On what date did Japan publicly announce its decision to accept Allied surrender terms?

Japan publicly announced its decision to accept Allied surrender terms on August 15, 1945.

Emperor Hirohito’s recorded address was broadcast to the Japanese public shortly after noon on August 15. The speech used formal court language, and many listeners heard an emperor’s voice for the first time. Hirohito explained that Japan had accepted the terms of the Potsdam Declaration and urged the nation to endure the difficult future.

The announcement followed Japan’s communication to the Allies on August 10 that it was prepared to accept the declaration provided the emperor’s position was preserved. The Allies responded that the emperor would remain subject to the authority of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers. Japan then sent its final acceptance on August 14.

August 15 is commonly called V-J Day in Japan and several Commonwealth countries, but the formal surrender ceremony occurred on September 2 aboard USS Missouri. This difference explains why some sources give August 15 and others give September 2 when discussing the end of the war.