Emperor Hirohito’s recorded surrender announcement began broadcasting in Japan at noon on August 15, 1945. The address announced acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration and the decision to end the war.
The broadcast was known as the Gyokuon-hōsō, or “Jewel Voice Broadcast.” It was the first time many Japanese civilians had heard the Emperor’s voice, and the formal, classical language made the recording difficult for many listeners to understand.
Hirohito did not use the simple phrase “Japan surrenders.” Instead, he described the acceptance of the Allied terms and referred to the devastating power of a new type of bomb. His announcement followed days of debate among Japan’s leaders and an attempted military coup.
The noon broadcast is distinct from the formal signing on September 2. The first communicated the decision to the public; the second created the official written surrender.