One good book missing from your bib is “Japan’s Longest Day”; lots and lots has been written about the causes of the war but comparatively little has been written about the causes of the peace:
After the Emperor’s recording in fact there were all kinds of hi-jinks that ensued in the effort to prevent the broadcast of that recording:
There was a full-fledged fire-fight on the grounds of the Imperial Palace (where you can go, sort of, on most days) and they tried to kidnap the Emperor “who was being used and tricked and LIED TO…!!”
These guys were nutty radicals but they had pretty clear political goals.
I believe there were two copies of the recording and being anywhere near the records before the broadcast was…..extremely dangerous, physically.
I second that recommendation. IIRC the book was written by a panel of Japanese who actually interviewed everyone who was still alive who knew what happened after Japan rejected the Potsdam demands. It is riveting and authoritative on what it took to get Japan to surrender, especially in the final days.
Japan’s Imperial Conspiracy by David Bergamni spends a good deal of time on the drama you mention. I will get a copy of Japan’s Longest Day though. The boys (34 and 30) are always wondering what to get dad for birthdays and Christmas.