The Dark Reason Why the Third Atomic Bomb Was Never Deployed

Boots pounded against the polished floors of Japan's Imperial Palace as the rebels forced their way inside. They tore through the corridors, detaining officials, severing phone lines, and scouring every room. Somewhere in the palace were two vinyl records that held Japan's fate: Emperor Hirohito's recorded surrender message. They had to destroy them.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki lay in ashes. The devastation was complete, unprecedented. Inside the Imperial Palace, these men believed Japan could still fight. But what the rebels didn't know—what almost no one in Japan knew—was that there was already really no other possible outcome. Whether the records were broadcast or destroyed - it didn’t matter. The country would submit one way or another.

“Third Shot” was on its way to Japan.


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