What was the name of the failed 1945 coup attempt against Japan’s surrender broadcast?

The failed 1945 coup attempt against Japan’s surrender broadcast was the Kyūjō incident.

Military officers launched the coup on the night of August 14–15, 1945, shortly before Hirohito’s recorded address was scheduled to air. The plotters wanted to prevent the surrender announcement and continue the war, even after the emperor had decided to accept the Allied terms.

Led by Major Kenji Hatanaka, the rebels occupied parts of the Imperial Palace and tried to locate the recording of Hirohito’s speech. Palace officials had hidden the original and a copy, allowing both recordings to survive. The rebels also attempted to control NHK, Japan’s national broadcaster, but failed to stop the transmission.

The coup collapsed during the morning of August 15. Hirohito’s address was broadcast at noon, confirming Japan’s decision to surrender. The incident illustrates how deeply divided Japan’s military leadership remained during the final hours of the war.