Japan’s Supreme War Council had six members during the 1945 surrender crisis. It consisted of the prime minister, foreign minister, army minister, navy minister, and the army and navy chiefs of staff.
The council was designed to coordinate the most powerful civilian and military leaders, but its structure often produced deadlock. In August 1945, three members favored accepting the Potsdam Declaration and three wanted to continue fighting under modified conditions. Emperor Hirohito intervened and supported surrender, breaking the tie.
The council’s six-person composition explains why the decision became so polarized. It was not a normal parliamentary vote by the whole Japanese cabinet, although the cabinet later approved the emperor’s decision. Histories sometimes call the body the “Big Six,” a shorthand for its six senior officials.