationed
in the 2nd and 3rd parade grounds...
...then proceed to and occupy the main
castle's equestrian grounds.
They are to defend the Emperor's apartments
against outside intrusion.
Also, a company shall occupy
the Tokyo Broadcast Bureau...
...and put a stop to all
broadcasting activity.
Three...
Hurry! Go faster!
Faster!
The Imperial Guard Artillery Commander
is to be on alert.
Eight: The Imperial Guard Commander
of Technical Affairs is to be on alert.
Nine: The Captain of the Imperial Guard
Artillery is to guard the palace.
Ten: The Imperial Guard Communications
Chief shall cut...
...all lines of communications
into and out of the palace...
...except for those going
to Imperial Guard HQ.
Eleven: These orders are issued
from Imperial Guard HQ...
...signed: Imperial Guard Commander,
Mori Takeshi.
We two from the Army Ministry,
by order of Imperial Guard HQ...
...have been seconded as staff
officers to the Imperial Guard.
The command to secure the palace should
be formally delivered in the near future.
Therefore, deploy the
troops immediately!
The Minister of War will be coming
as scheduled, correct?
Yes sir, shortly!
- Very well. Third Captain.
- Yes, sir!
Command!
The regiment shall immediately occupy
the palace, and secure it!
Fall in!
- Load guns!
- Bear swords!
- Take them away!
- Get in position, on the double!
YOKOHAMA GUARDS:
DORMITORY FOR NEW GUARDS
Attention!
Salute the Captain!
Heads right!
Forward!
After the emergency call, when we're
ready, we will depart for Tokyo!
The nation is in grave danger, and yet,
only a few will stand up to save her!
As your Captain, I want to thank
all of you with all my heart...
...that though you are civilians, you have
nonetheless chosen the path of honor!
MINISTER OF WAR'S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE
It is I, Takeshita.
What are you doing here?
Never mind,
come in.
Yes, sir.
"The compassion of His Majesty is profoundly
moving; My heart touched, I am struck dumb.
- 23 Showa, August 14th, Evening,
General Korechika (Anami)"
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY
Find the switchboard! Cut all the phone lines!
Find the switchboard! Cut all the phone lines!
Hurry!
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU
Go!
GENERAL AFFAIRS BUREAU
SWITCHBOARD ROOM
Break it!
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
Cut those phone lines!
Over here, this way!
IMPERIAL PALACE: SAKASHITA GATE
IMPERIAL PALACE: SAKASHITA GATE
Stop!
IMPERIAL PALACE: SAKASHITA GATE
IMPERIAL PALACE: SAKASHITA GATE
Stop!
Who are you?
It's the Information Bureau Director.
Back it up! Back up the car!
Back it up!
What? The Information Bureau
Director is here?
Yes sir, we just took
him prisoner.
He's connected to the recording.
We caught ourselves a fine fish.
Well done! Now don't
let down your guard.
Yes, sir.
I wonder how Ida is doing at the Eastern
District Army. Well, I hope.
Yeah. If they don't mobilize soon,
there's a danger that we'll be exposed.
They'll uncover our forged orders.
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY HQ: STAFF ROOM
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY HQ: STAFF ROOM
An uprising?
An uprising?
The Imperial Guards
have revolted?
That's... that's right.
We got a phone call from the Imperial
Guard Staff Office making that claim.
What do they mean
by "uprising?"
Imperial Guard Commander
Mori has been... killed!
What?!
STAFF OFFICER ITAGAKI
As we have said, the aim of the uprising
of the Imperial Guard...
...is strictly in interests of
protecting the nation.
We will be offering His Majesty a final report
of our views; there is no other agenda.
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY
CHIEF OF STAFF TAKASHIMA
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY
CHIEF OF STAFF TAKASHIMA
What?
EASTERN DISTRICT ARMY
CHIEF OF STAFF TAKASHIMA
Chief of Staff... If the Eastern District
Army will take a stand...
...surely the entire Home Army
will also take action!
If that happens, His Majesty might change
his mind, too... we implore you!
If we don't act immediately,
it will all be for nothing.
If His Majesty's recording is
broadcast, all will be lost!
Now is the time to resolutely rise
in defense of the nation!
