What Allied document did Japan accept when it announced its surrender in August 1945?

Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration when it announced its surrender in August 1945.

The declaration was issued on July 26, 1945, by the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. It set out the Allied terms for ending the war with Japan and demanded the unconditional surrender of all Japanese armed forces. It warned that refusal would bring “prompt and utter destruction.”

The document also described postwar goals, including the occupation of selected Japanese territory, disarmament, punishment of war criminals, and the removal of militaristic influence. It stated that Japanese sovereignty would be limited to the home islands and other islands determined by the Allies.

Japan’s government initially responded with the term mokusatsu, whose meaning has been debated because it can suggest either ignoring a statement or withholding comment. After the atomic bombings, the Soviet declaration of war, and intense internal debate, Hirohito supported acceptance. Japan formally accepted the declaration before signing the surrender instrument on September 2.