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

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

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

半藤一利，日本“昭和史著作第一人”。

1930年，出生于日本东京。

1953年，从东京大学文学系毕业后，进入文艺春秋出版社。历任《周刊文春》、《文艺春秋》杂志主编、专务董事、出版社顾问等职。创作了包括《日本最漫长的一天》、《圣断——昭和天皇与铃木贯太郎》、《莱特岛海战》、《珍珠港的一天》、《日本宪法２００天》、《荷风的战后》、《昭和史》（全二卷）在内数十部作品。

1993年，作品《漱石老师》获第１２届新田次郎文学奖。

1998年，作品《诺们罕之夏》获第７届山本七平奖。