Which Allied declaration did Japan accept before the formal surrender ceremony in September 1945?

Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration before the formal surrender ceremony in September 1945.

The United States, United Kingdom, 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 that refusal would bring “prompt and utter destruction.” The Soviet Union joined the declaration after declaring war on Japan in August.

The declaration outlined the broad postwar settlement. Japan’s sovereignty would be limited mainly to the home islands and other islands designated by the Allies, while Japanese forces would be disarmed and war criminals prosecuted. It also called for democratic reforms and the removal of militarist influence.

Japan’s government ultimately accepted the declaration in August, though the emperor’s position was a major issue during the negotiations. Hirohito’s radio announcement communicated acceptance to the Japanese public, while the September ceremony converted that decision into a signed instrument.

The Potsdam Declaration is distinct from the Cairo Declaration, issued in 1943, which had already stated Allied aims concerning Japanese-occupied territories.