What was Emperor Hirohito’s 1945 radio surrender address commonly called?

Emperor Hirohito’s 1945 radio surrender address was commonly called Gyokuon-hōsō. The Japanese term is often translated into English as “Jewel Voice Broadcast,” referring respectfully to the emperor’s voice.

The broadcast carried the Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War. It was transmitted by Japan’s national broadcaster at noon on August 15, 1945. Although the speech announced acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration, its highly formal wording did not plainly state in everyday language that Japan had surrendered.

Gyokuon-hōsō is sometimes confused with the Japanese Instrument of Surrender. They were different events: the broadcast was a public announcement made by the emperor, whereas the instrument was a written document signed by Japanese and Allied representatives on September 2. The address was also historically notable because it was the first time most Japanese civilians had heard the emperor’s voice.