What document set the Allied terms that Japan accepted before its 1945 surrender?

The Potsdam Declaration set the Allied terms that Japan accepted before its 1945 surrender.

The United States, Britain, and China issued the declaration on July 26, 1945, during the Potsdam Conference. It demanded the unconditional surrender of Japan’s armed forces and warned of “prompt and utter destruction” if Japan refused. The Soviet Union was not yet at war with Japan when the declaration was first issued.

The document outlined Japan’s postwar future, including disarmament, the removal of leaders responsible for militarism, occupation of designated territory, and limits on Japanese sovereignty. It also stated that Japan’s people would not be enslaved or destroyed and that democratic tendencies should be encouraged.

Japan initially did not accept the declaration publicly. After the atomic bombings, the Soviet declaration of war, and intense debate within Japan’s leadership, the government agreed to accept its terms. Japan’s acceptance was announced in August, and the formal surrender document was signed on September 2.