"Japan's Longest Day" is a graphic novel that provides an in-depth account of Japan's surrender in World War II. The story begins in 1853 with the reopening of Japan's ports by U.S. commodore Matthew Perry, which sparks a power struggle between the government, military, and imperial court. The first half of the novel covers the decades leading up to the war, while the second half focuses on the two days from Emperor Hirohito's surrender to the broadcast of his speech announcing the end of the war. The novel explores intrigue, rebellion, and loyalty as factions of the military plot coups, battles break out, and imperial loyalists risk their lives to preserve the recording of the emperor's surrender. The artwork features meticulously rendered battle scenes and classic samurai manga style. Although the early chapters are dry, the novel builds tension and offers a solidly crafted dramatic history. [Extracted from the article]