Your Excellency!
A ROOM AT IMPERIAL GUARD HQ
A ROOM AT IMPERIAL GUARD HQ
Get in!
Get in!
- Bureau chief!
- Oh!
No talking!
Talking and smoking
are prohibited!
All of you will write down your names,
ranks and honors on this paper.
It's very hot in here; may
we take off our jackets?
No, and that's an order!
I'm going to the palace right away
to suppress this rebellion!
Sir, please wait until we find out more...
until we know what we're up against.
We don't know what the situation is.
All we know is that a group of armed
Imperial Guards have revolted.
We must first investigate
the situation.
Can you contact the palace?
Sir, we're doing everything we can...
...but it seems they've
cut the phone lines.
So the recording was done late
tonight inside the palace?
Yes.
Where is the recording?
We have given it to the Imperial
Household Agency.
The Imperial Household Agency?
To whom at the Imperial
Household Agency?
I don't know his name.
He is a Chamberlain.
A Chamberlain, you say?
We're done. Take them away.
Yes, sir!
The record is within our reach.
All that's left now is...
The uprising of the Eastern District Army, and
having the Minister of War take action.
Has the Minister of War arrived yet?
Lt. Colonel Takeshita has
gone to fetch him.
He will be here shortly.
This is Captain Kuroda
of the pilot school.
I have come to deliver a message
to Lt. Colonel Takeshita.
What?!
They've killed Commander Mori?
Hatanaka.
It's no good.
The Eastern District Army
is frozen in place.
There's no indication
they'll rise.
Give up and withdraw
the troops.
If we continue the siege, it'll
become a national calamity.
Then we'll have to battle the
Eastern District Army.
I have no fear of battle! We have control
of both the palace and the Emperor!
We also have many prisoners, such
as broadcast president Shimomura!
Don't be stupid!
How long will the Imperial Guards stand with
us, how that you've killed their commander?!
Without their solidarity,
how can we stand in battle?
When they find out about the Commander's
death, their morale will plummet!
Don't you understand?
Withdraw the troops
before dawn.
As for what happened tonight...
...we'll take the blame
for it ourselves.
Hatanaka.
Just let it be.
What happened
here tonight...
...the people of the world will probably laugh
at us bitterly, and think of it as...
...a fleeting, final struggle
by the Japanese Army.
A midsummer night's dream.
Now, I'm going to go and report the
situation to the Minister of War.
Okay, Hatanaka?
You must withdraw the
troops before dawn.
A bump in the road; looks like this
might take longer than we thought.
The Eastern District Army is going
to fight us? Don't make me laugh.
We have the Emperor; do you think they'll
attack us with tanks and planes?
"2.26 Incident." an attempted coup d'etat by young
military officers on February 26, 1936.
The men who launched the 2.26 Incident
were reviled as traitors...
"2.26 Incident." an attempted coup d'etat by young
military officers on February 26, 1936.
"2.26 Incident." an attempted coup d'etat by young
military officers on February 26, 1936.
...because they didn't have the
Emperor in their custody.
But...
...our situation is the exact opposite.
Those who attack us will be the rebels.
Besides, our orders
remain in force.
If we can hold out
long enough...
...the entire Army will eventually hear about
it, and they will certainly side with us.
The final victory will be ours,
no matter what happens.
And if anyone gets
in our way...
That's right... That record... If that ever
got broadcast, all would be lost.
We must find that record as soon as possible;
every second, every minute counts!
Guards! Bring those broadcast
people out here!
Hurry up! Quickly!
Hurry!
Hurry!
Hurry it up!
Hurry!
- Hurry!
- Hurry!
- Hurry!
- Hurry!
Go!
All right, charge!
So you are certain that the record was
given to one of the Chamberlains?
That's right.
What was the name of
the Chamberlain?
Tonight was the first time I'd met him.
I didn't get his name.
Then...
...could you identify him
if you saw his face?
Yes. I think so.
- Second Captain!
- Yes, sir!
Take this man to the Imperial Household
Agency and find that record.
It's a precious item, so
exercise extreme care!
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY
Squad... Halt!
Load guns!
Begin the search
for the record!
Where do we go?
Hurry up!
- Stop! Who is it?
