History Matters

Why did the 1945 Japanese Army coup against the Emperor fail? (2025x29)

Air date: Nov 13, 2025

In 1945, just as the Japanese Government confirmed its intent to surrender, some Officers in the army launched a coup against Emperor Hirohito and those who served under him. This was supposed to overthrow the peace faction and keep Japan fighting against the allies to the bitter end and avoid the disgrace of surrender. But despite the Japanese army's hatred of capitulation, why didn't it try to keep fighting and why did the coup against the Emperor fail so spectacularly. To find out watch this short and simple animated history documentary.