On what date did the Allies issue the Potsdam Declaration accepted by Japan in 1945?

The Allies issued the Potsdam Declaration accepted by Japan on July 26, 1945.

The declaration was issued by the United States, the United Kingdom, and China during the Potsdam Conference. It demanded Japan’s unconditional surrender and warned of “prompt and utter destruction” if Japan continued the war. The Soviet Union did not initially sign because it was still neutral toward Japan at that moment.

Japan’s government did not immediately accept the declaration. After the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, the Soviet declaration of war, and the bombing of Nagasaki, Japanese leaders reconsidered their position. Emperor Hirohito ultimately supported acceptance, and the government communicated its decision to the Allies in August.

The declaration became the central political basis for the surrender announcement. Hirohito’s radio address said Japan had accepted the terms of the Allied declaration, while the formal Instrument of Surrender later documented that acceptance. The declaration and surrender instrument were therefore related but separate documents.