How long did Hirohito’s recorded surrender broadcast last on August 15, 1945?

Hirohito’s recorded surrender broadcast lasted 4 minutes and 36 seconds on August 15, 1945.

The short recording contained the emperor’s reading of the Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War. It was broadcast by NHK at noon Japan Standard Time and followed by explanations from announcers so listeners could understand that Japan had accepted the Allied terms.

Hirohito made two recordings on the night of August 14. The first was considered unsatisfactory because he spoke too softly, so technicians made a second version. The second recording became the official version used for the broadcast.

The broadcast’s brief duration did not make it easy to understand. The formal language, unfamiliar pronunciation, and weak audio quality meant that many listeners needed the announcer’s clarification. It was nevertheless a landmark moment: most Japanese people heard the emperor’s voice for the first time.