What was the 1945 radio address announcing Japan’s surrender commonly called?

The 1945 radio address announcing Japan’s surrender was commonly called Gyokuon-hōsō.

The Japanese term refers to the emperor’s broadcast voice and is often translated as “Jewel Voice Broadcast.” It describes the recorded imperial rescript delivered to the Japanese public on 15 August 1945.

Hirohito recorded the message at the Imperial Palace during the night of 14–15 August. Technicians made more than one recording, and the selected version was later transported to the broadcasting station. The address was replayed at noon rather than transmitted live.

The broadcast announced acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration but used highly formal language and indirect wording. That style, combined with poor radio sound quality, meant that many listeners did not immediately grasp that Japan had surrendered. The later written surrender was signed aboard USS Missouri on 2 September.