On what date did Japan announce its surrender to the Japanese people in 1945?

Japan announced its surrender to the Japanese people on August 15, 1945. Emperor Hirohito’s radio address was broadcast shortly after noon in Japan, making it the first time many ordinary Japanese had heard the emperor’s voice.

The announcement followed Japan’s acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration, which demanded the surrender of Japanese armed forces. The broadcast came after intense debate within the Japanese government and a failed coup attempt by officers who wanted to prevent surrender.

August 15 is commonly associated with V-J Day in Japan and several Allied countries. In the United States, the announcement was heard on August 14 because of the international date line, while the formal surrender ceremony occurred later, on September 2, aboard USS Missouri.