Dave: I saw the B-29 version of the coup failure on the History Channel too. It didn’t convince me. But such is the nature of history.

I’ll outline, from memory, what I read long ago. I might even come close:

Hirohito had recorded his surrender message. It had not yet been broadcast. Word reached a few officers who put guards around the Palace. And at the radio station.

It was night.

Officers entered the Palace to seize the recording disc (there was more than one but they didn’t know that.) And they literally couldn’t find it. They were afraid to bother the Emperor himself and the household told them nothing helpful.

While that muddle continued the General in charge of the Military District decided to crush the coup. And did. (I believe he had been asked to participate, temporized for a short time, and then didn’t.)

Where did I read that account? Probably in “The Rising Sun” by John Toland. I was working with some engineers over from Japan in 1983 and asked them a few questions as I went though the book.