What 1945 Allied declaration did Japan accept before announcing its surrender?

Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration before announcing its surrender in 1945.

The declaration was issued on July 26, 1945, by the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. It demanded Japan’s unconditional surrender and warned of “prompt and utter destruction” if Japan continued the war.

The Soviet Union was not initially a signatory because it was still neutral in the war against Japan when the declaration was issued. After the Soviet declaration of war on August 8, the Soviet Union joined the Allied position.

Hirohito’s radio message did not simply say “Japan surrenders” in modern conversational language. Instead, it announced acceptance of the provisions of the Allied “joint declaration,” meaning the Potsdam Declaration. That indirect wording, combined with formal language, confused some listeners.