The Fall of Japan

Superbly written history

I have seen a number of movies on the demise of the Japanese Empire and specifically its last days in August of 1945. One that was well received was ‘Japan’s Longest Day’ made in 1967. It was mesmerizing! Eventually, this led to me acquiring William Craig’s book written and published around the same time.

I feared that this would be a victor’s account of the crushed Empire but I was proven wrong. This is an amazing piece of writing that is well balanced and thoroughly accurate in its presentation. Many of the internal military and civil workings of the Japanese Empire, its high level meetings, decision processes and subsequent actions are thoroughly explained. The major players in the drama are introduced in humane terms whether they be Japanese adversaries or Allied commanders. The thoughts and actions of key players such as Prime Mister Suziki, War Minister Anami as well as many low-key subordinates are well observed and recorded. The book goes even further than I presumed by explaining the actual occupation and surrender terms of Japan. It also highlights key individuals who saw and participated in these momentous events.

The actual events leading to Emperor Hirohito’s final radio transmission admitting total capitulation is fascinating. We also glimpse the horrors of Okinawa, bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and their effect on the Emperor and the dovish cabinet wishing to end the war at all cost. But as we learn, the final broadcast itself was almost undone by junior military officers in a last minute coup attempt. There is Hollywood tension in this book.

If you are interested in WWII history as I am, this is must read/listen book. I also recommend ‘Japan 1942: Count Down to Infamy’ by Eri Hotta.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

One of the most chilling descriptions of the bombing of Japan

Though it makes up only about half the book Craig's detailing of first the fire and then atomic bombing of Japan paints a vivid and horrific picture.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The Definitive Story

This is the most comprehensive book I've heard. The narration is great, he emphasizes what needs emphasis and delivers a fluid rendition. It is too bad the author did not write more than the two books I've heard on Audible. He lived early enough in history to interview participants and observers and his writing is artful. I'll listen again to these two books for sure.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great story; rather pro-Japanese slant

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Reads like a gripping novel. Well paced.

What other book might you compare The Fall of Japan to and why?

Anything by Corneluis Ryan.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the American advance team stumble/crashes into Japan.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Even a rising sun must set.

Any additional comments?

I believe this book was written in the 1960s, and reflects some of the biases of the time. It downplays the extent of Japanese atrocities, and almost venerates Hirohito, All in all, a magnificent read though.

4 of 6 people found this review helpful

excellent and detailed

excellent and detailed ... tells the story of the last few days of the Empire

great.. holds your attention

great narration paired with a unique story.. never lags.. will read more books by author

Great Story

Fascinating. I read a lot of WW2 history, but most of this was new to me. I was not that pleased with the reading. He had an irritating habit of raising, rather than lowering, his voice at the end of a sentence. Overall a great experience.

Comprehensive overview of the Japanese end of war

excellent use of Japanese information about the last days of. WWII. Excellent listen, Riveting listen. Great reader

Learned a lot

I consider myself reasonably knowledge about World War II but this book a detailed a lot of stuff that I didn't realize. for example, I generally thought that after the second atomic bomb dropped nearly everybody was in favor of surrendering, which was not the case. I also never really considered how the transition to surrender took place, unlike Germany they didn't go all the way to the capital; there were still Japanese troops, there was still POW camps. How did they get liberated, etc.

Very good and well written

This work is very relevant for today. I gives us insight into the psychology of war and the pitfall of ending conflicts.