Comment by themaninthedark

2 days ago

The emperor's surrender speech made direct reference to the atomic bombs.

Following the Hiroshima bombing on August 6, and the Soviet declaration of war and Nagasaki bombing on August 9, the Emperor's speech was broadcast at noon Japan Standard Time on August 15, 1945, and referred to the atomic bombs as a reason for the surrender.

"Furthermore, the enemy has begun to employ a new and cruel bomb, causing immense and indiscriminate destruction, the extent of which is beyond all estimation. Should we continue to fight, not only would it result in the ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but it would also lead to the total extinction of human civilization."

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hirohito_surrender_broadcast

And while the Prime minister at the time said that, the military was preparing to fight to the death and took steps to prevent surrender.