- Ignore him! Forward!
Stop! Who goes there?!
I'm an Eastern District Army Staff Officer.
I'm here to meet my Imperial Guard counterparts.
Staff Officer Fuha, Eastern District Army.
Itagaki, of the same.
What kind of stupidity are
you bastards up to?
We've come to find out what's going on.
Officer, name yourself!
We better see how the
Commander is doing.
As for the forged orders, you've got a
lot of detailed explaining to do later.
- Move!
- Move, out of the way!
It's all right, let them see.
Let them see the fate of cowards who refuse
to rise in the face of national danger.
Let these gutless officers of the Eastern
District Army have a good look.
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY
Alright!
Alright!
GENERAL MANAGEMENT DIVISION
All right, that's enough.
Is this the fellow you
gave the record to?
No, he was taller. Oh yes,
he had a big nose, too.
CHAMBERLAIN TODA
CHAMBERLAIN TODA
I must ask you to excuse me;
I must ask you to excuse me;
His Majesty may require me to attend upon him.
What? You haven't
found it yet?
We're searching as
fast as we can...
...but there are so many rooms, the
whole building is like a labyrinth.
Put more men on it.
Order! Add the reserve medium
platoon to the search team.
Make every effort to
find the record.
Get it quickly!
Pass on the order.
Yes, sir.
The Minister of War is late,
what is going on?
We'll make another call to
see if he has left yet.
You boys keep saying
the same thing.
And why haven't you contacted the
Commander of the Guards yet?
Colonel, sir...
the Commander is dead.
What?
Colonel, we would have you
assume his role and take command.
The Commander has died?
The Commander of the Guards is dead...
What the hell's going on around here?!
You're an Imperial Guard Staff Officer,
you must know something!
The Minister of War will
be here shortly.
Until then, Sir, you must assume
command of the Imperial Guard.
We are all familiar with
the details of the plan.
Your Excellency...
Your Excellency...
Ida. You needn't say anything.
I'm aware of some
of the details.
I also know about the killing
of Commander Mori.
You're here to apologize.
As long as the Eastern District Army
doesn't revolt, it'll all be over soon.
KYOHAMA HIGHWAY: GREAT BRIDGE
OVER THE TAMAGAWA RIVER
We're now entering Tokyo!
Our first target:
Prime Minister Suzuki!
They haven't found it yet?
Kill anyone who gets in the way!
Slay them without mercy!
Find that record immediately!
Yes, sir.
We've searched high and low, and
it's nowhere to be found...
Maybe... the record is being
kept close to His Majesty?
I know what you're all up to!
Now... Now I know
what you're up to!
You're rebelling!
That's why Minister Anami and the Commander
of the Eastern District Army haven't arrived.
And maybe, it was you who
murdered our Commander!
You have been
deceiving me!
I will take no further orders from any of
you. Get the hell out of the palace!
If you intend to continue,
then you'll have to kill me!
You'll do this over
my dead body!
We require that you
follow our orders.
What?
You must obey the orders
of your Commander.
Unfortunately, your Commander
is dead...
...but his orders live on.
But... you probably made
up those orders!
The military acts on
orders alone.
Orders from superior officers
cannot be questioned!
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY
IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD AGENCY
Go!
Go!
COURT CEREMONIES AFFAIRS OFFICE
OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS MANAGER'S OFFICE
IN-HOUSE OFFICIALS' ROOM
FAMILY MEMBERS' HOUSING
SEWING ROOM
SEWING ROOM
Tear it apart!
LADY'S ITEMS ROOM
CEREMONIAL ITEMS STORAGE
OFFICE OF PALACE AFFAIRS
FOR EMPEROR AND EMPRESS
We want the record and the Household
Minister. Tell us where they are!
How would I know?
Is he resisting us? Kill him!
Kill me if you must.
But Killing me won't solve anything.
Killing gutless worms like you
will only rust my sword.
Instead, I'll show you the true
meaning of Japanese spirit!
Japanese spirit? You people aren't
the only guardians of Japan!
Only if we are united
can we be strong!
FIRE!
Charge!
Open it!
Open up! Open up! Open up!
The Prime Minister is not here.
He's not in here.
What? Liar!
No.
I agree with you.
