What 1945 Allied declaration did Japan accept when it agreed to surrender in World War II?

Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration when it agreed to surrender in World War II.

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

The statement also outlined broad Allied goals for Japan, including the elimination of militarism, occupation of Japanese territory, and eventual respect for fundamental freedoms. It did not clearly settle the future status of Emperor Hirohito, an issue that mattered greatly to Japanese leaders.

Japan initially responded with silence, a decision often described by the Japanese term mokusatsu. After the atomic bombings and the Soviet entry into the war, Japan’s government accepted the declaration. The surrender announcement and formal signing followed in August and September 1945.