Arthur john tolan follows one person who lived through this. A father bundles his four children and his wife up in something that he hopes will protect them from the fire. The centre of tokio, he writes, was incandescent as the sun billowing. Thousands crouched terrified in their wooden shelters where they would be roasted alive. Bodies were crumpled so closely together that they must have been touching when they died.
When do spirit, tenacity, resilience and bravery cross into madness? When cities are incinerated? When suicide attacks become the norm? When atomic weapons are used? Japan's leaders test the limits of national endurance in the war's last year.