How could they unconditionally
surrender?
We must put an end to the
treachery of the ministers!
The Prime Minister is at his home in Maruyama!
That's the place to attack!
Maruyama, is it?
Thank you.
Platoon!
IMPERIAL PALACE: LIBRARY FORECOURT
Platoon!
IMPERIAL PALACE: LIBRARY FORECOURT
IMPERIAL PALACE: LIBRARY FORECOURT
Halt!
Halt!
CHAMBERLAIN IRI-E
We've never had to shut this window,
even for enemy air raids.
Stupid window...
Platoon, attention!
Ah... How is the Emperor?
CHAMBERLAIN MITSUI
Ah... How is the Emperor?
CHAMBERLAIN MITSUI
CHAMBERLAIN MITSUI
He's awake.
He's awake.
We've thoroughly searched
and come up empty...
Maybe the record is at the
broadcast bureau...
But then again...
But then again...
Shiizaki...
The Minister of War will not stir.
The Eastern District Army will not mobilize.
And on top of all that,
we can't find the record.
There's nothing more we
can do... nothing more!
Don't panic!
We can still do this.
Huh?
Go now to the occupied
broadcast bureau.
And just at the break of dawn,
broadcast to all of Japan:
"We must not accept the Declaration.
Japan shall fight a war of total resistance.
"If you hear a broadcast of the Emperor
accepting the Potsdam Declaration...
"...know it to be a trick of cowardly
senior statesmen.
"The genuine will of His Majesty is
that his glorious Army and Navy...
"...should defend the nation
to the last man!"
Your Excellency!
Let me go with you!
You fool! What are you saying?!
The only one who will
die tonight is me.
Don't you know that it takes more
courage to live than to die?
When you're as old as I am,
it isn't that hard to cut your belly.
What is difficult is that task that
awaits all of you young people.
But what good can
we do by living?
Minister... Minister, do you believe
that the nation can be rebuilt?
It must be rebuilt.
All kinds of hardship await
those who will live on.
However...
However, from this day onward...
...Japan's path through history
is going to change.
As to how it will change,
how it must be changed...
...I no longer have any idea,
whatsoever.
But no matter what the
future has in store...
...each and every Japanese must
stand by their station...
...live on, endure, and
work earnestly.
In no other way can the
nation be rebuilt.
And not only that...
Those who live on must
build a Japan...
...that will never have to face
such a miserable day again.
I want you to make every effort
to create that kind of Japan.
Day will be breaking soon.
It's August 15th, 1945.
First platoon, forward march!
IMPERIAL GUARD 1ST INFANTRY REGIMENT
March!
Keep cadence!
Second platoon,
forward march!
IMPERIAL GUARD 1ST INFANTRY REGIMENT
COMMANDER: COLONEL WATANABE
It's His Excellency, Commander
of the Eastern District Army!
Right!
Who's in command here?
This is an Imperial Guard
detachment, sir.
We have been summoned to the
palace by Major Ishihara!
That's a false order!
Huh?
They've killed your Commander
and fabricated false orders!
Where is this Ishihara?
What the hell have you done?!
This is insurrection!
Arrest him!
Yes, sir!
TOKYO BROADCAST BUREAU
STUDIO 1
STUDIO 12
You can't broadcast?
BROADCAST BUREAU STAFF:
TATENO MORIO
BROADCAST BUREAU STAFF:
TATENO MORIO
We're current under security alert.
BROADCAST BUREAU STAFF:
TATENO MORIO
BROADCAST BUREAU STAFF:
TATENO MORIO
We cannot broadcast anything
We cannot broadcast anything
without the Eastern District Army's authorization.
I am now going to announce the genuine
will of the military to all the people!
Get everything ready
immediately!
No, no matter what you say, we cannot broadcast
without proper authorization.
Oh yeah?!
IMPERIAL PALACE: LIBRARY FORECOURT
What a mess. They're supposed
to guard His Majesty...
...and yet look what these Imperial
Guards are doing.
What does the Emperor say?
He said, "I'm going out there. Assemble
the troops in the garden.
"I'm going to speak to the
troops from my heart.
"Also, please ask the Military Liaison
Chamberlain to attend upon me."
But he's at the administration office
barracks, under house arrest.
