What declaration’s terms did Japan accept when it surrendered in World War II?

Japan accepted the terms of the Potsdam Declaration when it surrendered in World War II.

The declaration was issued on July 26, 1945, by the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. It demanded Japan’s unconditional surrender and outlined the Allies’ aims, including the disarmament of Japanese forces and the removal of militarism from Japanese society.

The declaration also promised that Japan would not be enslaved as a nation or destroyed as a people, while requiring the country to give up territories acquired through conquest. The Soviet Union was not an original signatory because it was still neutral toward Japan when the declaration was issued.

Japan’s acceptance was announced in August 1945, with Emperor Hirohito intervening in the deadlocked imperial decision. The formal surrender instrument signed on September 2 explicitly recorded Japan’s acceptance of the Potsdam provisions.