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，齣生於日本東京。

1953年，從東京大學文學係畢業後，進入文藝春鞦齣版社。曆任《周刊文春》、《文藝春鞦》雜誌主編、專務董事、齣版社顧問等職。創作瞭包括《日本最漫長的一天》、《聖斷——昭和天皇與鈴木貫太郎》、《萊特島海戰》、《珍珠港的一天》、《日本憲法２００天》、《荷風的戰後》、《昭和史》（全二捲）在內數十部作品。

1993年，作品《漱石老師》獲第１２屆新田次郎文學奬。

1998年，作品《諾們罕之夏》獲第７屆山本七平奬。