Emperor Hirohito broadcast Japan’s acceptance of the Allied surrender terms to the Japanese people on August 15, 1945.
The recording, known as the Gyokuon-hōsō, was made the previous day and transmitted shortly after noon Japan Standard Time. It was the first time most Japanese people had heard the emperor’s voice, making the announcement historically distinctive as well as politically decisive.
Hirohito referred indirectly to the situation by announcing Japan’s acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration. His formal style and unfamiliar recording quality made the message difficult for many listeners to understand immediately.
This broadcast announced Japan’s decision, but it was not the final signing ceremony. That ceremony took place on September 2 aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The difference explains why August 15 is often called V-J Day in Japan while August 14 was used for the American announcement.