What document did Japan accept before its surrender in August 1945?

Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration before its surrender in August 1945.

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 Allied objectives for the country's postwar future. The Soviet Union joined the declaration after declaring war on Japan, although it was not an original signatory.

Its terms called for the elimination of militarism, the disarmament of Japanese forces, occupation of designated points, and the limitation of Japanese sovereignty to the home islands and other islands chosen by the Allies. It also promised that Japan would not be permanently destroyed as a nation if it complied.

The declaration is sometimes confused with the Cairo Declaration of 1943. Cairo had addressed the territorial goals of the Allies, especially the removal of Japanese expansion, while Potsdam presented surrender terms at the war's end. Hirohito's August 15 broadcast announced acceptance of the Potsdam terms.