And it would be like walking
out into a pack of wolves.
Bring the machine guns forward!
Hurry up!
First and third squads,
spread out!
Message! Message!
Stop! Stop!
Who is it?
I'm the Eastern District Army
Commander. Open the gate!
The orders to the Imperial Guard
were fabricated by insurgents...
They are false orders!
From here on, I, Tanaka, will assume
command of the Imperial Guard!
Sir!
Quickly withdraw the troops and
return to your original posts.
When that is done,
immediately report back to me!
Yes? What?! Yes!
It's from the Eastern District Army.
Yes, Major Hatanaka speaking!
"I offer my life in atonement for my supreme
crime."...Anami Korechika, Minister of War.
"Our sacred nation shall never perish."
PRIME MINISTER SUZUKI'S
PRIVATE RESIDENCE
Book Title: "The Priest and His Apprentice,"
by Kurata Hyakuzo
Our target is Prime Minister Suzuki Kantaro!
Nobody else is to be harmed!
What? Not here?
The Prime Minister isn't here?!
Y... yes. We got a call from the official residence
about you, so everyone left.
Where did they go?!
I... I wasn't told.
Burn it! The house of a national traitor
is defiled! Burn it to the ground!
Yes, sir!
Fire!
But I'm begging you!
No, we won't authorize
a broadcast.
I won't say anything about not
accepting the Declaration!
Please, please, let me speak for the young
officers who took a stand this night!
Just let me speak for five minutes,
no, just three minutes only!
Hatanaka, that's enough.
You're obsessed.
"Obsessed?"
Right, we're done here!
Next, we go after the traitor who favors
the U.S. and Great Britain...
...Privy Council President
Hiranuma Ki-ichiro!
Minister! Let me
be your second!
Unnecessary.
Stand back!
- Minister!
- Your Excellency!
Water... let me have
a glass of water!
We humbly and respectfully announce that
an Imperial Decree will soon be broadcast.
We have the honor to announce
that His Majesty, the Emperor...
...has chosen to address the
nation at noon today...
...and we are sincerely grateful for the
honor of broadcasting his words.
Let each and every citizen of the nation
attend to the voice of the Emperor.
Good morning!
CHAMBERLAIN OKABE
Good morning!
CHAMBERLAIN OKABE
Did I miss something?
To protect the nation, we soldiers who
have risen up today, on August 15th...
...are making an announcement to all the
soldiers and people of the nation.
We will protect the Emperor from
the plots of the enemy...
...and keep the nation safe.
We don't care if we win or lose;
we don't do this for ourselves!
We only wish to live in the righteous
state of genuine loyalty!
ENSIGN KORE-AKIRA: 2ND SON
OF MINISTER OF WAR ANAMI
RECORD OF THE EMPEROR'S VOICE (COPY)
RECORD OF THE EMPEROR'S VOICE (ORIGINAL)
PROVISIONAL RESIDENCE OF GENERAL TAKAO,
YOUNGER BROTHER OF THE PRIME MINISTER
Ah...
I'm so glad... so glad
that you're safe.
Mr. Sakomizu, does today's Privy Council
meeting at the palace start at 11:00?
Yes.
After that meeting, I want to
hold a Cabinet meeting...
...and call for the mass resignation
of all Cabinet members.
It's time for us elders
to step down.
From now on, Japan must be lead
by much younger people.
All officers of the military and
people of all stations!
We ask you to take to heart the original
intent of our uprising...
...which was to expose the treachery of the
ministers, to destroy conspiracies...
...and to protect the nation, defending
it to the last man!
To protect the nation, we soldiers who
have risen up today, on August 15th...
...are making an announcement to all the
soldiers and people of the nation.
Hello, Mr. Togo? At 11:00 today there will
be a Privy Council meeting at the palace.
Inasmuch as the end of the war
has been officially decided...
Yes, I heard about it yesterday.
Yes, but afterward, the Cabinet will meet
in order that they might resign.
That's correct, a mass resignation.
Thank you.
The broadcast bureau?
Yes, we can deploy troops right away.
Huh? What?! The record got there?!
Both the original and
copy, you're sure?
I'm going to the Parliamentary
Affairs Room.
