On what date did the Potsdam Declaration call for Japan's surrender in World War II?

The Potsdam Declaration called for Japan's surrender on July 26, 1945.

The United States, the United Kingdom, and China issued the declaration during the Potsdam Conference in Germany. It demanded the surrender of Japanese armed forces and warned of “prompt and utter destruction” if Japan refused. The declaration also outlined postwar conditions, including occupation, disarmament, and limits on Japanese sovereignty.

The Soviet Union did not initially sign the declaration because it was still neutral in the war against Japan. After declaring war on Japan in August, the Soviet government agreed to adhere to the declaration.

Japanese leaders did not immediately accept the terms. The United States then dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima on August 6 and Nagasaki on August 9, while the Soviet Union entered the war against Japan. Japan announced its acceptance in August, and the surrender instrument was signed on September 2.