The attempted Japanese military coup against surrender in August 1945 was called the Kyujo Incident.
The attempted coup took place during the night of August 14–15, 1945, as senior officers and soldiers tried to prevent Emperor Hirohito’s recorded surrender address from being broadcast. The plotters sought to keep Japan fighting and searched for the recording inside the Imperial Palace.
Major Kenji Hatanaka was one of the central leaders. His group seized the NHK broadcasting station and tried to stop the transmission, but the attempt failed. The emperor’s recording had been hidden and was successfully taken to the station.
The failed coup ended before the broadcast reached the nation at noon on August 15. It is also known as the Imperial Palace Incident, distinguishing it from earlier prewar military revolts in Japan.