How long was Emperor Hirohito’s recorded surrender broadcast when it aired in Japan on August 15, 1945?

Emperor Hirohito’s recorded surrender broadcast lasted 4 minutes and 36 seconds when it aired in Japan on August 15, 1945.

Known in Japanese as the Gyokuon-hoso, the broadcast was a recording of Hirohito reading the Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War. It aired at noon Japan Standard Time through the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, NHK.

The speech was recorded at the Imperial Palace on August 14, rather than delivered live. Hirohito made two recordings because technicians thought the first was too quiet. The second recording became the version broadcast to the public.

The broadcast was difficult for many listeners to understand. Hirohito spoke in formal Classical Japanese, used indirect language, and did not plainly say the word “surrender.” An announcer clarified the meaning afterward. It was also historically significant because it was the first time ordinary Japanese citizens had heard their emperor’s voice.