Japan’s decision to accept the terms of the Potsdam Declaration was one of the most pivotal events in the country’s modern history. Most students of the decision-making process agree that Foreign Minister Tōgō Shigenori was the principal motive force supporting acceptance of the Allies’ demands throughout the debate over the action. Some recent historiography in Japan has questioned Tōgō’s approach, focusing particularly on his decision to seek the mediation of the Soviet Union and on the question of why he did not bring hostilities to an end sooner. Historical materials that were previously unavailable to scholars shed some light on these questions. In combination with Tōgō’s daily planner (in the author’s possession), his memoirs, and the author’s own recollection of anecdotes his parents told to him, these materials make possible a detailed examination of Tōgō’s thoughts and actions in the days leading to the acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration. This shows that Tōgō, facing stubborn resistance from the military and from public opinion, nevertheless persevered in his quest to bring the war to an end. He also maintained the trust and respect of not only Emperor Hirohito, but also of Army Minister Anami Korechika, his principal antagonist in the debate.

中文翻译：

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东乡外相的苦战与对波茨坦公告的接受

日本决定接受波茨坦公告的条款是该国现代史上最关键的事件之一。大多数研究决策过程的学生都认为，在整个关于行动的辩论中，外相东乡重典是支持接受盟国要求的主要推动力。日本最近的一些史学著作质疑东乡的做法，特别关注他寻求苏联调解的决定，以及他为何不早点结束敌对行动的问题。学者们以前无法获得的历史资料对这些问题提供了一些启示。结合 Tōgō 的日常计划（作者所有）、他的回忆录以及作者自己对父母告诉他的轶事的回忆，通过这些材料，可以详细考察东乡在接受《波茨坦公告》之前的日子里的想法和行动。由此可见，东乡在军民舆论的顽强抵抗下，仍坚持要结束战争。他不仅赢得了裕仁天皇的信任和尊重，还赢得了他在辩论中的主要对手——陆军大臣阿南是近的信任和尊重。