Mr. Shimomura, I know you'll be able
to coordinate the resignations.
I must go to the Palace to prepare for
the Privy Council meeting at 11:00.
The Secretary General
is very busy.
These last 24 hours, even two or three
of him would not have been enough.
But why would they have a Privy Council
meeting to decide to end the war again?
After all, the fact of the matter is that
the decision has already been made.
No, not necessarily.
Yes?
It requires all kinds of formalities. It may
be more accurate to call them "ceremonies."
After all, it's the funeral of
the Japanese empire.
We don't care if we win or lose;
we don't do this for ourselves!
We only wish to live in the righteous
state of genuine loyalty!
All officers of the military and
people of all stations!
We ask you to take to heart the original
intent of our uprising...
...which was to expose the treachery of the
ministers, to destroy conspiracies...
...and to protect the nation,
defending it to the last man!
With respect to the conclusion
of the war...
...starting today at noon...
...His Majesty's voice will be...
...broadcast to all the people
over the radio.
BROADCAST BUREAU: STUDIO 8
BROADCAST BUREAU STAFF:
WADA NOBUKATA
What a horrible time for
my malaria to flare up...
...at a time of emergency...
...but...
...Atsugi Air Base will resist...
resist to the very end!
Atsugi Air Base... to the very
end! To the very end!
Everyone is assembled to listen
to the Emperor's broadcast.
Since our kamikaze attack
was unsuccessful...
...and the city of Kumagaya has been
destroyed by B-29 firebombing...
...there are many who think that that's
what the broadcast will be about.
That the Emperor is going to admonish
and encourage us...
...to keep on fighting.
BROADCAST BUREAU: OUTSIDE STUDIO 8
His Excellency, the Commander
of the Eastern District Army...
...will be entering to witness
the broadcast.
His Majesty's broadcast
will finally be made...
Be sure to maintain
your vigilance.
I can't let them broadcast
the end of the war!
I'll kill them all!
Stop!
- Let me go! Let me go!
- Stop!
How could they end the war?!
Who cares about a broadcast?!
How could they end the war?!
If he acts up again,
just cut him down!
No! Let me go!
Let me go!
How could they end the war?!
How could they end the war?!
There will now be an
important broadcast.
We ask for everyone listening
to please stand.
His Majesty, the Emperor,
will now address the nation...
...and pronounce his great Rescript.
And now, with deep respect,
we convey to you the Emperor's voice.
We, reflecting profoundly on
the state of the world...
... and the prevailing condition
of Our Empire...
... have decided that extraordinary measures
are required to effect a settlement...
... and hereby announce
to our loyal citizens...
... that we have ordered our Government
to communicate to the Governments...
... of the United States, Great Britain,
China, and the Soviet Union...
... that our Empire accepts the provisions
of their joint Declaration.
It was a long, long 24 hours.
But finally,
Japan's longest day was over.
August 15th, 1945.
The day that the Pacific War ended.
JAPANESE WHO FOUGHT AS SOLDIERS
IN THE PACIFIC WAR:
10,000,000 (1/4 OF ALL JAPANESE MEN)
MILITARY DEATHS: 2,000,000
MILITARY DEATHS: 2,000,000
The thought of our soldiers,
MILITARY DEATHS: 2,000,000
who have fallen in the fields of battle...
... who have sacrificed themselves
at their posts of duty...
CIVILIAN DEATHS: 1,000,000
CIVILIAN DEATHS: 1,000,000
... and those who have otherwise met death,
and their bereaved families...
TOTAL: 3,000,000
(ONE IN FIVE HOUSEHOLDS HAS LOST A PARENT)
TOTAL: 3,000,000
(ONE IN FIVE HOUSEHOLDS HAS LOST A PARENT)
... is a ceaseless heartache to us.
TOTAL: 3,000,000
(ONE IN FIVE HOUSEHOLDS HAS LOST A PARENT)
TOTAL: 3,000,000
(ONE IN FIVE HOUSEHOLDS HAS LOST A PARENT)
Hereafter,
TOTAL: 3,000,000
(ONE IN FIVE HOUSEHOLDS HAS LOST A PARENT)
NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHOSE HOMES
OR PROPERTY WERE DESTROYED:
NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHOSE HOMES
OR PROPERTY WERE DESTROYED:
our nation will be subjected
NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHOSE HOMES
OR PROPERTY WERE DESTROYED:
NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHOSE HOMES
OR PROPERTY WERE DESTROYED:
to great hardship and suffering.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHOSE HOMES
OR PROPERTY WERE DESTROYED:
15,000,000
15,000,000
We are keenly aware of the
pain each of you feels...
