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In this study, two scholars examine historical perceptions of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Structured as a balanced dialogue, the authors analyze how the attacks are remembered by Japanese and others as well as the various debates surrounding the bombings.
List of contents
Foreword, Miyuki Wray
Preface to the Japanese Edition
Translator's Note
Chapter 1: Descent into Inhumanity
Chapter 2: The Unconditional Surrender Formula and Limited Alternatives to Atomic Bombs: Pros and Cons
Chapter 3: The Potsdam Declaration: A Missed Opportunity By Japan To Avoid Atomic Bombings and a Soviet Entry
Chapter 4: That "Final Decisive Battle"
Chapter 5: The Role of Decrypted Messages
Chapter 6: Japan's Decision to Wage a Final Decisive Battle Produced the Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima, the first of the "Triple Shocks"
Chapter 7: Two Shocks in One Day
Chapter 8: Militants' Intransigent Response: Extinction before Surrender
Chapter 9: Contentious Issues Surrounding the Atomic Bombings, the Mistaken "Atomic Diplomacy" Thesis, and its Impact on Japanese Textbooks
Conclusion
Appendix A: Supplemental Commentary-Diplomacy at Start and End of Japan-US War, and Subsequent Problems
Appendix B: Regarding Wray's Examination of the Pearl Harbor Issue
Appendix C: The Historical Significance of President Obama's Visit to Hiroshima
Afterword
About the author
Harry Wray (1931-2017) taught history in Japan for nearly three decades, most recently at Aichi Mizuho College.
Seishiro Sugihara is former professor of history at Josai University.
Summary
In this study, two scholars examine historical perceptions of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Structured as a balanced dialogue, the authors analyze how the attacks are remembered by Japanese and others as well as the various debates surrounding the bombings.
