Which declaration did Japan accept before signing its World War II surrender?

Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration before signing its World War II surrender. Issued on July 26, 1945, the declaration set out Allied terms and called for the unconditional surrender of Japan’s armed forces.

The United States, the United Kingdom, and China issued the declaration during the Potsdam Conference. It demanded Japan’s disarmament, the removal of leaders associated with militarism, and the occupation of selected Japanese territory. It also promised that Japan would not be destroyed as a nation or enslaved as a people.

The declaration warned of “prompt and utter destruction” if Japan refused. Japan initially responded with mokusatsu, a term that could mean withholding comment, but Allied officials interpreted the response as rejection. After the atomic bombings, the Soviet declaration of war, and internal debate, Japan accepted the terms in August.