We are keenly aware of the
pain each of you feels...
We must all remember that the peace
we now enjoy was purchased...
...with the blood, sweat, and tears
of countless comrades.
Our only wish is that never again shall such a
day as this dawn upon Japan and its people.
That is our only wish.
Produced by Fujimoto Sanezumi
and Tanaka Tomoyuki
Screenplay by Hashimoto Shinobu
Based on the original work by Oya Soichi,
"Nippon no Ichiban Nagai Hi (Japan's Longest Day)"
Bungei Shunjyu War History Research Society
Bungei Shunjyu Co. Ltd. Version
Directed by Okamoto Kihachi
Cinematography by Murai Hiroshi
Art by Akune Iwao
Sound Recording by Watarai Shin
Lighting by Nishikawa Tsuruzo
Music by Sato Masaru
Sound Arrangement by Shimonaga Sho
Assistant Directors: Yamamoto Michio
and Watanabe Kunihiko
Edited by Kuroiwa Yoshitami
Film Development by Kinuta Laboratory
Production Supervisor: Suzuki Masao
Source Materials:
Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK)
Columbia Records
Mainichi Shimbun Company,
Publishing & Photographs Division
Yomiuri Shimbun Archive Division
Kobunsha edition,
"Taiheiyo Sensoshi" ("History of the Pacific War")
Yamahashi Yosuke, Yanagida Fumio,
Kageyama Mitsuhiro, Ishikawa Mitsuaki
Cast (in Order of Appearance):
Miyaguchi Seiji
Toura Mutsuhiro
Ryu Chishu
Yamamura So
Mifune Toshiro
Kosugi Yoshio
Shimura Takashi
Takahashi Etsushi
Inoue Takao
Nakamaru Tadao
Kurosawa Toshio
Kitchoji Akira
Yamada Haruo
Kagawa Ryosuke
Akashi Ushio
Tamagawa Isao
Nihonyanagi Hiroshi
Takeuchi Touru
Kato Takeshi
Kawabe Kyuzo
Ehara Tatsuyoshi
lida Kakuzo
Kida Shiro
Tanaka Shiyuki
Yamada Keisuke
Mitsui Koji
Tsuchiya Yoshio
Shimada Shogo
Morino Goro
Tsutsumi Yasuhisa
Takada Minoru
Kato Daisuke
Ishida Shigeki
Tazaki Jun
Hirata Akihiko
Sakai Sachio
Nakamura Nobuo
Tatsuoka Shin
Kita Ryuji
Nomura AKiji
Fujiki Yu
Kitamura Kazuo
Murakami Fuyuki
Kitazawa Hyo
Imafuku Masao
Amamoto Hideyo
Koyama Shigeru
Hamamura Jun
Kose Itaru
Sato Makoto
Kubo Akira
Kusakawa Naoya
Akitsuki Masao
Nomura Seiichiro
Kirino Hiro-o
Araki Yasuo
Ishiyama Kenjiro
Taki Keiichi
Fujita Susumu
Tanaka Hiroshi
Sada Yutaka
Ueda Tadayoshi
Katsube Nobuyuki
Ito Yunosuke
Hasegawa Hiroshi
Aono Hirayoshi
Kodama Kiyoshi
Hamada Torahiko
Fukuro Tadashi
Kobayashi Keiju
Nakatani Ichiro
Wakamiya Chuzaburo
Yamamoto Ren
Nakayama Yutaka
Mori Kanta
Ibuki Toru
Kuno Seishiro
Ogawa Yasuzo
Tajima Yoshifumi
Kayama Yuzo
Aratama Michiyo
Miyabe Akio
Sekiguchi Ginzo
Sekida Yu
Igawa Hisashi
Koizumi Hiroshi
Matsumoto Koshiro
Narrator: Nakadai Tatsuya
THE END