Which document did Japan accept when Hirohito announced the country’s surrender in August 1945?

Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration when Hirohito announced the country’s surrender in August 1945. The declaration set out Allied terms for ending the war against Japan.

It was issued on July 26, 1945, by the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. The Soviet Union joined the war against Japan later, on August 8, and subsequently became one of the Allied powers involved in the surrender process.

The declaration demanded Japan’s unconditional surrender and warned of “prompt and utter destruction” if Japanese leaders rejected the terms. It also called for the elimination of militarism, occupation of Japanese territory, and eventual establishment of a peaceful government respecting basic freedoms.

Japan initially rejected or failed to accept the declaration publicly. After the atomic bombings and Soviet entry into the war, the Japanese government agreed to accept it, with a condition concerning the status of the emperor. The Allies interpreted the terms as allowing Hirohito to remain only under the authority of the occupation leadership.