[henkster]

Konoye’s audience with the Emperor yesterday was revealing. He flat out told His Imperial Majesty the war was lost, the people knew it and were ready to quit, and the longer it went on the more likely they would blame His Imperial Majesty.

I think those sentiments are working in Hirohito’s head, and may be preparing the ground for the decision he will make to end the war. Until now, he’s been pretty well isolated from the feelings of his nation.

[colorado tanker]

The same story struck me too. I was also intrigued by the Emperor's comment that he warned Konoye that the Tripartite Pact could lead to war between Japan and the U.S. and Britain. Was Hirohito a reluctant war Emperor?

I agree the increasing deterioration of life in the Home Islands must be weighing on him until he gets the final shock.