What declaration did Japan accept when Emperor Hirohito announced the end of the war in August 1945?

Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration when Emperor Hirohito announced the end of the war in August 1945.

The United States, United Kingdom, and China issued the declaration on July 26, 1945, during the Potsdam Conference. It called for Japan’s armed forces to surrender and described broad conditions for the country’s postwar status. The statement warned of “prompt and utter destruction” if Japan refused.

The declaration specified that Japanese sovereignty would be limited mainly to the home islands and certain smaller islands designated by the Allies. It also called for disarmament, the removal of leaders who had pursued conquest, and the punishment of war criminals.

The Soviet Union did not initially sign the declaration because it was still officially neutral in the war against Japan. After the Soviet declaration of war in August, the Soviet government joined the Allied position. Japan’s acceptance eventually led to the formal surrender ceremony on September 2.