Which document did Japan accept as the basis for its 1945 surrender?

Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration as the basis for its 1945 surrender.

Issued on July 26, 1945, the declaration called for the unconditional surrender of all Japanese armed forces. It warned that refusal would bring “prompt and utter destruction” and outlined the broad Allied objectives for Japan’s defeat and postwar treatment.

The statement was issued by the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. The Soviet Union did not sign it at Potsdam because it was not yet at war with Japan, although it later joined the declaration after entering the conflict against Japan in August.

The declaration specified that Japan’s sovereignty would be limited mainly to the home islands and other islands designated by the Allies. Emperor Hirohito’s surrender message later announced that Japan had accepted its terms. The Japanese Instrument of Surrender then formalized that acceptance.