On what date was the Potsdam Declaration issued to Japan?

The Potsdam Declaration was issued to Japan on July 26, 1945. It called for the unconditional surrender of Japan’s armed forces and outlined the Allied framework for ending the war.

The statement was issued during the Potsdam Conference by the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. The Soviet Union did not sign it at that time because it was still formally neutral in the war against Japan. The declaration warned Japan of “prompt and utter destruction” if it rejected the demand.

Japan did not immediately accept the declaration. After the atomic bombings, the Soviet declaration of war, and internal political debate, Emperor Hirohito announced acceptance on August 15. The declaration therefore preceded both the public surrender announcement and the formal signing by several weeks.