What attempted coup sought to stop Japan’s surrender in Tokyo in August 1945?

The Kyūjō incident was the attempted coup that sought to stop Japan’s surrender in Tokyo in August 1945.

Army officers led by Major Kenji Hatanaka attempted to seize key locations during the night of 14–15 August 1945. Their aim was to prevent the recording and broadcast of Emperor Hirohito’s surrender message and to keep Japan fighting.

The plotters occupied parts of the Imperial Palace and searched for the recording. They failed to secure sufficient senior military support, and the palace guard did not ultimately join the rebellion. The coup collapsed before the emperor’s announcement was broadcast at noon on 15 August.

The incident is also called the Kyūjō incident because Kyūjō means “Imperial Palace.” It is distinct from the February 26 Incident of 1936, another Japanese military revolt, though both involved army officers challenging the government.